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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAs an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Rode NT1 is a high quality, affordably priced, large diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone<\/strong>. It is held in high regard by many microphone experts, including here at the Best Microphones Guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the early 1990s, Peter Freedman, owner and CEO of Rode (then Freedman Electronics), sought to enter the burgeoning home audio recording market. He had procured a number of knock-off large diaphragm condenser microphones in China. These looked like the famous Neumann U87 on the outside, but turned out to have poor components inside. Freedman then replaced the noisy circuitry while keeping the housing and capsules. Upon doing so, he found there was great interest in the microphones. This reworked microphone was the original Rode NT1, though completely different than the current NT1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jim Williams, a consultant for Freedman, subsequently implemented a new type of circuit that greatly improved the sound quality of the mic significantly. Various iterations have taken place since then. These days, the microphones are completely manufactured in Australia except for the shock mounts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The design of the mic is somewhat minimalist<\/strong> \u2013 a sort of no frills plain black design. The Rode NT1 microphone itself is very solidly built. It feels sturdy, rugged, and well built<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Rode NT1 microphone, in keeping with its minimalist design, does not have any roll offs or switches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you get it as part of the NT1 Kit (an available option when purchasing), then you will also receive a shockmount and pop filter. They used to include a higher end pop filter in the kit. However, now it\u2019s sold with a more ordinary pop filter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Rode NT1 is best known for use in recording vocals<\/strong>. We ranked it highly in our list of best microphones for recording vocals<\/a>. Let’s dive in a little further as part of this Rode NT1 review.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In our vocal microphone testing, the Rode NT1 condenser mic captured nice detail<\/strong>, and had a pretty smooth, good sound all around<\/strong>. The high end really cuts through, and in a good way. You can record excellent, professional sounding vocals using the Rode NT1<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rode also has a similar mic called the Rode NT1A, which is sometimes confused with the NT1. They took the Rode NT1, then made an anniversary version of it (hence the A). In the anniversary version, they changed some things, however. Many people consider the Rode NT1A to be more harsh sounding and sibilant when compared to the Rode NT1. While some people are definitely NT1A enthusiasts, unless you have the opportunity to test both mics on your voice to see how they do with YOUR singing, then the NT1 is probably a safer choice of the two.<\/p>\n\n\n The Rode NT1 does a better than good<\/strong> job at recording acoustic guitar with a pleasant and full sound<\/strong>, which is why we included it on our list of best microphones for recording acoustic guitar<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Rode NT1 performed slightly better on single notes (a very pretty tone) and arpeggios than it did on strumming, but both were good. It definitely picks up some of the acoustic guitar’s percussive strumming sounds, and whether that is good or bad depends on whether you want them in your recording or not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a condenser mic, the Rode NT1 is a sensitive microphone and it picks up a lot of sound, so guitarists should be aware of their breathing while recording.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Rode NT1 captured good detail on fingerpicking<\/strong> as well and sounded excellent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While the Rode NT1 did not make our list of best mics for recording electric guitar<\/a>, it performed fairly well in our testing and could certainly be used for the purpose. Its performance on electric guitar rates as solid<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One thing that makes the Rode NT1 a bit frustrating to use when miking an amp is that there is not really a good or easy way to use it without the shock mount. The shock mount is a good sized shock mount and therefore limits how close you can place the mic to the amp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have 2 of them, the Rode NT1 could also be used for drum overheads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The price point is always an important consideration in any microphone review. Not surprisingly, it plays a significant role in reviewing the Rode NT1 as well. This is primarily due to its affordable price vs other large diaphragm condenser vocal mics<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rode CEO Peter Freedman calls the Rode NT1 \u201cthe everyday man\u2019s studio mic,\u201d and this is actually a pretty good way of putting it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In terms of \u201cbudget\u201d condenser microphones, say $300 and under, the NT1 is the leader of the pack. For the price, you likely cannot get a better condenser microphone<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are looking to upgrade your vocal microphone, or want to get a quality vocal microphone as your first mic, the Rode NT1 is a great choice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The sound quality is excellent<\/strong>, and it represents good value for its price point<\/strong>. You would have to go up hundreds of dollars to get to the next level up of large diaphragm condenser microphones, and there are those who think this mic is either their equal or better. It is also versatile enough that you can use it to record other instruments such as guitar and drums<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nView Rode NT1 Price and Reviews on Amazon<\/a><\/span>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/bestmicrophones.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/view-on-amazon-button2.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nA Brief History of the Rode NT1:<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Appearance, Build Quality, and Features<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nRecording Vocals with the Rode NT1<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nRecording Acoustic Guitar with the Rode NT1<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nRecording Electric Guitar with the Rode NT1<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nOther Recording Uses<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Rode NT1 Price and Value<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nRode NT1 Review Conclusion<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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