Rode NT1-A Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

This microphone exceeded my expectations. It sounds warm, clear, and crisp. For only $229, you can't possibly beat it. This microphone can compete well with microphones at a much higher price range. Ever since I got this mic, my hip hop vocals have skyrocketed in quality, because now the vocal quality is professional sounding. I don't even have to add EQ to the vocals I record with this bad boy (unless I was trying to make it sound a very specific way, but normally adding EQ to the vocals from this mic would be like selling yourself short...), all I need to do is add compression and a reverb, and it sounds really good. I tried rapping into this mic without the pop filter, and surprisingly, the plosives didn't show up as much as I thought they would. It will happen, no doubt, but I was just surprised at how much harder it is to get them to show up. You can scream into this mic, you can speak very softly, you can make your voice sound any way you wish, and it will pick it up pretty much exactly like you actually sound... except with an added smoothness and warmth (though, I would not say as warm as a good tube mic, like the Rode K2 or Rode NTK).No, it doesn't allow you to utilize multiple polar patterns, it is strictly cardioid. That's why this microphone is best for vocals. I would say that would be one downfall of this mic. But geez, it only costs $229... how could you possibly go wrong? If you're starting up your own home studio, this is a must buy. Don't go with those cheap USB powered microphones... they're not good for vocals or anything except talking on skype and podcasting. The Rode NT1-A is an exceptional mic, and the value cannot be beaten.You can register your microphone at the Rode website to get a 10 year warranty on it... for free. A free 10 year warranty on an awesome microphone, to protect your investment.The pop filter it comes with is good. It has never allowed any plosives through. Before you even hook it up, you can test it by blowing through one side and putting your hand on the other. You will barely feel the air coming through. The shockmount ain't bad, it does the job.Do not drop this mic, as condenser mics are very fragile. Also, they are very prone to moisture and dust. So make sure you have it set up in a relatively dry room. Always remember to put that dust cover over it when it's not in use.If you are thinking about getting this mic... stop thinking about it, and get it! You will NOT be disappointed. You will be impressed.If you're an amateur like me, and you are building a home studio... people will see this mic and KNOW you are getting serious about your music.5+ out of 5 for value and quality.Peace.

I recently purchased the Rode NT1-A to do a sound test with my Sennheiser MK-416. I am a professional voice actor with a broadcast-quality home studio--unfortunately, I also live 10 minutes from LAX airport, and even with a well-built studio, the air traffic can affect recordings. In an effort to deal with this problem, I wanted to try out the Rode for its 'background noise reduction', and compare the final sound with my Sennheiser. Here's what I learned:- The Sennheiser MK-416 still resulted in the clearest, warmest sound, and quietest background noise when positioned properly (it's a directional / shotgun mic, so position is much more crucial than for a Cardioid like the Rode)- The Rode NT1-A, however, was honestly not far off at all. The sound was a bit sharper at certain tones, but very clear. The background noise, while overall a bit louder than the Sennheiser, was significantly reduced--particularly at the higher frequencies, nearly nonexistent when looking at the spectral imaging.- The Sennheiser is a $1,000 mic by itself...the Rode is $215 with an entire package of add-ons.Bottom line: while the Rode NT1-A isn't quite on par with a top-end mic like the Sennheiser MK-416, it's really darn close--and a fraction of the price. I can honestly say it's the best value and deal I've found as far as microphones go, giving a surprisingly great quality while remaining even more surprisingly affordable.In the end, while I will continue using my Sennheiser, I HIGHLY recommend anyone looking for a fantastic mic to use until you're ready to jump to the pricey, top-tier options, to try the Rode NT1-A. Best "bang-for-your-buck" microphone I've found, by far, and one that is good certainly enough for professional voiceover work. Five stars, hands down.

For the price it is hands down the best value. Many other reviews have mentioned how sensitive/hot/picks up everything etc etc. This is so true.But is that a bad thing? I am not an audio pro by any stretch but a microphone that picks up every little detail cant be a bad thing. This mic is often considered the entry point to the pro quality gear. With that said you would likely have it setup in a "pro" type environment (proper acoustic treatment etc). As a comparison, I have a 2020 and an MXL 990 - the gain is is between a 1/16th and 1/8th turn higher on both of those mics compared to the NT1A. My recording space has a noise floor of -75dBFS - there is no ambient noise to speak of. My experience so far has been great - I own other rode products like the NT-USB (my go to travel mic) and not only has Rode support been a tremendous asset in terms of timely response their technical support is superb. I have had this mic for over a month now. I use it a few times per day and have been quite impressed. Again I am not a pro but I was loaned an NT1000 and could not hear the difference. I am not a singer, I only use my microphones for speaking/voice related projects. I have a deeper baritone - mid bass voice. No problems on my chops. Go for it - you wont regret it.

This microphone is very good for the price. I have used it in a small studio setting and I am very impressed. When compared to a Neumann TL102 head to head, it was right there in sound quality. It is a softer microphone and has warmth and depth that the Neumann lacks but is not as clear either. The Rhode is less responsive but in a small studio that can be a plus.I found this microphone needed a little tweaking with the EQ to sound just right but almost no compression. Warm and not quite as soft as my EV RE20. Bass was punchy but not overbearing and the higher tones were still crisp and clear. It would be a good microphone for bass voices and adequate for the higher female voices as well.For the money, a great buy.