NEW RØDE NT1 5th Generation XLR and USB Microphone Review / Test (32 bit float!!!)

[@tombuck]

Hot dang this mic sounds good. Kinda hard to believe it can do all these different things, but it’s so great!

[@AudioHotline]

Seriously!!! It is definitely surprising everything they put in here while keeping the price down!

[@usbrasilcafe]

Your review, this review, was a great help. Only recently have I been reviewing USB XLR mics. And within the last week, I've brought in six mics for review, two off-brands and four new Rode mics. I've focused on comparative audio quality, my daily use general purpose wireless systems versus microphones more specific to human voice. I wanted to address those beginning in online recording activities; basic entry level mic-audio gear for phone and camera hardware. While I've been in electronics since junior high school, much of my analog and then digital activities have been more as a 'button pusher' and 'knob twister' than setup engineer. The structure of your review, your broad stroke entry comments followed by technical details, works well for me. You've done a great job of organizing and delivering your opinions, which I perceive as being backed by actual use as much as a true understanding of the technical side of audio. Just wanted to let you know that subscribing was an easy choice. You're helping a 'boomer tech' get up to speed. And it's appreciated.

[@homestudioacademy]

Thanks for such an awesome review! I was surprised that the usb-c connection sounds so good!

[@theoutsiderjess4869]

I'm a really big fan of this microphone I'm not usually a big fan of condensers but Rode killed it with this one I love it and when I get a proper studio setup I will definitely be buying this mic

[@agambhasin]

I love my 4th gen NT1, I think I am gonna love this one too!

[@BxRI_SzN]

Just got mine in today, this is my first condenser mic and I’m in love

[@MintGreenAudio]

Been a minute since I've watched your videos... Your setup looks SIIIIIIIIICK!!!

[@RandyBooker]

For USB only, between the XDM 100 and this Rode Nt1 5th Gen - which would you say is better? And which is better for non-sound-treated rooms? Thank you in advance!

[@year801991]

After watching your video, I decide to buy this awesome microphone!!! Thank you!

[@FAISAL-od4zx]

You made me buy this microphone, thanks man .. your video answers all my questions

[@benperry4336]

You're a legend, I'm buying one right now!

[@MarkusSenior]

Great review. Thanks so much. Will order through one of your links. Cheer on!

[@SteveEricJordan]

im right with you there, regarding the 10/10 rating. this is simply my favorite microphone. literally anyone could buy it for anything in a studio/home environment and achieve the best outcomes, simply by plug and play into a computer or even phone. kinda feels like the future if i'm thinking back 10 years. not even talking about it SOUNDING the best and most round for warm, male voice recording, to me personally. warm, but not boomy, ultra detailed and very present.

[@Burssty]

USB mics are VIABLE now. this is so cool

[@dfcx1]

I love the kitty purr test!

[@bradatherton9369]

8:04 ok meow, the 'kitty purr test' really sold me on it

[@uncle-english]

Highly articulated, clear, comfortable... that's how I describe Rode Nt1. Same goes with this 5th Gen mic. It's very hard to say I could be in any way unsatisfied with my current NT1. Yet it's awesome to have USB connectivity and those DSP functions. What is more, it did perfectly well in the kitty purr test! What else could I ask for?

[@riOdariot]

Great video. Wish you many views and subscribers!

[@BenFox01]

FANTASTIC REVIEW! Thank you so much! So, from your experience, is the USB quality and XLR quality the same? Thanks again

[@cyberdefenseddi]

Awesome review 🤙

[@QuantumGamingUploads]

This is preety cool. Thanks for the review

[@SylvainDuford]

The low-end on the Kitty Purr Test (tm) had me convinced.

[@RonCecchetti]

My next mic for sure! Good for on the go just to plug in to my mac and record . Also for my zoom h6 for podcasting. Super excited

[@milesian1]

I just got this mic. When it arrived I was in the middle of recording a podcast on a different XLR condenser at home, where I only had my noisy Donner M Jack mini interface. So instead of continuing on the other mic, or trying the NT1 on that noisy interface, I decided to try it out straight to my MacBook Air via USB-C. And since Rode Central wouldn't connect for me, I gave 32-bit float a try, recording to Adobe Audition. And I'm pretty damn impressed with the results. Soundwise, I don't think there's any discernible loss of quality over USB, and the 32-bit float saved me from having to use an interface, which let me stay at home instead of running over to my photo studio to record. I also really appreciate the shock mount, adjustable pop filter, and cables that come with the mic. It's a really solid package. And I should add: BEST KPT EVER!

