Rode NT5 Review
Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone
- For Recording and Live Performances
- Cardioid Polar Pattern
- For Instrument and Vocal Pickup
- Low-Noise Output
Introduction
In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 9,843 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the Rode NT5. 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 NT5. For example, 89% of 1,723 users who have commented on the Value for money of the Rode NT5 have given positive feedback.
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 20 of 53 Reviews
Amazing Drum Overheads
Rode Matched Pair of NT5 Microphones
Reviewed by Paul of Alation on Guitar Center
I did my research for months to figure out what mic would be the best for my money. I decided to purchase a used matched pair for around $$$. For that price you will not find any other pair of small diaphragm that can match the sound quality of the NT5. If you decide to purchase these brand new for the suggested price you will be just as happy as I am. The clarity these mics produce is top notch. They high SPL these can handle are another great factor for buying them. We used these to record recently using them thru the Presonus Firestudio and the preamp gave the mics an even better sound. The cymbals on our drummers kit sound nice and crisp but not too ear piercing that you'd probably get with some cheaper mics. These produce the natural sound that the mics pick up. Before buying these mics we used other rode mics for overhead but I think the stereo matched gave it that extra edge over anything else, as long as you have the proper placement for stereo overheads. I would say by Jan 2011 we should have our new recordings up. Thanks RODE! ... More
Great for acoustic guitar
RODE NT5 (Single)
Reviewed by Ed H. on Reverb
The RODE NT5 is two things: it's a pretty decent small diaphragm condenser mic right out of the box, and it's a solid platform for the Michael Joly/Oktavamod MJE 384 K 'Roadster' capsule. Unmodified, the mic is something of a 'poor man's KM 184', bright and responsive in a way that captures the spangle and bronze of guitar strings, with snappy transient response that brings out sparkle and 'attack' in the sound. It also delivers more warmth and bass than I expected it would. The mic sometimes gets criticized for not actually BEING a Schoeps or a Neumann, but in my limited experience it's a lot better than most inexpensive SDCs, and I think one of the things that people sometimes miss is that you are probably going to position it differently than you would one of those more expensive mics. I find that I back it up a little more away from the instrument, for instance, and then that sparkle works for me in most mixes, contributing to a sense of space and air. With a Joly/Oktavamod capsule in place (and, after you purchase one, that's as easy as unscrewing the old capsule and screwing in place the new one), the mic's response becomes smoother and more even. If you've got both capsules, you can use the one that suits the sound you're going for. Either way, I find it to be a solid and usable mic, and my main piece of advice is to do some listening to it while positioning until you find that sweet spot, and what you might call that 'sweet ANGLE'. If you get the right blend of string and body, you'll like it. ... More
Master pieces come in Pairs!!!
Rode Matched Pair of NT5 Microphones
Reviewed by JayB. on Guitar Center
I never heard of this mics, till the day I went to GC looking for the amazing SM81 by SHURE, Having the opportunity to work with some of the best in the industry and with several years of experience I didn't wanted to take any chances so as I was going to pay for my SM81 the sales guy recomended me this little mics, this Gentleman had a lot of experience, after having a very interested conversation I realise that this guy wasn't a rookie, he what he was talking about so I give it shot!, Men what a delightfull surprice!!!, I use right away on an Album I was producing, WOW! there is only one word to say WOW! Thank God I didn't get the SM81, for the price one SM81 I got two mics of the same quality & Level, Trust me they are the real thing!!. Now I can't stop using them, Overheads, Acoustic Instruments, Choir etc.. Before you go to a music store stop for a second and check this Puppies out, not only you'll save around half of the cost, but you will get some of the best, most reliable mic out there... ... More
A great amount of flexibility
Rode Matched Pair of NT5 Microphones
Reviewed by Fuzzball on Guitar Center
This mic package was a pleasant surprise. I originally expected these to be mediocre at best. After testing the mics I found them to be very useful. I have used them to stero mic acoustic guitars and I found them to produce a clar and full tone. The mics have a good amount of sensitivity and they pick up a signal from a good distance. I have even used the mic pair on a amp cab one in front and the other in back and they did a pretty good job. If you need a pair of mics I would give this set some strong consideration. ... More
Excelent Pair of Mics
Rode NT5 Cardioid Studio Condenser Microphones (Matched Pair)
Reviewed by bpyork31 on B&H Photo Video
I just used these mics to record a classical voice recital for a client's audition reel. These mics did the trick. I plugged them directly into my Zoom h4n with standard xlr cables and they were ready to go! (note: these mics use phantom power) I placed each mic 5-6 ft. away on either side of the singer with my Zoom in the center giving me a clear 4 channel stereo recording. The singer stood next to a piano and the mics also clearly picked up the piano's sound as well without drowning out the vocals. I recorded in a small black box theatre and these mics did a great job of eleminating any background noise and echo. My only complaint is small. The carying case, although still great, is not exactly what it looks like in the picture. In the picture there are foam cut outs fit specifically for the individual pieces. What you get is a plastic lid with spots for each piece but not formed exactly around the pieces. I would have liked the foam cut out but that is a very minor problem to an excelent product! ... More
Ads
Fantastic bang for the buck!
