When a microphone has been round for 30 years, it should be doing one thing proper. The Rode NT1 is arguably the corporate’s flagship studio mic and origin story for the model’s identify. The mic was initially known as the Rodent1, shortened to Rode NT1 and the remaining is historical past. Right now, the corporate is unveiling the fifth iteration and it comes with two key updates that ought to interest podcasters and vocalists alike. These could be 32-bit float recording and the addition of USB connectivity.
The inclusion of USB may really feel like one thing that ought to have been there all alongside, however sometimes “professional” studio microphones are XLR solely, with USB being the reserve of desktop microphones. Occasions are altering although and extra people are looking for a basic microphone however with out the necessity to use an audio interface. Now, with the NT1 you’ve got each. The USB connection is tucked away proper on the base of the prevailing XLR port. It is a intelligent resolution, however you will want a USB cable with pretty slim connections else it will not match.
With the brand new USB connectivity comes the choice for tailoring the sound of the mic. Often that half is offloaded to an interface or mixer, however now there’s an onboard DSP that enables you do apply issues like a noise gate or compressor to the mic instantly (through Rode’s Central or Connect apps). To not point out this makes the microphone way more transportable as you will not must deliver a separate, typically clunky interface together with you.
Rode
Simply the most important good thing about the MK5 (and that inbuilt DSP) is the introduction of 32-bit float recording. In a nutshell, 32-bit permits for an exponentially bigger dynamic vary than 16- and 24-bit (which is what most techniques use). This implies you’ll be able to neglect about clipping (when audio is simply too loud and distorts) as there’s sufficient headroom for nearly any sound that will be potential. Or, put one other means, you’ll be able to successfully neglect about setting ranges protected within the information you’ll be able to modify them in submit with none audio loss.
What this implies for podcasters and vocalists is much less time worrying about ranges on the level of recording, figuring out you’ll be able to set issues as you need in submit. After all, good ranges on the level of recording is at all times adviseable if potential, however it no less than means any sudden sounds will not destroy your take. It is also at the moment very uncommon to search out 32-bit float on a microphone like this – sometimes you’d have to purchase a pro-level audio recorder when you needed this function.
At $259 the NT1 sits in an attention-grabbing spot. Shure’s MV7 additionally gives XLR and USB connectivity and retails for $250 with out 32-bit float (it is also a dynamic mic which can be both a profit or a drawback relying in your wants). Sennheiser’s unbelievable MK 4 condensor sometimes runs for round $300 and does not provide USB connectivity. Equally, when you’re utilizing one thing like a Blue Yeti and in search of an improve, the NT1 makes a compelling choice.
The NT1 goes up for pre-order right now.
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