RODE NT1-A Review

Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone

52,810 reviews
rode.com
Rode
  • For Vocals, Podcasts, and Instruments
  • Cardioid Pattern Reduces Ambient Noise
  • Ultralow Self-Noise of 5 dBA
  • Internally Shock-Mounted Capsule
  • Shockmount Inhibits Vibration Noise
  • Large 1" Gold-Sputtered Diaphragm
  • Transformerless Output Stage
  • Pop Filter Controls Vocal Plosives
  • XLR Cable for Hookup to Mic Preamp
  • Operates on 24 or 48 VDC Phantom Power

Introduction

In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 52,810 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the RODE NT1-A. This analysis is performed by the RR artificial intelligence and updated daily with newly submitted reviews. The RR AI utilizes a complex algorithm to first scrutinize user reviews for credibility, filtering out unreliable ones. It then proceeds to dissect and evaluate the valuable insights within these reviews, providing users with ratings regarding the features of this product. Based on these assessments, users can make informed decisions about whether this product is suitable for them or not.

Ratings Based on Features

These results are a summary of user reviews of the RODE NT1-A. For example, 87% of 7,486 users who have commented on the Sound quality of the RODE NT1-A have given positive feedback.

87%
Sound quality
87% of users are satisfied, based on 7,486 reviews
85%
Value for money
85% of users are satisfied, based on 7,476 reviews
79%
For beginners
79% of users are satisfied, based on 5,059 reviews
88%
Easy to use
88% of users are satisfied, based on 5,059 reviews
80%
Sheerness
80% of users are satisfied, based on 2,632 reviews
84%
Noise cancellation
84% of users are satisfied, based on 2,632 reviews
78%
Comfort
78% of users are satisfied, based on 2,417 reviews
80%
Versatility
80% of users are satisfied, based on 2,417 reviews
Average Rating (52,810 ratings)
92%
Thomann ( 4,209 ratings )
94%
Amazon.com ( 2,632 ratings )
92%
Amazon.ca ( 2,427 ratings )
90%
Amazon.co.jp ( 2,427 ratings )
88%
Amazon.sa ( 2,426 ratings )
92%
Amazon.ae ( 2,425 ratings )
92%
Amazon.eg ( 2,424 ratings )
92%
Amazon.in ( 2,420 ratings )
90%
Amazon.com.mx ( 2,417 ratings )
94%
Amazon.co.uk ( 2,415 ratings )
92%
Amazon.de ( 2,414 ratings )
92%
Amazon.fr ( 2,414 ratings )
92%
Amazon.it ( 2,413 ratings )
92%
Amazon.com.tr ( 2,413 ratings )
92%
Amazon.es ( 2,413 ratings )
92%
Amazon.nl ( 2,413 ratings )
92%
Amazon.se ( 2,413 ratings )
92%
Amazon.pl ( 2,413 ratings )
92%
Amazon.com.au ( 2,413 ratings )
92%
Amazon.sg ( 2,413 ratings )
92%
Amazon.cn ( 1,415 ratings )
94%
B&H Photo Video ( 575 ratings )
100%
SweetWater ( 162 ratings )
90%
Adorama ( 112 ratings )
98%
Musicians Friend ( 56 ratings )
100%
Zzounds ( 49 ratings )
100%
Reverb ( 45 ratings )
95%
Guitar Center ( 42 ratings )
90%
Show more

Highlighted Customer Reviews

Showing 21 to 40 of 201 Reviews

Great For Podcasting

Rode NT1-A Microphone/USB Preamp Bundle Review

Rode NT1-A Microphone/USB Preamp Bundle

Oct 29, 2014

Reviewed by Mechanik on B&H Photo Video

I bought this for recording my podcast and the audio is superb. This package made it very easy to do one stop shopping and get everything I needed except the studio boom. I watched some comparison videos on YouTube comparing this to the Rode Procaster and Rode Podcaster and although they sounded respectable, there was just no comparison in the audio quality and the NT1-A won hands down.Be forewarned that this microphone is very sensitive and if you are monitoring any audio through headphones at the same time (e.g. other hosts are calling in via Skype, you are mixing in sound effects or music, etc.) that you will need a good set of isolating monitor headphones to prevent the microphone from picking up your headphone audio and causing a bit of a reverb effect. Also I definitely recommend running it with a low pass filter to cut the ambient noise. ... More

