NT1 + PSA-1 + AI-1

Before I get into this review I have to say I’m not an audio expert, so I’m not in a position to offer technical insights, or comparisons with several other comparable mics. I’m just someone who found he needed to master a basic level of skill at sound recording for voice because of my work (Hypnotherapist creating Hypnosis CDs). And I’ve been doing that for quite a few years now. Starting from a mic plugged straight into a cassette deck with no editing available, to what I have now which is this Rode NT-1, an ART Tube MP mic pre-amp, and a Macbook Pro with Garageband to do the recording. Editing and adding a music background is done with Adobe Audition.The problems that I’ve had in the past – mostly using a cheap dynamic microphone I bought from Tandy many, many years ago – are: low-level noise in the recording that’s been introduced by equipment, and sound quality.When I popped the headphones on to listen to my first recording with the Rode NT-1 I was blown away. It was so quiet and my voice sounded so much richer than in the past. Audition’s Spectral Frequency Display shows that there is a very low level of noise, but I can’t hear it at comfortable listening volume. Mind you I am getting on a bit so I can’t guarantee that younger ears might not be able to detect it. But it is a huge improvement on what I’m used to getting with other, much cheaper, dynamic mics. Also some of that noise may come from the pre-amp or the laptop. Still I think the claim from Rode’s website “Ultra-low noise, self noise of only 4.5dB (A)” is worth taking seriously.One of my concerns about paying, what to me, was a sizeable sum for a mic based only on what I gleaned from, often quite technical, reviews was that there was very little feedback on using the Rode NT-1 just for spoken word. Another of my concerns was that I don’t have a studio. I record in a room that has not, in any way, been adapted to make it better for recording. So there is sound outside, from birds, trucks, and planes. Dynamic mics, which I was used to using, don’t have too much problem with this, but everything I was reading told me that condenser mics were incredibly sensitive and would pretty much pick up a pin dropping.During my first recording I had a truck that I could hear clearly – this was very faint on the recording, an aeroplane which seemed to me quite loud, that I couldn’t hear on the recording and I marked where it was so I could check. There were a couple of magpies chattering outside during the half hour I was recording and I can’t hear them on it either. So its cardioid polar pattern seems quite effective since the extraneous sound was coming through the window which was at the back of the mic. It certainly picked up ‘mouth sounds’ clicks, breaths… without any problem at the front.I bought the package that includes the pop-screen (which is a stiff metal mesh), shock mount, and cloth mic cover. The pop filter is excellent and works much better than the ‘pair of tights’ type that I’d been using. The shock mount holds the pop screen so I didn’t even have to worry about how far away from the mic it should be, or how to mount it.Bear in mind that in order to use the Rode NT-1 you need a mic pre-amp with phantom power, and you also need an XLR mic cable.In conclusion I can say that I am very pleased with this mic and the vocal quality outshines anything I’ve used in the past. I highly recommend it.

I am currently using this for voiceover work in my bedroom (the quietest room in the house), after going through over a dozen mics I finally plumped for the Rode NT1, I had read and heard all of the reviews and I needed something that was not going to give me a lot of hiss - this fits the bill.I bought the complete mic kit which includes a high quality solid shock mount, don't let the fact it is plastic and not metal put you off, this is true professional gear, the slot-in pop filter is all metal, double skinned and works a treat. The mic is all metal casing with a strong grill, self noise is amazing, I am not aware of any hiss, just good clean sound with a slightly warm tone to it, perfect for everything that I do.Worth every penny, a great looking setup that sounds great, oh and you get a dust cover for the mic too, awesome piece of equipment.

This purchase has been nothing short of a total disaster. Bought in March, the microphone was perfect for a few months, then it suddenly stopped working. Sent it back and Amazon were really good about it, gave me a refund. I decided to order another one because when the NT1 is functional, it delivers a crystal clear sound for a variety of uses.The 2nd one arrived this week with a dubious used-looking box. Not only does it look like it has been returned and re-sealed, but this microphone didn't even come with the pop shield. Poor quality checks and a very unhappy customer. Look at the date of this review and consider getting from a different company if you don't want to be handed faulty or 2nd hand goods.

Everyone tells you how quiet it is; and it certainly is. Everyone says it is great for vocals; and it is. Much better than the sub £100 competitors many of which I have moved on in the past.When I was looking for a new mic I read all the reviews and set my price limit quite low (no Neumanns). The nice thing about this mic is that although I may choose other mics for a different sound (SM57, SM58, SM81 SE Z3300A are all in my cupboard and lots of cheapies discarded and sold) it will make a useable result on everything I have tried so far (vocals, electric and acoustic guitar, mandolin, small percussion). Not only that, and most important to me is that the sounds combine in a mix without too much effort and even sounds that are mixed low are still audible. It does this very well.I like the shock-mount / pop screen - it works well and seems reasonably robust.The physical weight is sort of middly - feels robust without always needing an upgraded stand.The sound doesn't get too boomy or scatchy, - boosting either bass or treble or both, results in warm true bass and / or clean silky tops.My voice comes out very natural and eqs well to match the mix.Acoustic guitar - I find the mic can be placed close to the strings or body without picking up string slides or too much boom.Off-axis sounds stay quite natural.10 year warranty when registered - how many other manufacturers would risk that?Less good - very little reallyPicks up room and outside noise more than dynamic mics but that is only to be expected.The shock-mount mounting ring isnt captive so I'll be careful not to loose it.It would have been better to have a plastic box for storage.Doesnt make me sing in tune!!Summary - Great mic certainly for the money which I'm sure will stay at the ready nearly all the time. A good first do-it-all mic and if I had only £200 to spend it would be a toss up between this and an SM57 and SM58 combo.