The Rode NT1-A is the microphone we mostly use to record vocals and guitars at Do Re Mi Studios. Many of our students ask us in their music lessons for suggestions on which microphone to buy. Therefore, I thought I would write a review about this microphone.
Condenser Mic with shock mount
Designed in Australia, the Rode NT1-A is a condenser microphone with a frequency range between 20Hz – 20kHz. It has a cardioid polar pattern and a 1″ capsule with a gold-plated diaphragm. Weighing 326.00g, it has internal capsule shock mounting and comes with the RØDE SM6 shock mount, a pop filter and dust cover. The Rode NT1-A has a gold-plated XLR output, a nickel-plated body and a capsule protected by a stainless-steel grill.
Ideal For Vocals and Guitars
One of my favourite things about this mic is that it has very low noise of 5dB (A). The sensitivity is -31.9dB re 1 Volt/Pascal (25.00mV @ 94 dB SPL) +/- 2 dB @ 1kHz. This makes the Rode NT1-A ideal for recording vocals and guitars. I find that the mic’s response reproduces clean sounds very well. You have the choice to use the Rode NT1-A on 48V phantom power or 24V phantom power.
10-Year Warranty
There is a one-year warranty when you purchase the mic. However, if you go on the Rode website and register the mic, Rode offers you a 10-year warranty. This is definitely well worth doing.
Summary
Rode microphones have a reputation for being well built. The Rode NT1-A is no exception. It is a value for money microphone that produces bright detailed results. Its great dynamic range, clarity and high SPL capability are features usually only found on very expensive microphones. Therefore, this is the ideal home studio mic that does not break the budget.
The Rode NT1-A gets a 5 star rating from us at Do Re Mi Studios. Other Rode models to consider are the NT100, the NT2-A and the NT1. Check out the Rode website for more details on these microphones.
How about you? Have you used the Rode NT1-A? Please leave us a comment with your experience with this microphone.