Amazing performance for both voice and instruments

Rode NT1-A Microphone/USB Preamp Bundle Review

Rode NT1-A Microphone/USB Preamp Bundle

Nov 5, 2017

Reviewed by James on B&H Photo Video

I have used this mic to record voice-overs, singers, acoustic guitar and electric guitar....it not just handled them all well....its performance was out of the park! In my opinion, you cannot get a better mic in this price range. And I don't mean if you spend more, you'll get a better mic necessarily. I mean, you could spend two or thee times the price for a mic and not got the performance this mic offers! Get it! You won't regret it!

Great for Voice Over

Rode NT1-A Microphone/USB Preamp Bundle Review

Rode NT1-A Microphone/USB Preamp Bundle

Mar 24, 2012

Reviewed by Marvin B. on B&H Photo Video

After researching a few USB mics and the NT1-A for some voiceover work on a documentary I'm editing, I settled on the NT1-A. When I unboxed the mic I was very pleased with what I found. The shock mount, pop screen, and XLR cable were of better quality than I expected. I'm editing in a spare bedroom that I've converted to a Final Cut/Voiceover studio, so I added a VoxGuard Nearfield Audio Absorber and other sound proofing to cut down on room noise. So far I've put the NT1-A through some rudimentary tests with Pro Tools SE using the M-Audio Fast Track Pro interface and have to say it's best sounding vocal mic I've ever owned. The package is a great value for the money. I'd highly recommend this mic for a micro-budget home voiceover setup. ... More

Awesome Voice Over Microphone

Rode NT1-A Microphone/USB Preamp Bundle Review

Rode NT1-A Microphone/USB Preamp Bundle

Aug 30, 2020

Reviewed by Michael on B&H Photo Video

I will preface this review with the fact that this is my first studio Condenser Microphone. I have wireless lapel and boom mic's for recording videos but I branched out into voice overs for training development. I did a lot of research to see what people are using and recommend and the Rode NT1-A was at the top of the list of affordable microphones. I watched the Rode video demonstrations of the NT1-A and thought it would work. I've purchased a Focusrite audio interface, headphones, PreSonus studio monitors, and a Rockshield 3 sound isolation shield. I have to say this microphone works perfectly; it allows a novice to record excellent quality voice over tracks. I am thoroughly pleased and would recommend this microphone to others. I have drilled and inserted the included in-desk mount and use a Rode microphone boom for daily use with Microsoft Teams and Zoom as well as on a stand with the isolation shield for voice over recording. This is a great purchase! ... More

Great for voice over work...

Rode NT1-A Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone With SM6 Shockmount and Pop filter, XLR Cable and Dust Cover Review

Rode NT1-A Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone With SM6 Shockmount and Pop filter, XLR Cable and Dust Cover

May 15, 2017

Reviewed by Jennifer on Guitar Center

This mic is so cool. While I am still working on the properties, I must say I am impressed with the sound and the clarity. It makes my voice over work so much easier. My voice sounds full and clear. Editing is a breeze. I am still in the beginning stages of using the mic so that is why I only gave it 4 stars. Placement is everything. This mic picks up sounds like you wouldn't believe, so adjusting the gain and shortening the distance really pays off. While the box looked a little crumpled, I found everything inside (my box was missing the dvd) to be in perfect condition. But, I'm still playing with it! ... More

