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When a microphone has been round for 30 years, it have to be doing one thing proper. The Rode NT1 is arguably the corporate’s flagship studio mic and origin story for the model’s title. The mic was initially referred to as the Rodent1, shortened to Rode NT1 and the remainder is historical past. At the moment, the corporate is unveiling the fifth iteration and it comes with two key updates that ought to curiosity podcasters and vocalists alike. These could be 32-bit float recording and the addition of USB connectivity.
The inclusion of USB would possibly really feel like one thing that ought to have been there all alongside, however usually “professional” studio microphones are XLR solely, with USB being the reserve of desktop microphones. Occasions are altering although and extra of us are searching for a basic microphone however with out the necessity to use an audio interface. Now, with the NT1 you’ve each. The USB connection is tucked away proper on the base of the prevailing XLR port. It is a intelligent answer, however you have to a USB cable with pretty slim connections else it will not match.
With the brand new USB connectivity comes the choice for tailoring the sound of the mic. Normally that half is offloaded to an interface or mixer, however now there’s an onboard DSP that enables you do apply issues like a noise gate or compressor to the mic instantly (by way of Rode’s Central or Join apps). To not point out this makes the microphone rather more moveable as you will not have to deliver a separate, typically clunky interface together with you.
Simply the most important good thing about the MK5 (and that inbuilt DSP) is the introduction of 32-bit float recording. In a nutshell, 32-bit permits for an exponentially bigger dynamic vary than 16- and 24-bit (which is what most programs use). This implies you may overlook about clipping (when audio is just too loud and distorts) as there’s sufficient headroom for nearly any sound that may be potential. Or, put one other means, you may successfully overlook about setting ranges secure within the data you may regulate them in submit with none audio loss.
What this implies for podcasters and vocalists is much less time worrying about ranges on the level of recording, realizing you may set issues as you need in submit. In fact, good ranges on the level of recording is at all times adviseable if potential, but it surely at the least means any sudden sounds will not break your take. It is also at the moment very uncommon to search out 32-bit float on a microphone like this – usually you’d have to purchase a pro-level audio recorder when you needed this characteristic.
At $259 the NT1 sits in an fascinating spot. Shure’s MV7 additionally provides XLR and USB connectivity and retails for $250 with out 32-bit float (it is also a dynamic mic which will probably be both a profit or an obstacle relying in your wants). Sennheiser’s unbelievable MK 4 condensor usually runs for round $300 and would not supply USB connectivity. Equally, when you’re utilizing one thing like a Blue Yeti and in search of an improve, the NT1 makes a compelling choice.
The NT1 goes up for pre-order as we speak.
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