[@PastorShayne]

Excellent review; also, the spl is higher on the 5th gen, nearly as high as an sm7b!

[@dosiabeats5395]

Great Review!

[@yannickpolitowski6074]

Awesome! Would you recommend this for someone starting a podcast, but also being a professional voice actor over like, let’s say, the Maono PD400X? Thanks in advance! ☺️

[@gensan112]

Amazing review! Thanks! How is the monitor latency with usb?

[@MrBowmanMakes]

commented because of kitty purr test. Best test ever!!

[@sec21]

Sounds a lot closer to the NT1-A than the NT1 to my ears.

[@dylanj8676]

There is a bigger high end boost. Almost 5 dB at 12K.

[@dylanj8676]

Rode says the capsule is the same, but there's definitely an airy sound here that wasn't in the previous black NT1.

[@pabloray2562]

6ft away is crazy 😂 love this mic

[@Dracomies]

I was initially concerned when I first clicked on the samples. But I think it's just that the USB mode sounds very different compared to the XLR mode. XLR mode sounds more like the real deal NT1. That said, RODE, ya gotta make a 32 bit float Videomic GO 2.

[@tritonthelion]

Idk why but to me the 5th gen sounds more like the nt1a.. Maybe its just me... Great video btw!

[@meistudiony]

The original ceramic NT1 was one of my first mics as well, unfortunately got stolen a few years ago :(. Also had an original NTK as well. It's still a bit bright, but the overall tonality is really nice. For not having to use an interface, this is pretty high up on the bad ass scale of simplicity. If you set the gain does it "remember" the setting next time you plug it in? USB sounds a touch brighter than XLR? hmm. Either way this one sounds smoother overall than the rest of them. Wheres the capsule clipping point? (or is it so ridic high that nothing short of a shuttle launch will matter) lol.

[@purrpocalypse]

I prefer the tone on the 4th gen, it's full but has that crispy sizzle on the high end that I love. The 5th gen sounds like a more neutral mic. Meanwhile the NT1A sounds *very* similar to the 5th, but with even more mids and clarity. Maybe the 5th gen is an updated NT1A? I feel that way! Can't go wrong with any of them, but the 4th gen is still my favorite! They're all excellent.

[@choosers5177]

Wow. Such a huge difference between usb and XLR

[@jaklair]

thanks vro

[@Tmaxar]

What I would love to see from Rode is to come up with a portable sound recorder where you can connect your Rode NT1 through USB C and turn this amazing studio microphone into one you can travel with and take outdoors without having to carry a laptop. Wouldn't that be awesome!

Didn't he say that you can plug this into your smartphone?

[@stanleyc.348]

Yeah i already ordered one to use with my phone and mpc. My s20 can recognize a 2 input behringer umc 204 as a stereo input when recording video. I would be amazed if the usb function on this mic doesnt work with smartphones

[@usoygur]

Perfect for the mobile but its condenser mic you need treated room. Mic caracter little bright, if you dont have acoustic can be problem, i suggest small capsule mic like se electronics 8 or akg p170 but u need pre. Very difficult decision but definitely nt1 4th for naturel studio recording. The 5th futures amazing also, loved.

[@yevolution]

Honestly, this mic is just a MIRACLE. It's like a CHEAT ITEM in the audio world's mic domain. THERE'S SO MUCH POWER, FLEXIBILITY, AND CONVENIENCE IN THIS MIC at the price of 250 $. HOW THE F is that even possible right ? It's just WOW man. Dream mic right here !

[@APECH62]

Cat mur mur test is very best test from all test this microphone 😄👍

[@kenyontech]

Hmm. Great Review. In USB mode does the DSP settings "persist" let's say I use it on my PC/MAC and set up the DSP to my liking.. if I were to unplug it and use it on another system or my phone will the mic still have the same settings?

