All user reviews for the RODE NT1-A

The Rode NT1-A is a large diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone. It runs on phantom power, so make sure your interface or mixer/preamp provides phantom power. When it comes to setting up, it’s a breeze. Just make sure you mute the channel when you plug in so you don’t damage the mic. Mute before disconnecting when you’re done for the same reason.

Rode itself as a brand is highly respected in the music industry for making quality products that don’t break the bank, and the NT1-A (along with the NT1) has a reputation as being one of the quietest microphones in the market.

I picked mine up second hand on Ebay and collected it from the seller, who worked at MTV in London, and had been using it for voice over work. I used it mostly for acoustic guitar and vocal.

The mic came in a sturdy metal case, complete with a shock mount and a dust cover.


OVERALL OPINION

The quality of the mic itself, for the money is excellent. It has a very natural sound, but also a gritty character that I find works with acoustic guitars and vocals.

It’s hard to explain the sound - it’s a sort of brittle tone - and I think with microphones it’s always a very subjective thing that varies from voice to voice and from mic to mic. But for me, I found the microphone was always a pleasure to use.

Being a very quiet microphone, I found the mic useable in bedroom recording situations (obviously I still had to eliminate all background noise as much as possible).

The frequency response is 20-20,000Hz. Output impedance of 100 ohms. Self noise only 5dB

Placing the microphone perhaps 6 inches or so from the sound source creates a nice ambient sound. Up close you get a much stronger sound. I find a combination of up close and ambient can create good results (obviously this requires either 2 mics or 2 takes), but this depends on what you’re doing.

My favorite way of using the microphone (as a singer songwriter) was to place the mic so as to form a triangle between my guitar’s sound hole, my mouth, and the mic. This uses the ‘rules of thirds’ principle of recording - creating a very honest recreation of my performance. The slight grittiness and brittleness of the sound works very well with acoustic music. The problem is that when you come to mixing it’s very hard to tune vocals so for someone like me (who’s not a great singer) I always had to go back to recording the guitar and voice separately. But for getting demos down it was awesome.

All Rode products come with a 10 year warranty so as long as you take care of your microphone you can be assured it will serve you well.

When I purchase the NT1-A I purchased the bundle and not just the microphone alone. It came with a shock mount, a pop filter, a 20 inch XLR cable and an instructional DVD. The DVD turned out to be worthless though because I am not a beginner, but all of the other things that came with this bundle were a huge plus because the price was not much more the microphone by itself was.

OVERALL OPINION

The NT1-A has a wide dynamic range and a cardioids directional pattern. It does require phantom power and at the time I was using an M-Box with phantom power so I didn’t have any issues. It has really low noise and gave me just the type of recordings I was trying to get when using Cubase. I also use Waves plug-ins on my vocals so that just added to the presence of what this microphone could already do for vocals.
I recommend getting a pop filter and shock mount for this microphone (in my case it came with it because I purchased the bundle). You will get a lot of warmth and clear recordings with this microphone but you may have to open up your EQ with the vocal track and boost some of the high end frequencies to get the vocals to cut through the mix properly because the NT1-A tends to be more of a low and mid frequency type of microphone no matter what kind of voice you have. But just boost some of the higher frequencies and it will sound really clean. This microphone is not only affordable but ready to give you some of the best recordings you will ever have from home. It is for not only beginners but for any one who wants to record at home. Rode has been around for a long time and I have been using their microphones since the late 90’s. They have never let me down!

I produce and record alot of local artist and let me say that this mic sounds beautiful and very crisp. I have to do very little when it comes to cleaning up the vocals with this mic. The only problem that I have found with this mic is that if you have a bass type voice it doesn't record that well. That's fixable with the right equipment though. I highly recommend this mic to anybody starting off in recording whether it's home studio products or professional recording!

OVERALL OPINION

The mic is a great value. Other mics that come close to it, like AKG or M-Audio are at least double the price. If you can afford it, this is a great bargain. This is great looking mic, and works great. Like I said above, this takes the home studio one step closer to being a pro-studio. After all, this is a pro mic.

The Rode NT1-A is a cardioid-pattern, large-diaphragm condenser mic. It is probably the quietest mic you can buy for a measly 350 dollars. It boast an impressive signal input noise of just 5 DB, better than many professional quality condenser mics. For those who don't know what that means, it's super quiet. I love this mic, it is my baby. I use it for almost all of my vocals, acoustic guitars, most strings, drum overheads, and even a small chorus. It is not really useful in live sound situations, given the fact that condensers are fragile, and don't hold up as well to being blown into or screamed at. The sound quality is pristine, though the microphone is lacking both a pad and a roll-off switch, however it sounds fine with out. Don't use this if you play death metal or are going to mic a singer who sings REALLY loud as just blowing into most condenser mics is enough to pop the Diaphragm and break them. The output is pretty loud, and it runs on phantom power. This mic is an AWESOME deal, and worth every cent.

OVERALL OPINION

My favorite thing about the NT1-A is how incredibly quiet it is. It's amazing and captures sounds with pristine quality. The diaphragm is really high quality, and all the circuitry is professional. As far as condenser mics go, this one is pretty durable, and useful in lots of different situations. Lacking a roll-off and pad is kind of annoying sometimes, especially when recording say electric guitars. Some male vocals will need some careful eq'ing due to a sharper high end on them, but overall this mic is great! I use this mic all the time, and I've recorded so many songs with it. I have no regrets about buying this mic, and it is a GREAT first condenser mic. Love the design to, very attractive piece of gear.

The RODE NT1A is a condenser microphone that is great for vocals. Especially if you are recording in a untreated room. This mic can really help your sound quality in a “bad” recording environment. I have seen college kids use this to record with in there dorm rooms that have brick walls. It still provides solid quality, some mics with crack under pressure in that environment and create a very boxy sound. The RODE NT1A keeps it pretty clean!


