RØDE 5th Generation of NT1 Microphone Now Available for Preorder

Audio Gear News

by Jürgen MoorsFebruary 21^st, 2023

RØDE just announced the new generation of the NT1 microphone, the first digital and analog microphone with an XLR and a USB connection and 32-bit floating point recording. The NT1 microphone comes in silver or black and is available for pre-order at $249. So let’s take a closer look at the brand-new version of this iconic microphone!

RØDE is one of the best-known leaders in audio technology. Founded in 1967, their products are designed and manufactured in Sydney, Australia. They introduced the legendary large-diaphragm condenser microphone RØDE NT1 to the market in 1992, which remained the standard microphone for studio-quality audio recordings for decades. After almost 10 years since its last upgrade, RØDE announced a new generation of the NT1 microphone – the first digital and analog microphone with 32-bit floating point recording!

RØDE NT1 with next-generation technology

The NT1 5th Generation features a dual connect output offering a classic XLR, and a USB output for connecting the microphone to an audio interface, a mixer, a console, or any other audio equipment – or simply directly to a computer for plug-and-play recording. It features a built-in professional-grade audio interface with RØDE’s ultra-low noise, high-gain Revolution PreampTM, high-resolution (up to 192kHz) analog-to-digital conversion, and advanced digital signal processing for recording studio-quality audio.

32-bit floating point recording

Above all, RØDE has equipped the digital side of the NT1 5th Generation with innovative features to ensure that you get audio at studio quality, including through a USB connection. The built-in preamp provides plenty of ultra-low noise gain for the analog-to-digital converter, and with the 32-bit floating point, you’ll never need to worry about clipping again. From a whisper to a scream, the converter supplies so much headroom and wide dynamic range, that it’s virtually impossible to overload. Sampling rates are supported up to 192 kHz, and all of this without the use of an extra audio interface!

Shockmounted HF6 cardioid condenser capsule

Additionally, the new NT1 5th Generation comes with a studio shock mount for protection and an additional pop filter. It has a new HF6 1-inch gold-sputtered cardioid condenser capsule with an exceptionally low noise (4dBA) level that makes the NT1 5th Generation one of the quietest studio condenser microphones ever.

It is a phantom-powered microphone that can be powered with 24 or 48 volts, making it compatible with entry-level or professional microphone pre-amps. Historically, the NT1 has been the favorite choice of singers, musicians and audio recording engineers. Still, it also works perfectly in a home recording studio environment for spoken voice recording, for solo podcasters and streamers.

RØDE app suite

The microphone is compatible with a range of free RØDE apps that allow you to configure settings, access the advanced DSP, update firmware and much more.

RØDE central companion app

• RØDE Central is an easy-to-use companion app for your NT1 5th Generation, giving you access to its advanced APHEX® processing and effects, input gain control and firmware updates. After configuring your microphone in RØDE Central, these settings persist in order to be used with your DAW or other audio software. For further information about the RØDE Central App, please click here.

RØDE connect podcasting app

• RØDE Connect is a simple and powerful software solution for podcasting with the NT1 5th Generation. Along with offering access to the microphone’s advanced DSP and firmware updates, this software lets you connect up to four RØDE USB microphones to a single computer and features an intuitive interface for mixing and recording your podcast. For further information about the RØDE Connect App, please click here.

UNIFY streaming app

• UNIFY is a virtual mixing software for streaming with your NT1 5th Generation. Route your audio sources into one intuitive mixer, find your perfect sound with professional processing, create completely independent mixes and record it all as multichannel audio for editing in post-production, or simply output direct to OBS to stream it live. For further information about the UNIFY App, please click here.

RØDE NT1 key features

• Large-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone
• HF6 1-inch gold-sputtered condenser capsule
• Smooth frequency response, high sensitivity and high SPL handling
• Exceptionally low noise (4dBA) – a very quiet studio condenser microphone
• Patent-pending Dual Connect output with both XLR and USB connectivity
• World-first 32-bit float digital output
• Ultra-high-resolution (up to 192kHz) analog-to-digital conversion
• On-board DSP for advanced APHEX® audio processing
• Studio-grade shock mount and pop filter, XLR and USB cables included
• Available in black or silver with a rugged aluminum body and high-grade finishes
• Designed and made in RØDE’s manufacturing facilities in Sydney, Australia

RØDE NT1 – what’s included

• NT1 microphone (silver or black)
• SM6 shock mount & pop filter
• SC29 – 3m USB-C cable
• 6m XLR cable
• Dust cover

Pricing and availability

RØDEs NT1 5th Generation microphone has a 10-year (!) warranty and comes in two technically identical versions – classic silver or the stylish black version. Both are available for pre-order at $249/€250.68. Shipping will start around the end of February.

So what do you think about the new generation of RØDE NT1 microphone? Is the dual connectivity a real game changer for you? Have you ever used a RØDE NT1 microphone before? Please leave us a comment in the section below.