RØDE NT1 Condenser Mic Review

With such a low price tag, can this studio condenser microphone offer the same, high vocal performance capabilities of other condensers? The Rode NT1 looks very similar to the NT1A, which was released almost two decades ago. It has now been totally redesigned to be a daily driver vocal microphone for all kinds of instruments, including guitars, drums, and of course, vocals. The brand new capsule has been completely redeveloped to help focus better on the midrange, meaning it captures the important part of the voice like a charm. The high frequencies are smooth as butter, the highs are crisp and clear, and the lows are warm and round without it ever feeling too boomy.

Overall, this microphone is a stand-out microphone in its price range.

The Good

The NT1 is able to produce crystal clear sounds with its ability to pick up the smallest vocal nuances in any kind of performance. All you will require is a small amount of vocal processing on the back end to get a professional sound. No one would ever guess that you’re using a microphone under a thousand bucks! If you are a singer-songwriter or instrumentalist, you’ll love the fact that it can also be used with instruments like acoustic guitar and piano, providing you with similar clarity.

The Bad

There are many modern singers that are in the market for microphones that add a bit of character to their voices. Some might want that airy, high quality, while some want that round, vintage warmth. Many think that the NT1 has a sound that is just too sterile, as it reproduces sound without any sort of character.

Final Verdict

The NT1 is an excellent microphone if you are looking to record studio-quality vocals at home. All you’ll need to get is a preamp and an interface and you will be ready to go. While there are a variety of higher-quality condenser microphones on the market that may sound better, you truly cannot beat the Rode NT1 for the small price.

Manufacturer Website: Rode

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If you currently use the Rode NT1 for your own vocals, let us know what you think in the comments!