Ads

Rode NT1-A Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone (Single)
$199
B&H Photo Video
Rode NT1-A Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone (Single)
Rode NT1-A Large-Diaphragm Studio Vocal Microphone Kit with Reflection Filter
$329.98
B&H Photo Video
Rode NT1-A Large-Diaphragm Studio Vocal Microphone Kit with Reflection Filter
Rode NT1-A Vocal Recording Kit with Audio Interface, Headphones & Mic Stand
$348.98
B&H Photo Video
Rode NT1-A Vocal Recording Kit with Audio Interface, Headphones & Mic Stand
Rode NT1-A Complete Recording Kit with Interface, Headphones & More
$499.99
B&H Photo Video
Rode NT1-A Complete Recording Kit with Interface, Headphones & More
Rode NT1-A Microphone/USB Preamp Bundle
$399.99
B&H Photo Video
Rode NT1-A Microphone/USB Preamp Bundle
Rode NT1-A Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
$199
SweetWater
Rode NT1-A Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
Rode NT1-A Complete Vocal Bundle
193€
Thomann
Rode NT1-A Complete Vocal Bundle
Rode NT1-A Compl. Micscreen Bundle
269€
Thomann
Rode NT1-A Compl. Micscreen Bundle
Rode NT1-A Complete Vocal Recording
179€
Thomann
Rode NT1-A Complete Vocal Recording
Rode NT1-A Vocalist Package with HD200 Pro Headphones
$319.95
SweetWater
Rode NT1-A Vocalist Package with HD200 Pro Headphones
Rode NT1-A Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone With SM6 Shockmount and Pop filter, XLR Cable and Dust Cover
$199
Guitar Center
Rode NT1-A Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone With SM6 Shockmount and Pop filter, XLR Cable and Dust Cover
Rode Recording Microphone Package With NT1-A Condenser Microphone, SM6 Shockmount, Pop Filter, CAD VS1 Vocalshield, Boom Stand and 20' XLR Cable
$349.99
Guitar Center
Rode Recording Microphone Package With NT1-A Condenser Microphone, SM6 Shockmount, Pop Filter, CAD VS1 Vocalshield, Boom Stand and 20' XLR Cable
Rode Microphones NT1-A Cardioid Mic with Recording Setup Kit
$329.95
Adorama
Rode Microphones NT1-A Cardioid Mic with Recording Setup Kit
Rode Microphones NT1-A Mic, Bundle w/Focusrite Scarlett Solo & XLR Cable
$294.98
Adorama
Rode Microphones NT1-A Mic, Bundle w/Focusrite Scarlett Solo & XLR Cable
Rode Microphones NT1-A Cardioid Mic with SM6 Shock Mount
$199
Adorama
Rode Microphones NT1-A Cardioid Mic with SM6 Shock Mount
Rode Microphones NT1-A Cardioid Mic with Premium Vocal Recording Setup Kit
$369.01
Adorama
Rode Microphones NT1-A Cardioid Mic with Premium Vocal Recording Setup Kit
Rode Microphones NT1-A Mic with SM6, with Flex Tripod, Studio Headphones
$239
Adorama
Rode Microphones NT1-A Mic with SM6, with Flex Tripod, Studio Headphones
Rode Microphones NT1-A Mic, Bundle with Zoom U-44, Headphones, Mic Stand
$382.99
Adorama
Rode Microphones NT1-A Mic, Bundle with Zoom U-44, Headphones, Mic Stand
Rode Microphones NT1-A Cardioid Mic, Bundle with Mic Stand & XLR Cable
$235
Adorama
Rode Microphones NT1-A Cardioid Mic, Bundle with Mic Stand & XLR Cable
Rode Microphones NT1-A Cardioid Mic with SM6, Bundle with Mic Stand
$269
Adorama
Rode Microphones NT1-A Cardioid Mic with SM6, Bundle with Mic Stand
Rode Recording Microphone Package With NT1-A Condenser Microphone, SM6 Shockmount, Pop Filter, CAD VS1 Vocalshield, Boom Stand and 20' XLR Cable
$349.99
Musicians Friend
Rode Recording Microphone Package With NT1-A Condenser Microphone, SM6 Shockmount, Pop Filter, CAD VS1 Vocalshield, Boom Stand and 20' XLR Cable
Rode NT1-A Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone With SM6 Shockmount and Pop filter, XLR Cable and Dust Cover
$199
Musicians Friend
Rode NT1-A Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone With SM6 Shockmount and Pop filter, XLR Cable and Dust Cover
RODE NT1-A Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
$153.41
Reverb
RODE NT1-A Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
RODE NT1-A Anniversary Studio Mic Pack
$157.49
Reverb
RODE NT1-A Anniversary Studio Mic Pack
Rode NT1-A Studio Condenser Microphone
$199
Zzounds
Rode NT1-A Studio Condenser Microphone