[@AudioHotline]

Yes the settings would be the same as the last time you used it!

[@ortistmusic]

Great review. I have a question regarding the versatily offered by this USB-C connection: would you be able to plug it into an Android Smartphone, and would it be recognised and used as primary microphone by the camera app of that smartphone when recording videos?

[@fluphybunny930]

Worked on an iphone so probably.| You will have the same issue with lack of power. Still impressed that it worked as well as it did.

[@bombonofficial9406]

Yes it works on android

[@iamtonisilvers]

hey Man just wanna ask can you monitor it while using a sperate audio interface and then on nt1 usb mode ? that is my only concerns cause my daw would not let me use 2 usb interface at the same time

[@rickonmic]

Have you tried the mic with the Rode Unity software? Do you still have the "advanced" processing settings?

[@seekyeefirstforsound]

Wow that kitty purr.

[@edrambeau1534]

Can you only make software adjustments when you're in the USB mode or can you do it with USB and XLR?

[@dosiabeats5395]

Quick Question ! Do you think the Metal Pop Filter with the old Shock Mount works aka sounds better ?

[@jlmjloi4533]

The 32bit recording only works on the USB-C connection? how about the XLR?

[@EPHONIC]

Does 32-bit float also work when using XLR? Any drop in quality, if so? Thanks for a great review.

[@---pp7tq]

That depends on an interface which USB connectivity itself gives, so it's only for USB, or for XLR only if your interface has 32 bit float. Not too many of them, though.

[@Bangtang_Aje]

I have the shure mv7. so would it be an upgrade if i get Rode NT1 5th Gen?

[@FamilyChannel-wl9jw]

Thanks for the nice video. How did you connect the mic to an iPhone? Could you specify the cable/ adaptors used. Thanks

[@AudioHotline]

Thank you! I tried a few different options and this is the best one for sure: bhpho.to/3Snq1sV I used this one too, but it's a bit more clunky and you would need a USB-C to USB-A adapter with it: amzn.to/3Ss1fIb

[@FamilyChannel-wl9jw]

@@AudioHotline Many thanks for your prompt response 😀

[@cristianhaivaz]

Hi, I saw before both reviews of the Maono PD400X and the Fifine 688, which one would you suggest if used with USB C ONLY? I'm looking for a good mic to do voice overs. Great review btw, keep it up! :)

[@AudioHotline]

Out of the two I would take the maono.

[@cristianhaivaz]

​@@AudioHotline thanks for your response! the feedback from such a great audiophile like you it is worth a lot, I know I don't make mistakes :) , can I ask you why in a few words?

[@AudioHotline]

@@cristianhaivaz the software that comes with the maono is actually really solid. FiFine doesn’t come with that. I prefer the sound and build quality of the maono and the drop in price from when I reviewed it makes it even more appealing! Thanks for the kind words!

[@69UHF]

how about a live monitoring to headphones like in RODE NT USB ?

[@ukuleleangela6153]

can you link what you used to put the mic into the iphone

[@MIMCKMedia]

Why does it have a gain button when it's 32bit?

[@GeorgeTheTech]

Nice "Podcastage" style tests :) The white-noise polar pattern test is excellent, too. Hey Rode, that is an interesting choice to put the USB-C INSIDE the XLR, precluding the ability to connect both XLR and USB-C simultaneously. OK, almost no one will do this, but why do this? Also thinking the licensing on the Rycote Lyre shock mount pushed the price-point too high.

[@enriquekahn9405]

I was kinda skeptical about this but it actually looks super good. Would have liked to see a demonstration with the USB going directly into a DAW for those of us who don't use Windows/Apple. Really, my only objection is the lack of direct monitoring but if it's as good as you say it'll probably be fine. EDIT: I also don't like the naming. I get that NT1 is kinda Rode's biggest thing but it's going to be somewhat confusing for a newbie if you have to specify that they need to get the 5th gen specifically and the older models won't plug straight into their PC/phone.

[@n050up4u1]

Maybe they should have called it the NT1-32 or something else. This is why I don't work in marketing.

[@eddwardmusic]

Dual connect? What about blue yeti?

[@PoppyDog]

Thanks!

[@AudioHotline]

Thank you!!! I appreciate it!

