“An ideal first mic for anyone configuring a home studio”: Rode NT1 Signature Series review

The Rode NT1 microphone – introduced way back in 1991 – played as important a role in the home studio revolution as affordable digital recording technology did.

The NT1 was the first pro-quality large diaphragm condenser mic to sell for less than $200, and it provided very impressive specs and sound quality that significantly leveled the playing field for musicians making demos and low-budget commercial projects at home.

Rode recently introduced a 5th generation NT1 with updated specs and modern performance features like USB connectivity. At the same time, Rode also rolled out the less expensive NT1 Signature Series, which offers the same sonic character and specs as the 5th generation but without USB, shaving $90 from the 5th gen’s price, and, most remarkably, selling for even less than the original NT1 (and that’s even without adjustment for inflation).

The Rode NT1 Signature Series mic features a 1-inch condenser capsule with a focused, single-sided cardioid polar pattern. It delivers incredibly low noise performance (4dB) and can handle exceptionally high sound pressure levels up to 142dB. 

Its frequency range is 20Hz to 20kHz, and it has the exact same frequency response as the NT1 5th gen, which is exceptionally flat with the exception of a boosted peak around 10kHz. The mic requires 48V phantom power and connects to an interface, preamp or console via a three-pin XLR jack.

The 10kHz boost makes the NT1 Signature Series a great choice for recording crisp vocals with detailed articulation, “air” and clarity that cuts through a mix. Like the previous NT1 mics it’s also a general purpose workhorse that sounds particularly good on electric and acoustic guitars and drums.

With its 142dB maximum SPL, the mic can be placed close to a speaker driven by a fully cranked amp without distorting the mic. The tight cardioid pattern enables users to capture vocals or instruments in near-total isolation even when other instruments are also playing.

Same as it was way back in 1991, this latest version of the NT1 is an ideal first mic for anyone configuring a home studio. But it’s also a worthy addition to your studio if you already own a previous version of the NT1 thanks to its different frequency curve, which makes it a nice complement to its predecessor’s flatter sonic character.

The Signature Series package includes a studio-quality shock mount, pop filter and XLR cable, which makes it even more of a bargain, and it’s available in six different colors (black, blue, green, pink, purple or red) to add some style and flair to your studio.

Specs

• PRICE: $159
• TYPE: Large-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone
• FEATURES: HF6 1-inch true condenser capsule, low noise (4dBA), High SPL handling capabilities (142dB), studio-grade shock mount, pop filter and premium XLR cable included
• CONTACT: Rode