Australian audio technology company RØDE has launched the fifth iteration of its NT1 condenser microphone with two new updates that include 32-bit float recording and USB connectivity.
In comparison to other systems, the average microphone uses 16-24 bit recording instead of 32-bit. RØDE claims that this is the first “unclippable” microphone that allows for users to record anything from “a whisper to a scream” without setting your gain and with zero risk of clipping or distortion. They can simply readjust the audio after recording and the dynamics of the performance would remain unchanged.
Additionally, the newly added Dual Connect output feature allows for more versatility in recording either to an audio interface or mixer via XLR or by connecting directly to a computer via USB - a combination which is becoming more popular with rival microphones such as the Shure MV7. CEO of RØDE, Damien Wilson, said that the new fifth Generation “redefines the meaning of plug-and-play” in a press release.
“Since the beginning of audio recording, engineers have relied on the gain knob to capture clean audio – it’s always been the most important process in the recording workflow,” said Wilson. “The NT1 fifth Generation changes that completely. When recording in 32-bit float, users can literally plug their microphone into their computer and start recording instantly without any risk of their audio being ruined by clipping or distortion.”
For creators that want to achieve “ultimate sonic purity”, the fifth Generation NT1 mic also features advanced audio processing solutions through RØDE’s audio production studio in APHEX with an on-board DSP and includes a compressor, noise gate, two-step high-pass filter, and more, all made available through its companion applications - RØDE Central and RØDE Connect.
The NT1 microphone is one of the most popular studio microphones in the world with over 6 million products sold since it launched more than 30 years ago and is used by podcasters, musicians, streamers, broadcasters, and content creators.
Some of the technologies and features that have made the microphone so successful include a low self-noise at 4dBA which makes it “the world’s quietest studio condenser microphone” according to the company, a one-inch HF6 diaphragm capsule which was introduced in the fourth Gen NT1 microphone, and a high SPL (sound pressure level) which means lower distortion even with loud noises.
The NT1 microphone is currently available for pre-order on the RØDE website in both black and silver colours and will be on general sale in March 2023. It comes with a studio-grade shock mount, a pop filter, and both an XLR and USB cable.
