RODE NT3

The Rode NT3 is a condenser instrument mic that’s pretty thin and stylish. It also comes in a nice little pouch so it doesn’t get dinged up. We had this mic over the timbalas in our studio for about a year before we switched our set up . We still have the mic just not the timbalas, we were going to try this on the drums but we just never got around to switching the mics out.


OVERALL OPINION

The Rode NT3 provides ultra low noise, and I say ultra I mean very low noise. If you have it all wired up right and in a good stand with a shock mount system you will have excellent results with the NT3 studio / location mic. I have known a lot of people to use this mic regularly and not a single person has complained about the quality of this mic. From major studio’s to home ones, this mic will serve its purpose plus more!

The Rode NT3 is a little more expensive then some other instrument mics on the market but the quality is a few steps up once you get into this price range for an instrument mic. So you will get what you pay for. I don’t suggest buying this mic used though, because just through word of mouth a few people told me they have bought it used and it didn’t sound as good as it does new. Not too sure if the mic condenser gets messed up over time or after it gets a lot of use to it.

Overall, I love the quality of this mic, it sounds great and will do more than just get the job done. Most mics in this price range cant compete with this one. Its well worth every penny spent. I have heard it in different environments and on different instruments and it does the job great EVERY time. Try it

What type of microphone? (live, recording, mixed...)
This Microphone definitely a recording mic.  If you were to set this up on stage with other instruments, it would most likely feed back very bad and pick up some of everythings sound.  It should only be used in a closed recording session for the best performance.

What technology? (electret, condenser...)
This is a condenser mic.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>



OVERALL OPINION

What thing do you like most/least about it?
What I like most about this mic is its excellent sound quality and "crispness" for such a low price in comparison to other nice mics.  So far I have used it on vocals, drum overheads and a glockenspiel and every recording came out excellent.  I used a very high end Neuman mic in the studio where I recorded most of my current project.  The NT3 didn't perform as well as the Neuman in some cases, but it wasn't off by far.  In all honesty, it stood up pretty well in comparison, especially on vocals, and it costs a fraction of the cost (something like $4000 less). 
The only thing I didn't like about this mic was the case they give you with it, I have it (them actually, I own a pair) in a nice case now.  I'm sure there are other bad things about this mic, but in my case, I am very happy with it.

Did you try many other models before getting this one?
I had a Samson C3 and a studio projects B1 and B3, but those are all beginner/cheap mics.  I don't really recommend those for much.  Even though the NT3 is only a little more money than those, its leaps and bounds better in quality.  Rode has a really good thing going on.
What is your opinion about the value for the price?
The Price is amazing for the quality you get.  As for as I know, you won't be able to get a better mic without at least spending twice the amount.  Some of my other "recording musician" friends have some nicer Shure Condensers and they tell me they usually bend towards the Rodes in there sessions.  All in all, spending around $250 for a condenser and being honestly surprised at the quality is the reality when it comes to the NT3.
Knowing what you know now, would you make the same choice?...
Yes, I would.  I plan on owning a nice collection of mics in the short future, but I am sure these will always serve a purpose in my recordings. 

Precision and quality of the sound?
If I had to quantify it, I would give them an 8 out of 10.  I have used some really!!! nice mics, and of course those mics were outstanding in all areas, so I can't give the NT3 a higher rating than 8.  But the 8 is only because the mics that cost $3000 or more definitely deserve the 9's and 10's.  But in the class of mics $500 or less, I have yet to hear one that really kicks the NT3's arse.

The NT-3 is Rode's &quot;budget&quot; small diaphragm condenser mic. This is definitely one of the nicer mics in this price range. The mic capsule is actually a little bigger than most other small diaphragm condensers, so you'll notice that you tend to get a little more body on your sources than with most other pencil mics, which can tend to sound a little shrill when you compare the recording to how the source sounds to your ears live. One really neat thing about this mic is that it is self-powered. If you are in a situation where you don't have access to phantom power, you won't be out of luck, since this mic can be battery powered as well. The pickup pattern is a standard cardioid, and it is not switchable. You don't get a pad or bass roll-off with this mic, so make sure that you're set up correctly when using it. The sound on this mic is pretty good, although I do sometimes notice a hyping of the mids at around 1k. You don't usually hear that in condenser mics, but I'm certain it's there. Other than that one spot around the mids, the sound of this mic is very balanced and clear. You may just want to dip an EQ cut in that one spot if it pokes out at you.

OVERALL OPINION

I have an NT3, and though I don't often use it due to owning a large number of other small diaphragm mics, this mic definitely has its place in my studio. I really love this mic on hand percussion. For some reason, it really adds something to tambourines, shakers, and other percussion instruments. It seems like a barely have to EQ them to get them to sit right when I use this mic on them. Overall this is a nice small diaphragm condenser, and a fair value. I would recommend it, but no need to go running to the store immediately for this mic.

- What type of microphone? (live, recording, mixed...)
Recording.

- What technology? (electret, condenser...)
Condenser. Requires phantom.

Has an on-off switch but that's it.

OVERALL OPINION

- For how long have you been using it?
A few years.

- What thing do you like most/least about it?
It provides.
Works great on acoustic guitar & vocals, but works on pretty much anything.
The mids are strong on this mic.

- Did you try many other models before getting this one?
Yes, i have an AKG C3000, AKG D5, M-Audio Sputnik and i've tried an MXL 990.
This performed well, 1-Sputnik 2- MXL 3-Rode. But it was close. Depends what you want, really, all 3 mics sound completely different and so do the other 2 in the list.
If the directivity is right for your needs then go for it. I think this is a very good mic!

- What is your opinion about the value for the price?
Was a gift so i really dunno how much it's worth but i think it's quite cheap, really. I would recommend it anytime.

- Knowing what you know now, would you make the same choice?...
Was a gift, so yes, i'd love to be given this again. Has been very useful and never ever let me down.