When a microphone has been round for 30 years, it should be doing one thing proper. The Rode NT1 is arguably the corporate’s flagship studio microphone and the origin story of the model identify. The microphone was initially referred to as the Rodent1, shortened to the Rode NT1 and the remainder is historical past. In the present day, the corporate introduces the fifth iteration, and it comes with two key updates that ought to curiosity podcasters and vocalists alike. These can be 32-bit floating recording and the addition of USB connectivity.

The inclusion of USB may appear to be one thing that ought to have been there all alongside, however sometimes “professional” studio mics are XLR solely, with USB being the fallout for desktop mics. Nevertheless, instances are altering and an increasing number of persons are searching for a basic microphone with out the necessity for an audio interface. Now with the NT1 you may have each. The USB connection is hidden proper on the base of the prevailing XLR port. It is a intelligent answer, however you may want a USB cable with pretty skinny connections, in any other case it will not match.

With the brand new USB connectivity comes the choice to customise the sound of the microphone. Normally that half is offloaded to an interface or mixer, however now there’s onboard DSP that allows you to apply issues like a gate or compressor on to the mic (by way of Rode’s Central or Join apps). To not point out, this makes the microphone way more moveable, as you will not want to hold a separate, typically clunky interface with you.

Simply the largest good thing about the MK5 (and that inbuilt DSP) is the introduction of 32-bit float recording. Merely put, 32-bit permits for exponentially higher dynamic vary than 16 and 24-bit (which is what most methods use). This implies you’ll be able to overlook about clipping (when the audio is just too loud and distorted) as there’s sufficient headroom for nearly any doable sound. Or, put one other method, you’ll be able to successfully overlook about setting ranges protected within the information you could alter them in submit with no audio loss.

What this implies for podcasters and vocalists is much less time worrying about ranges on the time of recording, understanding you’ll be able to set issues nonetheless you need in submit. After all, it is at all times sensible to have good ranges on the level of recording, if doable, however no less than it signifies that no sudden noise will smash your shot. It is also very uncommon nowadays to search out 32-bit float on a mic like this; you’d sometimes must buy a professional-grade audio recorder in case you wished this characteristic.

At $259, the NT1 is in an fascinating place. Shure’s MV7 additionally presents XLR and USB connectivity and retails for $250 with out 32-bit float (it is also a dynamic mic which can both be a plus or minus relying in your wants). Sennheiser’s implausible MK 4 condenser often prices round $300 and does not provide USB connectivity. Likewise, in case you’re utilizing one thing like a Blue Yeti and searching for an improve, the NT1 is a compelling choice.

The NT1 goes out for pre-order at the moment.