Rode NT-USB Test & Reviews

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 was the first of its kind, designed, built and manufactured entirely in Australia. This microphone made a tremendous entrance into the recording world that year.

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

Now that we have presented the foundations, let’s dive into the full test of the Rode NT-USB condenser microphone.

In this test we will look at factors such as design and building. Most importantly, we will examine the sound quality and performance of the Rode NT-USB condenser microphone. A microphone that is considered to have an excellent price-performance ratio.

Is Rode NT-USB an exception to the rule?

Nowadays, we are witnessing an upsurge of affordable USB microphones on the market.

« While they have definitely become more popular, the USB microphones have significant differences in terms of quality. »

However, due to the long-standing positive reputation of Rode, many can experience a feeling of comfort and confidence. The brand is rarely known for disappointing with its quality audio equipment.

Sound quality of the NT-USB

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

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

A reference among condenser microphones, the Rode NT-USB offers spectacular sound, which can be attributed to its high-quality cardioid capsule directivity.

The sound delivered is :

• Clean
• Clear
• Natural

With its large diaphragm, the micro-USB is remarkably insensitive to common aspects such as pops and sibilants. The impact of proximity to the microphone is fairly 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 hopping around or craning your neck to get the best position during recording.

Other aspect

Another wonderfully notable aspect of this microphone is its reduced sensitivity to vibration noise in particular. This is true even with its accompanying tripod. This is quite interesting considering what you might expect with this studio microphone.

Adding accessories such as a shock mount or suspension kit could give the ideal performance to this microphone. Although it is true that these accessories are also optional and nice to have. You can really get by with the included microphone stand if you wish.

Thanks to its cardioid directivity, it picks up a sound source from the front. This makes the Rode NT-USB condenser microphone very convenient for recording and capturing voices. Another perfect feature is the crystal-clear voice recording thanks to its extended frequency response above 10 Hz.

As it’s excellent for voice recording, this type of microphone also picks up loud vocals. This condenser microphone guarantees exceptional recording quality with virtually no distortion. This microphone is also able to capture the softest of whispers, right at the threshold of hearing, without any difficulty. The audio quality is clearly good.

By the way, find out everything you need to know about the microphone Audio-Technica AT2035. This guide presents the complete test and reviews of this condenser microphone.

In studio recording

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

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

In comparison to the Apogee Mic Plus pro for example, or other condenser microphones from other brands such as Neumann, it has a more pronounced low end on the voice. The highs are also softer 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 “highs” would be a bit limited with this microphone.

I think it’s really the” extreme highs “. Usually the microphone works well for recording vocals and guitars, etc., without difficulty.

For producers or musicians on the go, the Rode NT-USB is really good for portability issues.

You can really put this pro microphone in your bag and record from your hotel room or other studio. Still, with a microphone like this, you’ll still sound like you’re in the recording industry.

The microphone works perfectly with most modern digital audio recording software for laptops, desktops, and Mac or Windows notebooks. And it does so via a simple USB port or via a Bluetooth connection.

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

Rode NT-USB Characteristics

The Rode NT-USB condenser microphone has a frequency response of 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, it means that the microphone has a fairly wide dynamic range.

In the same way as le Rode NT1000, the studio microphone 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 may not be high enough to record something like a kick drum or snare drum, but the microphone does exceptionally well for vocals and acoustic instruments like acoustic guitar. (Your more mid-range frequencies, basically).

Regarding the Rode NT-USB, it’s one of the most delicate capacitor capsules available, also connected to an A/D converter.

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

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

When it comes to microphone prices, it’s a true mid-range package. A must-have piece of recording equipment, it’s more than worthy of being a favorite among the industry’s professional studios, and novices alike.

Design of the Rode NT-USB microphone

Very well-thought-out in terms of design, the Rode NT-USB condenser microphone offers a rather distinctive appearance. Departing from the contemporary spherical or typical pill shape, the Rode NT-USB is a condenser that is slim in its building.

An excellent choice for voice recording

The microphone has a really well constructed capsule, firm controls and a standard threaded design with a matching microphone stand. The tripod is very nice.

But, as mentioned earlier, if you want, you can opt for a suspension kit instead. Another very interesting feature is the attached pop screen. It is specially designed for ideal use of this microphone.

The Rode NT-USB condenser microphone really simplifies the overall recording process in many ways. You don’t need a mixing console or other professional audio equipment. The USB microphone offers basic “plug and play” functionality, as it requires no special drivers.

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

The right side has two controls. These control the volume and gain of the microphone, respectively. On the underside of the microphone you will find a standard 3.5 mm jack for headphones.

Manufacturing quality of the Rode NT-USB

The microphone is surprisingly strong in its building. The diaphragm and capsule are encased in smooth black metal. This gives the microphone a very high-end feel. Similarly, the accompanying pop filter is also perfectly robust, also made of smooth black metal.

Overall, for the price you get this microphone, the building is of excellent quality and is really durable. This is not a delicate, breakable microphone. The design and building of this microphone is beautiful. And it exudes all the professional quality that Rode is known for.

Unpacking and accessories

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

Our opinion on the Rode NT-USB:

The NT-USB condenser microphone from Rode is a benchmark and a must-have. The microphone truly lives up to its name, offering high-end performance and rugged building at a reasonable price. Featuring a cardioid directivity, the Rode NT-USB offers the possibility to achieve professional quality vocals in your home studio, for podcasting and YouTube video as well. Suitable for applications that require an external microphone, it is perfect for beginners as well as professionals. Whether you’re recording in the studio or in the home studio, it’s perfect for both.

Rode NT-USB Demo:

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