Rode NT1 5th Generation Review

Jun 03, 2024

The Rode NT1 5th Generation cardioid microphone ($259) is one of the few we've tested with both analog (XLR) and digital (USB) inputs, which makes it a good match for home and studio recordings. Rode's companion software also adds value, as do the deluxe extras in the box. Although the XLR input is certainly useful for capturing clean, high-quality audio, you simply might not need this analog option. If that's the case, USB-only models like the JLab Talk Pro ($149) cost much less and are perfectly suitable for non-critical recording and streaming scenarios.

The fifth-gen NT1, which measures roughly 7.5 by 2.0 by 2.0 inches (HWD) and weighs 10.9 ounces, is available only in black. A metallic grille protects the 1-inch cardioid capsule that can handle a frequency range of 20Hz to 20kHz. Onboard control knobs and a headphone jack for low-latency monitoring are standard on USB mics, but you don't get any here because the studio-ready XLR mode is the primary use case.

That aside, you do get cables for the USB-C and XLR ports on the bottom. The 10-foot USB-C cable is ideal for home studio setups, though you need to buy an adapter if your audio workflow involves a USB-A port. The bright red, 19.6-foot XLR cable arrives alongside a tiny blue ring accessory, which can be invaluable for ensuring a secure fit with any third-party XLR cables.

The box also includes the Rode SM6 shock mount and pop filter combo ($59 by itself). The pop filter, which attaches to the base of the mount, has a roughly 5.3-inch diameter, features a double layer of protection against plosives, and rotates on two axes for pinpoint angling. Most manufacturers keep pop filters separate from the shock mount to make accidental bumps less likely, and indeed, you can detach this one, but you might have to get creative with your placement via its threaded mount.

A protective dust cover for the unit rounds out the package, though you don't get a desktop stand like with most USB models. Of course, you can always purchase a studio arm like the Rode PSA1+ ($129) after the fact.

In USB mode, the NT1 5th Generation supports up to 24-bit (or 32-bit floating) audio at a sampling rate of 48, 96, or 192kHz. The 32-bit float mode can act as protection against clipping when the signal is hot, though you need to use a professional audio platform such as Ableton, Audacity, Pro Tools, or Reaper to take advantage of that format. Also note that advanced digital signal processing (DSP) isn't available at settings higher than 24-bit/48kHz. If you go past that threshold, DSP settings revert to the default regardless of what you configure in the Rode companion software.

Speaking of software, Rode bundles several apps with this mic—Rode Connect, Rode Central, and Rode Unify. None is absolutely necessary for the mic's operation, but the Rode Central software is worth exploring because it lets you adjust the DSP settings. As a bonus, it automatically applies any changes you make to the mic, unlike with the $169 Rode NT-USB+, which requires manual saves. You also get deeper parameter controls for many of the available effects with this mic. For instance, you can only turn the noise gate on or off with the NT-USB+, but you get threshold, hold, range, attack, and release options with the NT1. Additionally, you can adjust the frequency ranges that the Compression, Aural Exciter, and Big Bottom modes impact—these EQ and harmonic distortion effects respectively add sparkle and low-end depth to the mic signal.

Rode Connect offers these DSP settings, too, as well as the ability to record several Rode mics simultaneously. Rode Unify simply provides mixing tools for streamers and content creators. Our advice is to download the Rode Central software, adjust the various DSP parameters to taste, and then use your third-party recording platform of choice. For USB operation, the mic works with computers running at least macOS 10.14 or Windows 10, but not the Android or iOS mobile platforms.

None of this software is of use if you opt for the XLR connection. This mode also requires 48 volts of phantom power, so you should likely avoid it if you don't already have a mic preamp with that capability. If you insist on going this route, however, plenty of mic-pre solutions work, including the popular Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) input box for $169.99.

In USB mode without any DSP effects, the mic signal is pretty flat and not as crisp as we expect through our GarageBand and iMac setup. But combining the Aural Exciter and high-pass filter options improves the audio. You can also introduce compression here, but that's something we prefer to add in the mixing stage. Streamers might not always have that luxury though, so the ability to bake the compression into the signal could prove helpful. Ratios of up to 4.5:1 for the compression effect are available, but the subtler 1.3:1 or 1:2:1 choices seem more natural. Again, just remember that these settings all go away if you go above the 24-bit/48kHz selection and don't apply at all in the analog XLR mode.

For testing the XLR mode, we set up a workflow that includes a Millennia HV-3D mic-pre, a Universal Audio Apollo x16 audio interface, and Pro Tools software. The signal sounds relatively transparent and quite clear overall; vocals, guitar amps, and acoustic instruments (depending on the room and instrument) are the most suitable use cases.

Vocals sound most crisp at a distance of between 5 and 6 inches away. If you move in any closer, you get some serious proximity effect, though that might be desirable for vocals that require extra depth. The pop filter successfully diffuses plosives without ever making it seem as if you're yelling into gauze, while the shock mount stays sturdy to minimize vibrations.

The hybrid Rode NT1 5th Generation mic impresses with its versatility, and the included software and accessories are points in its favor. Recordings sound quite transparent and handle DSP effects with ease. As an alternative, the $249 Shure MV7 has better dynamics for vocals and ships with equally useful software, though it doesn’t come with as many accessories. And keep in mind that you simply might not need both digital and analog input options. For more casual applications, USB-only mics such as the aforementioned JLab Talk Pro are more affordable and offer the physical controls that the NT1 lacks.

The Rode NT1 5th Generation mic gives you the choice of an XLR or USB input, captures clear audio, and comes with a generous array of add-ons and desktop apps.

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