RODE NT1A BETTER THAN MOST

Rode NT1-A Microphone/USB Preamp Bundle Review

Rode NT1-A Microphone/USB Preamp Bundle

Sep 13, 2012

Reviewed by B AUDIO on B&H Photo Video

I READ DOZEN OF INTERNET COMMENTS SAYING THAT THE RODE NT1-A DOESNT WORK WITH THE BLUE ICICLE , I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THEY SAID THAT, I PUT MY BLUE ICICLE TO THE TEST WITH MY RODE NT1-A THAT JUST ARRIVED TODAY FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 14TH 2012 TO FLORENCE SOUTH CAROLINA AND THE MICROPHONE SOUNDS CLEAR, AND PROFESSIONAL . JUST LIKE YOU WANT TO EXPECT FROM A NEUMAN MIC. AND HONESTLY IF YOU A/B THIS AND A NEUMAN ONLY THING YOU FIND DIFFERENT IS THE NEUMAN HAS MORE PRESENCE IN THE MID RANGE OR THE EQ. BUT IF YOU HOW TO PROPERLY EQ AND MASTER , IT SHOULDN'T BE A PROBLEM. THIS WILL MY 3RD XLR MICROPHONE AND WILL BE MY WORKHOUSE MICROPHONE FOR THE NEXT 10 YEARS, I MAY GET THE RODE NT2A NEXT SUMMER 2013. I WONT RECORD ANY SONGS WITH THIS UNTIL OCTOBER 2012 WHEN MY PRO TOOLS 10 COMES IN THE MAIL. THIS IS ACTUALLY THE FIRST MICROPHONE REVIEW I HAVE WRITTEN. DONT FALL FOR ALL THE MISINFORMATION ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THIS IS A BAD VOCAL, BECAUSE MOST LIKELY 90 PERCENT OF THE PEOPLE THAT SAY THIS MICROPHONE IS HARSH SOUNDING PROBALY DONT KNOW HOW TO DO PROPER MICROPHONE PLACEMENT ( HINT , HINT ) AND SOME WILL EVEN SAY CONDENSOR MICROPHONES ARE FOR VOCALS AND DYNAMIC MICROPHONES ARE FOR INSTRUMENTS. IF SOME SAYS THAT YOU NEED TO STOP LISTENING TO THAT PERSON FOR MUSICAL ADVICE BECAUSE IT MEANS THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT. WELL ALL AND ALL THIS MICROPHONE THE RODE NT1-A IS GREAT, AND I CAN SEE MYSELF USING IT UNTIL I GET MY MAJOR RECORD DEAL ,AND AFTERWARDS ALSO. ... More

Rode-NT1-A review.

Rode NT1-A Microphone/USB Preamp Bundle Review

Rode NT1-A Microphone/USB Preamp Bundle

Jun 26, 2020

Reviewed by Ronnie on B&H Photo Video

I've had 3 different studio setups and 3 different microphones. I've had 3 because I've sold and reset up the studio because of sound quality. If only I had found out about this microphone in the beginning. The clearity. Even with only an Interface running it, no compression, EQ, exc. It sounds amazing! It's ALL about the Mic. And for the money. This is top of the line. Every studio, home or professional should have one of these as part of their recording equipment. Side note. B&H was a no Bull place to order from. They said they had it in stock. And it was. Arrived ahead of already fast time. A service ... More

Crystal Clear & QUIET!!!