[@biggerthanhiphop7641]

Do u like the usb or XLR better ?

[@ellisgl]

Now if we can get the interface from the mic as a stand-alone unit....

[@goldwynlife3713]

Can't monitor directly though right?

[@felixftp9670]

So do you can connect the Rode nt1 to the Rode Ai 1 and monitoring this with zero latency with the dsp effects from rode nt1 as well?

[@AudioHotline]

To use DSP and Monitor the audio you would have to do this: 1. Rode NT1 used as USB mic, plugged into computer. 2. Rode AI-1 plugged into computer also. 3. Turn DSP on through rode connect or central. 4. Set NT1 usb connection as input device. 5. Use AI-1 as output device to monitor rode nt1 with DSP. This is what I did and there was very minimal latency, not even noticeable.

[@cvactika]

@@AudioHotline It would be really cool to see how you record vocals over instrumental (the most standard situation in music production) using this technology. 🙏

[@vminator]

What is RODE's problem with 44.1? They refuse to support it.

[@AG_before]

Great video. Let's not forget you CAN NOT use the 32-bit float if you're using a PC and Adobe Audition. That's the part that stopped me from purchasing this. It is more Audition's fault, but if you use Windows and Audition, 32 won't do anything for you. That made me sad. But I love Rode!

[@thefullsetup]

Mine arrived today can’t use the dsp as current version of central and connect is not compatible 😂🤦 Looks like we will have to wait for rode to release a public version.

Does it work with your smartphone?

[@davidperez4149]

for vocals and music and with XLR, this or røde nt1-a?

[@usoygur]

Nt1 4th is definitely more natural, for 5th generation rode company says it has the same character but 5th gen it is brighter imo. Also Rode changed 4th gen frequency response on website, same with 5th now :) 4th Gen for me Thank you.

[@AudioHotline]

The more I listen to them, the more I feel that exact same way. The NT1 4th gen is a bit more natural.

[@usoygur]

@@AudioHotline Listenin your 4th video, This microphone suits your voice better :) but the 5th gen futures amazing very futuristic also the apps very well. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2O8e4Cgq8iYaMk

[@BOBTVNYC]

Have you reviewed the vocaster Dm14v

[@victorvocals]

I just got one for me.....but i was unable to connect that to my daw...fl studio

[@savethefails]

i havent seen anybody answer this yet...assuming that the USB input is the only way to get 32bit float and dsp?

[@AudioHotline]

32 bit through an analog XLR connection is entirely dependent on the interface/recorder you are using. You can’t get 32 bit float through XLR if the interface you are connected to is only capable of 24 bit (quite a few interfaces currently). The Motu M2 is capable of 32 bit, so is the new zoom uac-232, as well as a few Tascam, Mix-Pre, and Zoom recorders. If you were to hook up this mic to any of those 32 but float devices with an XLR cable, you could definitely get a 32 bit file. But yes on-board DSP is reliant on USB.

[@HDBnB1]

was the recording to the iphone through your voice memos app

[@AudioHotline]

It’s the Rode Reporter App

[@adolforosas]

Ayo man I got a question. I got a Thomann version of a rode called Rode T-1000. You know whick mic is that?

[@UnusualAudio]

It looks like a black Rode NT-1000

[@ryanbenson1701]

Gen 4 here we go. And all black is def better

[@dirk.4711]

Hi, which audio interface did you use on the XLR vs USB sound test?

[@AudioHotline]

It was the Røde AI-1

[@dirk.4711]

@@AudioHotline Any specific reason why you used the Rode AI-1 over your Motu 2 and Scarlet 2i2?

[@AudioHotline]

@@dirk.4711 not for any sound reason. It was just simply because it came in a kit with the 4th gen NT1, so I wasn’t mostly doing it as a comparison for anyone who got that kit.

[@manvince]

Awesome review. I'm however wondering how you would use the USB in a 32bit recording in pro tools for example when overdubbing. I mean how would you handle the monitoring roles for the headphones for example? Thanks

[@YoungBlaze]

How's the latency when plugged in via usb

[@AudioHotline]

It's surprisingly good. I talk about it here: 21:30

[@valendobleg]

Kitty purr test 😂

[@Estangolegreen.]

