RØDE has updated its classic large-diaphragm microphone, the NT1. The fifth generation of the studio microphone, which was the first Rode mic to hit the market in 1991, brings several big innovations, such as 32-bit floating-point audio and a USB-C port.

RODE NT1 5th Generation
Thanks to Dual Connect, the latter is now on board for the condenser microphone in addition to the XLR connection. Thus, it can be operated classically via XLR with a preamp or audio interface or connected directly to a computer. If the NT1 5th Generation is used as a USB microphone, the high-gain Revolution preamp and the 192 kHz A/D converter should ensure first-class signal quality.
The NT1 5th Generation is also the world's first microphone with 32-bit floating point digital output. Provided the limiting sound pressure level of 142 dB is not exceeded, it is said to be virtually impossible to distort the signal due to incorrect gain settings or digital clipping. 32-bit floating point allows you to take full advantage of the microphone's dynamic range even in the event of surprising level jumps, and to subsequently compensate for flattened level peaks by normalizing them when recording in the DAW.
Compared to its predecessor, the NT1 5th Generation offers a higher cutoff SPL of 142 dB and an even lower self-noise of just 4 dBA - making it the world's lowest noise condenser microphone, according to RØDE. The 1" HF6 cardioid microphone capsule has been carried over from its predecessor.
Features of the RØDE NT1 5th Generation
.
- Dual Connect: XLR and USB connector
- High-gain Revolution preamp
- Audiophile A/D conversion (up to 192 kHz sampling rate)
- 32-bit floating point audio
- 142 dB limiting sound pressure level
- very low self-noise of only 4 dBA / the world's lowest noise microphone
- built-in DSP with high pass filter, noise gate, compressor and Aphex®
- compatible with RØDE Connect and RØDE Central
The RØDE NT1 5th Generation is available now for 299 Euros. Included is a deluxe SM6 spider with integrated pop shield, a 6m XLR cable, a 3m USB-C to USB-C cable and a dust bag.