If you realize something about audio, you realize about Australian audio model Rode. I’ve lengthy been a little bit of a Rode fanatic, I am not going to lie, not least as a result of I do know that each one Rode merchandise are incredible high quality and have best-in-class options. In consequence, Rode gear is commonly not low cost; nonetheless, the NT1 Signature Sequence, a brand new condenser microphone from Rode and the topic of this evaluate, goals to vary that.
The NT1 Signature Sequence is the extra reasonably priced sibling of the world’s first “unclippable” microphone, the NT1 fifth Gen, that includes the HF6 large-diaphragm condenser capsule, XLR connectivity, and extra. Plus, for the primary time, the mic additionally affords the NT1 in a spread of limited-edition colors, together with pink, inexperienced, purple, pink and blue.
Is the Rode NT1 Signature Sequence the final word reasonably priced condenser microphone? It would simply be…
Rode NT1 Signature Sequence evaluate
Rode NT1 Signature Sequence evaluate: worth and availability
The Rode NT1 Signature Sequence Condenser Microphone was launched in November 2023 and is in the stores now through third-party retailers. The really useful retail worth is £159/ $159/ AU$ 299, which is a actually good worth for a mic with such specs (see under). For more information, please go to Rode right this moment.
Rode NT1 Signature Sequence evaluate: specs
(Picture credit score: Matt Kollat/T3)
- Capsule: RØDE HF6 large-diaphragm (1-inch) condenser capsule
- Sample: Cardioid
- Handle Kind: Facet
- Frequency Vary: 20Hz – 20kHz
- Output Impedance: 100Ω
- Most SPL: 142 dB
- SPL Equal Noise (A-Weighted): 4dBA
- Sensitivity: -32 dB re 1 Volt/Pascal (25 mV @ 94 dB SPL) +/- 2 dB @ 1 kHz
- Analogue Energy Necessities: P48
- Analogue Output Connection: 3-pin XLR
- Weight (grams): 313
- Dimensions (millimetres): Size: 52 Width: 52 Top: 189
Rode NT1 Signature Sequence evaluate: design and construct high quality
(Picture credit score: Matt Kollat/T3)
The Rode NT1 Signature Sequence is nearly the spitting picture of the NT1 fifth Gen microphone. Certainly, the primary distinction between the 2 is that the previous solely has an XLR enter versus the twin USB/XLR connectivity of the costlier mannequin. One other key distinction is the dearth of 32-bit float digital output, which makes the Rode NT1 fifth Gen an ‘unclippable’ microphone.
Regardless of the decrease asking worth, the Rode NT1 Signature Sequence has a rugged aluminium physique and high-grade finishes, extremely proof against scuffs and scratches. And, after all, one other new and thrilling characteristic is the out there color choices, permitting individuals to purchase a microphone that almost all intently matches their (on-line) persona.
Higher nonetheless, the Rode NT1 Signature Sequence comes with a studio-grade shock mount and pop filter and a premium XLR cable included within the field. Two stuff you’ll nonetheless want earlier than you can begin utilizing the mic are some form of stand (I extremely advocate Rode’s personal PSA1+) and an XLR interface with a phantom energy choice. Rode’s AI-1 Single-channel Audio Interface might be your least expensive and best-quality choice.
The one factor you might want to learn about phantom energy is that the interface you employ – in my case, it was the Focusrite Vocaster Studio – wants this operate. Search for the ‘P48’ button, or higher nonetheless, ask somebody in your native audio retailer to advocate a unit that is phantom energy succesful.
Rode NT1 Signature Sequence evaluate: efficiency
(Picture credit score: Matt Kollat/T3)
The Rode NT1 Signature Sequence may miss out on a few premium options, however this actually should not come as a shock, contemplating the value distinction between this and the NT1 fifth Gen.
The NT1 Signature Sequence does have a decent cardioid polar sample, although, for wonderful background noise rejection, clean frequency response, excessive sensitivity for unimaginable steadiness and readability, and very low noise (4dBA).
I have not used the microphone for something too adventurous, however spoken phrase copy is past clear. You may discuss, whisper, and even shout, and the mic will seize all of it in excessive constancy. It isn’t fairly the unclippable degree of the NT1 fifth Gen, however the NT1 Signature Sequence can sort out a broad spectrum of sounds (20Hz – 20kHz).
I might talk about ease of use, however there actually is not something to speak about, because the NT1 Signature Sequence affords plug-and-play performance, and as soon as it is linked to the interface, it is good to go – it would not get a lot simpler than that!
There aren’t any dials or headphone outputs on the microphone, which may be unusual to these used to USB mics, which frequently provide this performance. It is smart for the Rode NT1 Signature Sequence to delegate these capabilities to the interface; it is not like you’ll be able to join the mic on to the pc anyway, so that you may as nicely preserve the microphone unit as easy as attainable.
This additionally permits the mic to deal with its main function, which is capturing lifelike sound, one thing the Rode NT1 Signature Sequence does nicely. Very well, truly.
Rode NT1 Signature Sequence evaluate: verdict
(Picture credit score: Matt Kollat/T3)
Rode is busy establishing itself as a pressure to be reckoned with within the ever-growing streaming scene, made evident by the launch of the Rode X sub-brand final yr. Whereas the Rode NT1 Signature Sequence is not a part of the Rode X household of merchandise, I have a look at it as a bridge constructed to entice streamers and content material creators to maneuver in direction of utilizing premium XLR audio gear.
And, between you and me, the NT1 Signature Sequence does a mighty nice job in that. It is simple to attach and function – so long as you’ve got the phantom power-capable XLR interface and a mic stand/increase arm – and the sound copy is second to none.
Should you’re on the lookout for an accessibly-priced but premium microphone for music recordings, streaming, video recording and extra, you want the Rode NT1 Signature Sequence. It is turning into my go-to XLR microphone for recording YouTube movies, not simply because it is available in pink…
Rode NT1 Signature Sequence evaluate: additionally think about
The Joby Wavo POD Streamer Package affords a one-stop answer for newbie content material creators. It is simple to arrange and use and has sufficient persona that will help you stand out from the group. Audio high quality is nice for a USB mic, to not point out the 2 pickup patterns and simple controls. A really respectable providing total. Learn my full Joby Wavo POD Streamer Package evaluate.
