Rode NT-USB

A little history about Rode

Before telling you about the Rode NT-USB , here is a very brief history of the company.

Rode is an Australian brand that made its debut in the world of home studio recording in 1990.

The Rode NT2 is the first of his creations, designed, built and manufactured entirely in Australia. This microphone made a formidable entry into the recording sphere that year.

Since then, Rode has continued to become a renowned brand in the field of audio recording until today.

Now that we've covered the basics, let's dive into the full review of the Rode NT-USB condenser microphone.

In this test we will look at factors such as design, construction. But most importantly, we will look at the sound quality and performance of the Rode NT-USB condenser microphone. A microphone considered to have excellent value for money.

Is the Rode NT-USB an exception to the rule?

These days, we are seeing a surge of affordable USB microphones in the market.

“While they have definitely become more popular, USB microphones have notable differences in terms of quality. »

However, given Rode , many may feel a sense of comfort and assurance. The brand is rarely known for disappointing with its quality audio .

NT-USB sound quality

Let's start with what most people consider to be the most important factor in recording : sound.

Is the sound and quality of the Rode NT-USB microphone satisfactory?

A benchmark among condenser microphones, the Rode NT-USB delivers spectacular sounds high-quality cardioid polar pattern capsule .

The sound delivered is:

• Net
• Clear
• Natural

Featuring a large membrane, the micro-USB is remarkably insensitive to common aspects such as plosives and hisses. The impact of proximity to the microphone is quite insignificant. And it's not limited in terms of the number of angles you can use it in. So, in a nutshell, you won't be jumping around or craning your neck to get the best position while recording.

Other aspect

Another wonderfully notable aspect of this microphone is the reduced level of sensitivity to vibration noise in particular. This, even with its accompanying tripod. Which is pretty interesting considering what you could expect from this studio microphone.

Having accessories such as a shock mount or suspension kit could give the ideal performance of this mic. Although it is true that these accessories are also optional and pleasant to use . You can really get by with the included mic stand if you want.

Thanks to its cardioid directivity, it captures a sound source coming from the front well. The Rode NT-USB condenser microphone is therefore very practical for recording and capturing vocals. Immaculately clear voice recording thanks to its extended frequency response above 10Hz is another perfect feature.

As it is excellent for recording vocals, this type of mic also captures loud vocals. This condenser microphone guarantees excellent recording quality , virtually distortion-free. This microphone is also capable of capturing the faintest whispers, right on the threshold of hearing, without any difficulty. The audio quality is clearly there.

By the way, also discover everything you need to know about the Audio-Technica AT2035 . This guide brings you the full test and reviews of this condenser microphone.

In studio recording

In the recording studio, using this microphone is a real joy. The microphone is used quite commonly for voice-overs. But it also helps singers and instrumentalists using acoustic instruments in particular.

The Rode NT-USB condenser microphone is easy to use . Which makes it a very versatile microphone suitable for all sound sources.

Compared to the Apogee Mic Plus pro for example, or other condenser microphones from other brands like Neumann, it has a more pronounced bottom end on the voice. The highs are also smoother than those of the Audio-Technica AT2020 USB.

With its extended frequency response of over 10 Hz, the range it can accommodate is impressive. However, some professionals might argue that recording extreme "treble" would be a bit limited with this microphone.

Personally, I think it's really the "treble extremes". In general, the microphone works flawlessly to record vocals and guitars, etc. without difficulty.

For producers or musicians on the go, the Rode NT-USB is really good when it comes to portability.

You can really put this pro mic easily in your bag and record from your hotel room or another studio. Despite everything, equipped with a microphone like this, you will maintain a sound worthy of the recording industry.

The microphone works perfectly with most modern digital audio recording , whether for laptops, desktop PCs and Mac or Windows notebooks. And this, thanks to a simple USB port or via a Bluetooth connection.

Likewise, the USB microphone can also be used to record with an iPad. In which case you can use Garage Band, the Rode Rec app , or another app that allows you to use external microphones.

Rode NT-USB Features

The Rode NT-USB condenser microphone has a frequency response ranging from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. It also has a maximum sound pressure level of 110 dB . What exactly does all this mean? Well, in terms of functionality, this means that the microphone has a pretty significant dynamic range.

Similarly to the Rode NT1000, the studio mic offers wonderful versatility in terms of the vocal ranges it can accommodate. Whether it's a strong baritone or a subtle soprano, we're dealing with quality audio equipment.

It's not necessarily high enough to record something like a kick or snare drum, but the microphone performs exceptionally well for vocals and acoustic instruments like acoustic guitar. (Your more average frequencies basically).

As for the Rode NT-USB, it is one of the most delicate condenser capsules available, also connected to an A/D converter.

The microphone also offers a wonderful onboard monitoring system, which works with the use of a headset. Users can plug their headphones into the jack at the bottom for monitoring.

In addition, the monitoring system offers zero latency . Which is ideal for studio-level operation, as the sound is loud and clean. The Beyerdynamic DT770 closed headphones for monitoring are very popular headphones as a complement to this microphone.

When it comes to micro pricing, it's a true mid-range set. A must-have piece of recording equipment, it is more than worthy of being among the preferred mics of professional studios across the industry, and novices alike.

Rode NT-USB Mic Design

Very well thought out in terms of design, the NT-USB condenser microphone from Rode offers a quite distinctive appearance . Deviating from the contemporary spherical or typical pill shape, the Rode NT-USB is a slim capacitor in its construction.

A great choice for voice recording

The microphone has a really well-built capsule, firm controls as well as a standard thread accompanied by a suitable mic stand. The tripod is very pretty.

But, as we already mentioned, if you want, you can opt for a suspension kit instead. Another very nice feature is the pop protection attached to it . It is specially designed for ideal use of this microphone.

The Rode NT-USB Condenser Microphone really simplifies the overall recording process in several ways. In fact, you don't need a mixer or other professional audio equipment. The micro USB offers basic “plug and play” functionality, as it does not require any special drivers.

It's ideal if you don't necessarily intend to plug it into an audio interface. And, that's another thing, you could connect it to an interface. However, you don't have to do this because the mic itself is the interface.

The right side has two controls. They provide control of microphone volume and gain, respectively. On the underside of the microphone, you'll find a standard 3.5mm jack intended for headphones.

Build quality of the Rode NT-USB

The microphone is surprisingly solid in its construction. The diaphragm and capsule are encased in smooth black metal. Which gives the mic a very high-end feel. Likewise, the pop filter that comes with it is also perfectly robust, also made from smooth black metal.

Overall, for the price you get this mic for, the build is excellent quality and is really durable. This is not a fragile and breakable microphone. The design and construction of this mic is magnificent. And it exudes all the professional quality that Rode is known for.

Unboxing and accessories

Opening a new Rode NT-USB condenser microphone, you get various equipment in the box. Among other things, the box includes a pop protector, a desk/tripod stand, a zippered case as well as a very long 6 meter cable. Also, the length of the USB cable is naturally a plus, because it gives you greater mobility/flexibility.

Our opinion on the Rode NT-USB:

The NT-USB condenser microphone from Rode is a reference and a must-have. The microphone truly lives up to its brand, offering premium performance and sturdy construction at a reasonable price. Equipped with a cardioid polar pattern, the Rode NT-USB offers the possibility of obtaining professional quality vocals in your home studio, for podcasts and YouTube videos as well. Suitable for applications accepting an external microphone, it is perfect for both beginners and professionals. Whether for studio or home studio recordings.

Rode NT-USB demo:

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