Rode NT1-A Microphone/USB Preamp Bundle Review

Rode NT1-A Microphone/USB Preamp Bundle

Feb 14, 2011

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

For the money, it's absolutely unbeatable! I use it to record hip-hop and techno vocals. I personally have tested at least 50 mics in my life ranging from $100 to the $3000+ U57 tubes. This is the quietest mic, hands down - which is great if you live in a busy city like I do. The clarity and presence of the mic is significantly better than others in the $150-$250 range. It sounds like a $1000 mic. The included pop shield and XLR cable make it an even better deal. I can't say there are any negatives to this mic. It's THE best microphone in this price range. ... More

Very happy

Rode NT1-A Microphone/USB Preamp Bundle Review

Rode NT1-A Microphone/USB Preamp Bundle

Jul 9, 2015

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

I record talking head videos in front of a green screen. I used to use a lapel mounted lavalier. This gives me better sound, lovely rich, clear, extended bass, right the way through deliciously crisp but not exaggerated tops. An unexpected benefit over a lav is that I get fewer breath noises, since it's further away and has an effective pop filter, and I don't get rustling of my clothes rubbing against the mic or cord. I'm sure that more money would get more microphone, but honestly I'm not sure I can use any more. This thing is ... delicious, that the word I want to use. And _far_far_ better than anything any of my clients will ever use for playback :) ... More

WOW!

Rode NT1-A Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone With SM6 Shockmount and Pop filter, XLR Cable and Dust Cover Review

Rode NT1-A Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone With SM6 Shockmount and Pop filter, XLR Cable and Dust Cover

Feb 5, 2022

Reviewed by Jon Doe on Guitar Center

Just tested out my new Rode NT1-A mic. One word, WOW! So much clearer and better than my previous condenser microphone! Came packed in a nice secure box and comes with a mic bag. The microphone seems to be made very well from Australia!! Quality heavy duty solid microphone! Can't wait to try it out on my next song in my studio. I will probably use it for vocals mainly but I tested it with my vocal and acoustic guitar together on one track and it seemed to pickup my vocal and guitar very well!! Happy with this microphone and will be looking at other Rode microphones in the future! (that's not to say I won't still use my Shure and Sennheiser mics as well) but my new Rode Microphone is a nice addition to the family!! :) ... More

Flawless product!

Rode NT1-A Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone With SM6 Shockmount and Pop filter, XLR Cable and Dust Cover Review

Rode NT1-A Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone With SM6 Shockmount and Pop filter, XLR Cable and Dust Cover

Dec 7, 2016

Reviewed by Saxomatic on Guitar Center

I'm a saxophonist and this is perfect to record whatever! If you want a great mic spend the extra 100 bucks and get this one and get this one!

33 years in radio...

Rode NT1-A Microphone/USB Preamp Bundle Review

Rode NT1-A Microphone/USB Preamp Bundle

Feb 17, 2014

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

and I have never had a mic that cost less than $ that perform as good as this one..very similar to the mic atthe station, but for FAR less money..I highly recommend itto anyone wanting superior qualit at a truly affordable price!

Quiet but muddy

Rode NT1-A Microphone/USB Preamp Bundle Review

Rode NT1-A Microphone/USB Preamp Bundle

Feb 23, 2011

Reviewed by Anthony James Productions on B&H Photo Video

I bought this with the intent of using it for video voice-overs and recording classical guitar. It is indeed a quiet microphone, but recordings of both my voice and guitar seem suppressed on the high end and are definitely muddy on the low end. The low end frequency boost is probably the cause of both problems. Do not buy this microphone if you need flat response. Perhaps if you have a thin voice, the base boost will fatten it up. And it might work well in a drum kit. Otherwise, think twice before buying this microphone.

Great Sounding Mic, but extremely sensitive!

