All user reviews for the RODE NT1

everything has already been said: a static large membrane

OVERALL OPINION

It must be a year since I have been using it. Bought new less than 150 euros, I use it for vocals in the studio and for guitar amplifiers, connected to a tube preamp SPL. The price / quality ratio is excellent. This mic has a lot of momentum, does not blow. on the other hand, there must be impeccable room acoustics, because it will impreigne the microphone, even "glued" to the membrane.
In terms of sound color, it's all subjective, but here I'm not a big fan, at least on my voice: I find the sound too aggressive, too cold for my taste. I finally arrive at more satisfactory results with a good dynamic hypercardioid! With experience, I will not make this choice again: I moved into the AKG Perception series, which I have a small-diaphragm model for drums and gives great results, for one low price.

The Rode NT1 is the original version of the NT1 microphone, which has been replaced by the popular NT1A. I don't believe that there's too much of a difference between the two of them other than I don't believe that this one being many any more. The NT1-A is the 'anniversary' edition, although I don't know what the anniversary is. The anniversary edition is also gold, while this is white. Other than that, I believe that they are the same exact microphones. The NT1 has a sleek design and a cardioid pick up pattern. It's a condenser microphone so it will indeed require phantom power, and will pick up frequencies between 20 Hz and 20 kHz. There isn't a pad or any roll off features to be aware of with the NT1.

OVERALL OPINION

Since there's no real difference between the Rode NT1 and the Rode NT1-A, both are definitely viable options as a condenser microphone for your home studio. The NT1 has a super clean sound and picks up everything in the room, which can be both a good and bad thing depending on how you're using it. I've used the NT1 mostly for recording vocals, and it's attention to detail here really makes it a nice mic to have around. While it can definitely be a bit harsh sounding since it's so brilliant, when used properly I think you can work this to your advantage. I wouldn't say that I'd encourage you to go with the NT1 over the NT1-A, but I'd go with whichever you can get the cheapest. Either way you're going to be getting a great deal as the NT1 is probably the mic out there that gives you the most bang for your buck. At $200 US dollars new, you're going to be hard pressed to find a mic of it's caliber for the same price or cheaper. If you're looking for an all purpose condenser microphone for your home studio and are trying to spend the least amount possible to still get a quality microphone, look no further than the Rode NT1.

This is an large diaphragm condenser microphone. I have owned one for over 10 years. At the time it was relatively inexpensive for a large diaphragm condenser and got good reviews so thats why I bought it. It has no extra features or switches but it does come with an attachment for connecting to a stand. Its quality of build is medium. It is neither cheap nor particularly solidly well built but has held up fine over the years but I treat my equipment well.
I have used mine off and on throughout the years to record vocals, acoustic guitar, drums and electric guitar. I mainly use it now to record my band in my basement along with a Rode NT2 which is similar but better and which I bought at the same time. I use the two mics to get a stereo recording of the band.

OVERALL OPINION

When I first bought this it was a ground breaking product. To my knowledge it was the very first affordable large diaphragm condenser mic on the market. Now I believe there are other makes and models available which I have not tried and cannot compare this to.
What I know about this mic is this:
It is not meant to be used in front of a loud guitar amp. It will distort horribly and could be ruined.
It does a decent job of recording acoustic guitar and vocals and drums and definitely records a much fuller frequency spectrum then a Shure SM58 or 57 and is therefore very useful in a budget home studio.
The NT2 sounds clearer and better.
The NT1 with an NT2 in stereo or maybe another NT1 make excellent room recordings of a band through a digital recording system. Everything is clear, full and present.
The bottom line is that the NT1 is a good mic for the home hobbyist but probably isn't suitable I assume for pros. If you can find one for a good price and have never used a large diaphragm condenser mic its probably a decent choice but it depends on the current competition. Its good for voice and acoustic guitar and will work great in stereo with another similar mic.