Hello I bought the rode NT1 5TH generation and the A-1 sound card and the NTH100 headphones. But I'm having trouble connecting it. in fact when I connect the microphone via USB, the microphone is displayed on the different applications such as unify, rode connecte and rode central. But, when the USB cable is connected to the AI ​​sound card and I connect it to the desktop, the A1 sound card, I have the sound but the microphone is not recognized by the application or the computer. This is actually my biggest problem. I can say that the microphone works when I connect it to the XLR since I have feedback via the headset but the microphone is not recognized by the computer application either. I want to know how to use my microphone and my sound card on my Windows computer.

[@AudioHotline]

The AI-1 is an audio interface. So you would connect an XLR cable to from the NT1 to the AI-1. If you want to use the NT1 as a USB mic, you don’t need to use the AI-1, you would just connect the NT1 5th gen directly to the computer! If you do want to use the AI-1, you would go XLR cable from the NT1 to the AI-1 then USB cable (that plugs into the back) of the AI-1. At that However, the AI-1 won‘t show whatever devices are plugged into it on connect, in fact the AI-1 does not connect to Rode Connect or unify. It does work with Rode Central, but for firmware updates. It just simply gives you a connection between the mic and the computer to be able to record into a DAW.

[@Estangolegreen.]

@@AudioHotline ok i will try thanks a lot

[@southeastsaltwater]

Great video! I'm looking to purchase the NT1 5th Gen for voice over work. Beginner question here: If using the USB instead of XLR, would I be able to use the headphone jack on a Macbook Air to monitor my playback? Or would I still need a separate audio interface for just headphones? Any information would be appreciated.

[@Daniel-ri2ys]

Only with to much latency, that makes monitoring useless. So that is the big minus point and a show stopper when looking for an usb mic.

[@southeastsaltwater]

@@Daniel-ri2ys thanks for the response 👍🏼. I did purchase the NT1 5th gen but have been using XLR and a Focusrite solo interface with studio headphones. Works great.

[@delcastilloian]

Singing wise...is it better than the new Rode NT USB+ ?

[@AudioHotline]

I would definitely pick the NT1

[@delcastilloian]

@@AudioHotline reasons?

[@AudioHotline]

@@delcastilloian 32 bit capabilities for singers that go from really quiet to really loud. On the nt1 the sound is a lot more complimentary for more voice types. the sound of the NT USB+ is a little too sculpted in my opinion. of course XLR capabilities for music applications is huge. a professional shock mount vs a hard mount on the NT USB+ if the singer accidentally touches the stand (or wants to rest their hands on the stand (I’ve personally seen this a lot). adjustable pop filter is huge, the NT USB pop filter is way too close to the mic and can’t be adjusted. basically the NT1 is better in every imaginable way when it comes to singing… and pretty much any use case.

[@delcastilloian]

@@AudioHotline damn...and I just bought my Nt Usb+ Rip my wallet 🤣😂

[@Yuyu-ng]

KITTY PURRRRR TEST! 😭

[@AduderReviews]

Is the nt1 a big upgrade from a blu yeti?

[@AudioHotline]

In my opinion: yes it is.

[@AduderReviews]

@@AudioHotline thank you

[@senzayyzone]

awesome sound is just too good too clear crips and more balanced doesn't sound as high pitched as the 1st gen

[@haroldbones84]

Am I crazy for thinking that the Usb way sounds better? 🤔

[@theglobalzrecordingproject]

I can definitely see where you are coming from. To my years, in USB mode, the frequency transitions are more smooth across the spectrum and there is a touch more general clarity. XLR mode sounds more 'broad-casty' with a more distinct jump from mids to upper frequencies. That is what I am hearing. Not that either sounds bad, just depends on the sonic qualities you are looking for at any given time.

[@haroldbones84]

@@theglobalzrecordingproject I agree! A friend of mine owns the Audio Technica AT2020 usb and the sound of that mic it's so clear and good. It amazes me 🤣 We did an EP with that mic and it was so easy to mix the vocals. He ( my friend ) now owns the Neumann tlm103 and my God!! I have headaches trying to get a great sound out of it.

[@stranditjr]

I noticed it immediately

[@bombonofficial9406]

Rode NT1 5 or electro-Voice re320?

