Are you in need of a new microphone for your podcast show?
Whether you’re just getting started in the world of podcasting or you’re simply on the search for a new microphone – making sure that you have a professional sound quality in your podcast’s audio will be vital to its success, as well as to the enjoyment of your listeners.
Even though it might seem tempting to feel the need to invest in the latest and greatest microphone for your podcast, the truth is there are many mid-priced microphones that rival some of the more premium options available out there on the market.
The Rode NT1 Microphone just so happens to be one of them.
But, is the Rode NT1 Microphone worth all of the hype that it gets?
Below, we are going to be taking a deep dive look into this mic, in order to help you make the best choice as to whether it is going to be the right microphone model for you and your podcast show.
So, just keep on reading to learn more about the Rode NT1 Microphone!
Rode NT1 Microphone: Fast Facts
If you don’t have a whole lot of time to spare and simply want a quick breakdown of what you can expect to get from this mic if you do decide to go ahead and make the investment in it – this section is for you.
Keep scrolling down for a quick breakdown of this mic:
Quick Summary
To cut a long story short, if you are already familiar with Rode’s line of microphones, then we’re sure that you might have already noticed the great similarities between this particular model as well as the NT1-A model.
However, despite the fact that these two microphones look very similar in appearance, it is worth noting that the NT1 has been completely revamped almost entirely from scratch, and the only main feature that is shared between these two mics is a mesh grille.
Claimed by Rode to be the world’s quietest 1-inch cardioid condenser mic on the market right now, the NT1 microphone features a brand new HF6 capsule that has been carefully designed to offer a sound similar to that of vintage mics.
It is considered a large diaphragm condenser microphone, while also ensuring that the low noise floor has not been compromised (also see, ‘Best Condenser Mic‘).
It is also worth noting that the transducer in this new model has been suspended using a Ryctore Lyre System, which also has the ability to minimize external noise and vibrations (also see, ‘How To Soundproof A Room For Podcasting‘).
Thanks to this, it means that this microphone is absolutely ideal for those wanting to record vocals including podcasters!
Pros And Cons
Pros
- Extremely low self noise for professional sound quality, time and time again
- Strong, sturdy and durable design
- Excellent value for money
- Perfect for podcasters
- Integrated shock mount
- Included pop filter to reduce background noise (also see, ‘Microphone Pop Filter‘)
Cons
- It does not come with a pad or mic stand, which makes the ability to record loud sources at close proximity relatively difficult
- Needs phantom power to operate (also see, ‘RE20 Mic Phantom Power‘)
Rode NT1 Microphone Main Features
To help ensure that you will be able to make the most well-informed choice about whether or not this microphone is going to be the right choice for you – we are now going to be providing you with a breakdown of some of the main features that this microphone will offer you.
1. Sleek And Stylish Design
If you’re already familiar with this particular model of mic, then we’re sure that you’ll agree with us when we say that this microphone is sleek and stylish (also see, ‘Mic Aesthetic‘).
The design of the NT1 microphone is refined and elegant, and comes complete with a colorway of a dark shade of gray hues.
To ensure durability, this mic features a body of aluminum with a nickel-plated coat in order to resist corrosion.
Plus, thanks to an additional ceramic layer, this microphone is also able to resist scratches and marks, too.
2. Internal Capsule Shock Mounting
Along with the microphone, you will also get the additional benefit of the shock mount.
This superior shock mount will ensure that you do not need to worry about the quality of your podcast audio becoming lowered from contact with the mic.
Condenser mics are known to be particularly sensitive and the shock mount provided with the Rode NT1 helps to make sure that your audio quality is not compromised.
Designed to ensure that the microphone sound quality is not compromised, this shock mount will hold your microphone for you in suspension while you record.
3. Low Noise Of 4.5dB(A)
As we have already briefly mentioned above, Rode has labeled this mic as being one of the quietest cardioid microphones in the world – and the low self-noise of just 4.5dB(A) proves that completely.
Thanks to this, it means that you will be able to enjoy a crisp and clean sound quality, even while you are recording quieter, softer sound sources!
This makes this mic a fantastic option for those looking for a microphone that will be ideal for vocal recordings such as podcasts.
4. Lots Of Versatility
As well as offering fantastic sound quality as well as a durable yet sleek build – it is also worth noting that the NT1 microphone is extremely versatile and can serve a variety of purposes.
This microphone model offers a warm bass, highly detailed midrange as well as a super silky top end that makes it absolutely perfect for recording a variety of different vocal recordings including singing, recording instruments such as acoustic guitars as well as, of course, creating podcast shows!
5. Classic Studio Sound
Thanks to the extremely smooth frequency response for this microphone, as well as the extremely tight cardioid polar pattern and very low self-noise (as we have already outlined in the point above) the NT1 is guaranteed to offer that sought after “studio sound” that many upcoming podcasters look for in their microphone used for recording all of their episodes.
Thanks to this, it means that while this mic is ideal for recording podcast shows, this mic can also be used for a variety of other purposes including recording a variety of different instruments across a wide range of genres, voice-over applications as well as many more things such as singing.
What Comes In The Box?
Along with the microphone itself, upon purchasing the Rode NT1 mic you will also get a variety of additional items inside the box including an SM6 shockmount, a pop shield, an XLR mic cable as well as an owner’s pamphlet.
There are also bundles available which include an AI-1 audio interface and a 20’ XLR cable. This is an ideal setup for those who want to set up their own home recording studio with the Rode NT1 mic as it provides quality components that are all compatible with one another.
The Extended Warranty
On top of all the great features that the NT1 mic model offers, as well as the additional items you will get in the box – we think that you might also be pleased to learn that you will also get an extended warranty upon purchasing this mic, too!
Rode is known for offering some of the very best warranties in the industry, so it should certainly come as no surprise to learn that the Rode NT1 Mic is no exception to this.
After you have purchased the microphone, you will instantly have a warranty offered by Rode that will last for one year.
However, keep in mind that you will have the option to extend this warranty to as long as 10 years should you wish, the requirement to extend your warranty is that you have purchased the NT1 microphone from an authorized company.
As a side note here, please also keep in mind that although the one-year warranty will be immediately created for you after you have purchased your Rode NT1 mic from an authorized company.
If you would like to extend your warranty, keep in mind that you will need to extend the warranty yourself via Rode’s website.
We really like that Rode offers this ability to extend your warranty, as despite being excellent value for money – the Rode NT1 wasn’t the cheapest of microphone models out there on the market, which is why we think that the ability to extend the warranty is a fantastic option.
The Bottom Line: Is The Rode NT1 Microphone Worth It?
So, is the Rode NT1 Microphone worth making the investment in?
All in all, if you’re a podcaster (or someone who would like to primarily use their microphone for recording vocals) opting for a large diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone is an absolute must.
Ultimately, the revamped and updated NT1 just so happens to be one of the very best diaphragm cardioid condenser microphones currently available to buy on the market right now.
On top of all that, despite being a great microphone for podcasters to use, the Rode NT1 Microphone is also in the mid-priced range, which means that it is also a great investment that offers great value for your money while also being somewhat affordable.
Our verdict? Well, for the price we think that this microphone is an absolute steal.
Not only is it specifically created for recording vocals, but this mic comes with the added features of a pop shield and integrated shock mount for your convenience.
This is an excellent choice for podcasters, singers and musicians, and it’s certainly got our seal of approval!