Rode NT1-A Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone With SM6 Shockmount and Pop filter, XLR Cable and Dust Cover Review

Rode NT1-A Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone With SM6 Shockmount and Pop filter, XLR Cable and Dust Cover

Nov 3, 2020

Reviewed by Supper Singer on Guitar Center

Sounds great without any processing, but best for situations where there is a limit on background noise. Picks up headphone bleed like nobody's business, so have some good closed backs. If i had a soundproof or well treated room it would be ideal. Unfortunately, the mic came with a problem at the XLR connection and crackles a lot. I contacted RODE support and the got back to me promptly and said that wasn't a common occurrence and suggested I return it.

ill put this against any neuman

Rode NT1-A Microphone/USB Preamp Bundle Review

Rode NT1-A Microphone/USB Preamp Bundle

Aug 24, 2012

Reviewed by subliminal tha kid on B&H Photo Video

I use for recording into my project mix on cubase. After i add a little eq, this mic has the clarity of no other... Others complain of high end, but i love it. To me, even all these industry recordings sound muddy because of no high end brightness. Best to use another pop filter on top of the filter it comes with, if not you will notice the plosives too easy because of the high end. If you know how to mix, then no need to worry....easily can be a thousand dollar mic..thank god its not

Love it!

Rode NT1-A Microphone/USB Preamp Bundle Review

Rode NT1-A Microphone/USB Preamp Bundle

Mar 20, 2013

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

The nt1a has lived up to everything it's represented to be. I use it for voice over recording and it's bveen awesome. The accessories that come with it were perfect. I have very basic recording and editing skills but you can't tell by the final porduct. It's quiet, very full sounding and handles input levels you wouldn't believe. In this price range, Buy It!

Great Mic!!!!

Rode NT1-A Microphone/USB Preamp Bundle Review

Rode NT1-A Microphone/USB Preamp Bundle

Oct 12, 2020

Reviewed by Juerg on B&H Photo Video

The sound quality of the Mic is great. It can pick up higher notes (at least up to an A5) without any distortion, which, as a soprano, was very important to me. The XLR cable that comes with it is very long but works fine. However, I ordered a shorter one on Amazon that fit perfectly for another Mic but was hard to put into the NTA-1. Just be aware that cables you buy might fit (extremely) snugly. If you're looking to record guitar and vocals simultaneously with only one mic, this one works great. Just be aware that only using one mic for two instruments limits the amount of editing you can do after. ... More

Pretty awesome mic

Rode NT1-A Microphone/USB Preamp Bundle Review

Rode NT1-A Microphone/USB Preamp Bundle

Jul 31, 2021

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

This microphone is clear, and makes your voice stand out in there mix. But the only draw back is B&H, I'll never do a business with them anymore. For they don't go above and beyond to help their customers. After buying this mic, i realized that I bought using my old address, so i called their customer service to see if they can contact the shipping company to rectify the problem. They refused to do anything. I was pretty much on my own. Therefore, i had to contact FedEx and asked them to hold my other in FedEx store and I'll pick it up there. FedEx told me that B&H could've done it if they wanted to. ... More

Good mic for the price, however...

Rode NT1-A Microphone/USB Preamp Bundle Review

Rode NT1-A Microphone/USB Preamp Bundle

Nov 10, 2013

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

This would have been a great review if I'd written it yesterday, I've had the mic for just over two weeks, worked great for vocals, that is until today. I unplugged the mic to move it, upon plugging it back in to record tracks, it stopped working. No signal - tried a couple of known good cables, everything, no signal. I noticed that one of the 3 connecting pins on the bottom has pulled out about an eigth of an inch. I've contacted Rode and they told me to try to return it to B&H, I'm now waiting for a reply from B&H. It was great while it worked, I'm willing to try another but be warned, the connector may be the weak link on this mic, other than that, for the price I doubt you can do better where sound is concerend. ... More

A Great All-In-One Solution!

Rode NT1-A Microphone/USB Preamp Bundle Review

Rode NT1-A Microphone/USB Preamp Bundle

Jan 28, 2012

Reviewed by Videomonkey13 on B&H Photo Video

This mic is perfect for my DIY home-recording setup. I use it primarily to record VO's for video & radio productions and it hasn't let me down! Nice, clear sound with no 'noise' & adds a rich, full timbre to my voice. The fact that it comes with a quality shock-mount & pop filter, plus an XLR cable is an added bonus. RODE's 10-year warranty just sweetens the deal! This mic would excel in a variety of recording situations; from vocals, to guitars, bass, & drums! Bottom line: GET THIS MIC!

Showing 21 to 40 of 201 Reviews