[@AudioHotline]

The Rode NT1 5G definitely has versatility on its side especially when it comes to dual output and 32 bit on its own… the RE320 needs an interface while the NT1 5G technically doesn’t. Personally these are the applications I would choose the RE320 over the Rode NT1 5G (*in my experience with the sources I record*): -Spoken word in a less than ideal recording environment. RE320 is going to reject the room quite a bit better than the NT1. -recording a kick drum, or any toms. -recording a guitar cab, especially for a more focused and aggressive sound.

[@bombonofficial9406]

@@AudioHotline thanks I will go with the re320 since I have an audio interface

[@lloydcooke5503]

Two things I find annoying about Rodes, 1 THE brand name is at the back when mounted, 2 the red XLR cable, why.....

[@angeljorge5371]

or as i like to call it: the Rodent 1

[@cashtransfercompany3639]

Why not making the videos when you're not sleepy?

[@bobby6427]

USB is smart def for the tik tok and shorts crowd

[@Nudogi_Galgori]

xlr 소켓안에 usb포트가 숨어있다니 엄청 불편해 보이네

[@jomuller5462]

250$, but in Germany (the neighbor of Austria) 300€=316$ 🤔

[@dylanj8676]

Rode is Australian not Austrian.

[@Andrewc87563]

A 10 like Dudley Moores Bo Derek

[@dogwolfwolfdog3661]

5 years later u87 with type c 💀💀💀

[@fluphybunny930]

It has a foot in both camps (USB/XLR) but I feel it should have both feet in one? Wait this could lead to more ASMR 🤢 🤮

[@diveshsingh1673]

Hmm is it just me or on USB connection has a little distortion or crackling on the voice...just ever so little if u hear very closely compared to xlr.... I do like what rode is doing...just wondering is it just me or someone else notices this... By the way amazing review glad I stopped here.

[@TheNunolopes]

the price is not cheaper then the old model...or sellers are abusing the price....

[@AudioHotline]

The old model came in at $269 (still is on sweetwater), this one goes for $249.

[@TheNunolopes]

@@AudioHotline only in US, not europe

[@AudioHotline]

@@TheNunolopes what are the prices there?

[@TheNunolopes]

@@AudioHotline about 305 euros and the older model - 285 euros

[@alessandro_proietti]

In Italy it's 299€ (5th gen) vs 269€ (4th gen).

[@ProvenSawlid]

Dude that’s bad ACTION

[@wackyreviews9710]

Harry Potter)

[@ThaexakaMavro]

Yet your dsp is 24bit at 48hz only lol fail

[@ObscureTech]

How do you figure? Your comment makes no sense

[@AudioHotline]

I really don’t want this to come off condescending. Usually I would let stuff like this slide, but there seems to be a serious misconception about sample rates and bit depth. If you are using DSP while recording you most likely aren’t going to process it later, therefore you don’t need a higher rate than 48kHz… even if you were going to process it later, 48khz captures more frequencies than the human ear can hear and 24 bit has more than enough dynamic range (144dB). Humans can hear 20hz- 20kHz… 44.1 kHz, captures that entire range without any aliasing or artifacts. DSP is meant for fast turn around or live streaming. In that situation no one needs higher than 24bit at 48khz. Even if you could record at a higher bit and sample rate, your audience wouldn’t be able to hear the difference. Those higher sample rates are purely meant for the editing process…. So why would you use DSP? Things like 192kHz are nice for time stretching so you don’t cause any aliasing/artifacts but the last thing you would want in the editing process is DSP already baked into a track. Maybe you are insinuating that 32 bit isn’t usable with DSP… 32 bit is meant for people that plan to edit their audio and change their levels in post in case they clipped… 32 bit is not a limiter, it doesn’t prevent you from clipping, but it gives you the option to save those clipped parts in post. it’s full potential can not be used in a live setting so it doesn’t make sense why you would want DSP compatibility with it. Bottom line, anyone who knows what they are doing that uses 32 bit 192 kHz is planning on editing the hell out of that track in post.

[@michaelbower85]

How dare you speak to the Sex God this way #shame

[@AudioHotline]

@@michaelbower85 😂😂😂