OVERALL OPINION

Overall, I have had several encounters with the RODE NT1A and I must say there really isn’t anything negative to say about it. It does exactly what you would want your condenser mic to do for you. The appearance of it is nice also, very sleek and shiny. Great for travel, take it in carrying case, and pull it out with your laptop of your on the go and record some great work. I wouldn’t use it to get my final master versions of my songs though. I was just use it for my demo version’s then master the track later one with a higher quality mic. Not saying this one wont work, but you def. need better quality for your final master. Rode has made a few mics over the years that sound great, but for quality and price this one is probably the best and most requested from them. I havent heard anyone record with this mic for something other than vocals, but it would be interesting to hear some kicks on it. I may experiment and try it out. Because usually mic similar to this one don’t sound bad with instruments, for situations if your on the go with your horn you can record some stuff on the fly until you get a chance to lay it down right! Keep this mic on your wish list, its affordable and sounds great.

NT1a

OVERALL OPINION

I use this microphone recently and as a quality price ratio is not better!
I love the rendering, sound and very well especially at the restitution of medium quality is really warm.
It is clear that with a bigger budget it is better to buy lev Nt Nt 1000 or 2000 but I saw my amateur use plutt there is really great.
I use it mostly for voice, or that it has no sound.
If I had to make that choice again it would be no problem to begin with because it is a versatile micro trs, considering the price ngocier 329! we must not miss it.

This basic condenser microphone with cardioid, has no filter or attenuator, it offers an extremely simple output circuit which reduces the inherent noise limits the achievable, indeed it is here one of the best in the world as it generates only 5 dBA self noise! he cash 137 dB, which allows a certain flexibility, even if the bass drums and other hardcore singer taking the bass amp on the foot may cause him some small cracks not very pleasant!

OVERALL OPINION

It seems to me fairly homogeneous, with undeniable quality rendition, good dynamic and a bit of defaults is if not its a "small" compared to stars of the genre (Neumann U87, U47 Fet, AKG C414 B-LXII etc.. ..).
The suspension comes with two elastic parts! and a bag of basic
still provide a correction in the high end, because this is too sharp and not so fine and detailed .... hum hum ............
So it all ended up being poor and often blur in the low end ..... and a little nag at the top .....
AH right now it is a bit demotivating !!!!!!!!
but remember the price to 199 euros is well!

This microphone is ideal for singing, but also lends itself very well to the recovery of overhead guitar amps or drums.
This is the condenser, cardioid. Indeed, it does not blow at all. The suspension is provided, average quality but it does its job.

OVERALL OPINION

I have one for 2-3 years, it makes me proud to services regularly. Sometimes I prefer it to a Neumann U87i (which lends me from time to time) for some voice!
It is well to nab the warm voice and clear up a little without equal. Extra: easy placement in a mix.
It captures less wide than the Neumann cardio benefit: less than repisse and parasites in the decision!
It is somewhat less well defined in a U87 mediums.
Still, a sense of respect for the sources and relative neutrality.
The price / quality ratio is excellent: I was able to accurately compare the NT1A and U87 in a position of taking voice: the little doing very well! The differences are subtle: a sound a bit harder for Rode, treble a little less silky ... but ten times cheaper ... This is a good microphone to report quality / price ratio, perfect to start recording in the condenser microphone.

It is a micro home on all sorts of instruments, but has chosen to t the voice in which he is beautiful.
It is a cardioid condensateur.qui needs a phantom power supply (48V or 24V)

OVERALL OPINION

I've had a few days. I chose it for its reputable, reasonably priced and the REFERENCE Rode.

What immediately impresses is the sensitivity of the subject and lack of background noise. You push the gain, but no background noise. Voice (I record mainly) is beautifully made, with that little grain CHARACTERISTICS microphones of this kind.

It should be a filter sr antipop being protected for the capsule pops and post-boys, and it is well insulated from ambient noise because it captures all around. I think it's the CHARACTERISTICS of this type of microphone, but it's really impressive to hear a sound when the microphone is 5m! He's a real, trs enjoyable and cash!

I heard a dj audio technica 4033, and a lot of micro dynamic!

Although sr, it has nothing to do and what micro-level is 4033 and outperforms any Dynamic.

My criticism comes from the brilliance of this micro enough brand and can s'avrer problmatique on certain types of votes (vrifier). However, I find the grave Dfine well, with good DEFINITIONS.

Without a doubt, I do it again this election is a real favorite.

August 2007 EDIT: APRS 2 years of use, I Rode tjrs this but I am considering the more upscale Submitted. My biggest criticism about it is the brilliance of the treble, which goes well with my voice, but becomes trs problmatique with taking instruments. It is mandatory TRIMMING derrire (especially folk guitar playing mdiator, the shine was too much!)

Micro static transistors, we will not rpter btement adj t say that so far.

OVERALL OPINION

APRS have bought faithful work in team with his great ERRF, the NT1.
The diffrence between the NT1 and it does conserne the design that does a little more careful and lgre a correction at the high mdiums we should systmatiquement rework the socket.
That said, with it must be all the same again a small correction, so let's just say we made a step forward compared to the brother.
I am one of people who believe strongly that it is a micro trs Polyval may as well take a voice, a guitar amp, bass or even still be placed overhead.
THE FIRST A costs, we might say that it is a copy of Noman U87 but small budjet but After a few time with the squire, he is s'apperoit beautiful and well a personality is he.
Serves, we can always do better but in any case, in the area of ​​price and quality I find it really excels.
Come on, I put a 9 for that story correct spectrum. Even if a file becomes a habit at the time, a case can be trs candy at times.

Trs regards,

NB