Rode NT5 Cardioid Studio Condenser Microphones (Matched Pair)
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
The NT5's are fantastic small diaphragm condensers that compete with much more expensive mics in their field. I've used these mics overheads for a drumset, miscellaneous persuasions, acoustic instruments like mandolin and guitar, and room mics. Their present high end response helps in picking up the detail and personality that you would otherwise potentially not hear without extensive EQ work. I definitely use these mics on acoustic instruments before electric instruments, as dynamic mics are better for picking up the full body of electric guitar and bass. A pair of NT5's with a handful of other mics can give you a top quality recording set up for much cheaper than you'd think! Great purchase. ... More
Rode NT5 - Matched Pair
Rode NT5 Cardioid Studio Condenser Microphones (Matched Pair)
Reviewed by Danodeniel on B&H Photo Video
Got these from BH Photo Video primarily for instrument stereo instrument miking; especially drums, so I use it for just that, and these mics gave me a wow the first time I used it. Excellent stereo imaging when used as drum overheads. I noticed a clean/clear, almost flat sounding response! no annoying frequency hype to my ears. They're small, light, compact and powerful. I should mention that the included mic clips are rugged, pretty much the best clips I've ever had/used. The included pop screens aren't as effective on reducing vocal 'plosives' as well as conventional pop filters that hook up to the mic stands. But this is not your extra versatile multi-polar pattern microphone as it is fixed Cardioid. There is also no built in Pad/attenuation. But generally, for what it is, and what it was made for, its an excellent choice- buy it! ... More
Great Sound at an Affordable Price
Rode NT5 Cardioid Studio Condenser Microphones (Single Microphone)
Reviewed by Michaelnotmike on B&H Photo Video
I primarily use this mic on acoustic guitars, but it also works great on the bottom snare or as an overhead for drums. This microphone has such a vibrant, yet clean sound that has had a huge impact on my recording quality. I have also used the Rode NT1-A and have had great success with both. I highly recommend Rode microphones for recording artists who want a big sound, but are on a budget.
WOW!
RODE NT5 Small Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone Stereo Pair
Reviewed by Jordan M. on Reverb
First time using these mics. They were recommended to me, so I picked up a matched pair. I originally planned to just use them as overhead mics on drums, but got the opportunity to use them on an acoustic in an XY configuration. WOW! The clarity, the color, they sound great! The only issue, they pick up EVERYTHING! The breathing of the guitarist was fairly present, so I had to rig up something to help cut that down.
Great Affordable Mics
Rode NT5 Cardioid Studio Condenser Microphones (Matched Pair)
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
These are not your top of the line Neumanns, but for the price you will be hard pressed to find mics that are much better. Very even frequency response, compact size, and cardiod polarity make these matched mics a perfect addition to any studio. I have been using them to mic my grand piano and have been able to achieve crisp stereo sound. These are 5 stars for what you get for the price, 4 stars compared to what you could buy for more money.
Great value microphones!
Rode NT5 Cardioid Studio Condenser Microphones (Matched Pair)
Reviewed by Melbourne Musician on B&H Photo Video
I use these mics for recording pipe-organ, choirs and piano and all sound great with the right positioning. The sound seems fairly uncoloured, perhaps on the brighter side. In combination with other microphones I have been getting some really well rounded results. For the price, these really seem to be a great quality product.
Fabulous Mics Worth Every Penny!
Rode NT5 Cardioid Studio Condenser Microphones (Matched Pair)
Reviewed by Anthony H. on B&H Photo Video
I am very happy with these microphones. Use them with an upright piano facing the soundboard on the low and high side. Excellent pickup and clarity. Have also used the pair at wedding, positioned on mic stand (40in), to pick up the pastor, bride and groom. The guests clearly heard every word and the pastor was impressed with the pickup. Also makes great audience (ambient) mics for recording church services. Worth every penny.
rode nt-5
RODE NT5 (Single)
Reviewed by David R. on Reverb
sizzily and crispy, strident around 3, 5, and 7K Razor. BUT, find 'em cheap and mod them with Oktavamod MJE 384 K 'Roadster" capsules, and NOW you've got a mic you'll never sell. Had a cap waiting, set up the mic, sang and played 6 string from about 2 feet away, meah... bright guitar, i need a de-esser. swapped out the cap, god almighty! completely different mic. no brittle highs, smooth and clear as glass, very flat and uncolored. sweet deal! now i have 3.
Rode NT5 Microphones
Rode Matched Pair of NT5 Microphones
Reviewed by Jack Goldberger on Guitar Center
I have had one experience so far using the NT5 microphones. They performed as expected. I am pleased with the small physical size and the large area of coverage. The response seems to be very good. I would recommend these microphones to anyone looking for "choir" microphones that are portable and can be used in a variety of setups.
I would buy this product again and again
Rode NT5 Cardioid Studio Condenser Microphones (Matched Pair)
Reviewed by Curtis on B&H Photo Video
I have been doing sound for a few years now and I'm always looking for the next best thing and now i think i found it. I use the NT5 for field recording indoors for independent films and for live sound recording on drums and left and right of the room its great. Rode mic i love because they are so natural sounding. they give the best balance of highs mids and lows
Replaced my Rode NT3 for imndoor dialogue
Rode NT5 Cardioid Studio Condenser Microphones (Matched Pair)
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Rode and online reviews recommend the NT5 over the NT3 for indoor dialogue, so I bought a matched pair to use with my Tascam 70D and DR40, and they perform as well since I hear no difference, but they are much smaller and lighter on a boom pole, use phantom power only, no on/off switch to forget, plus the XLR cable locks into them, which my NT3 did not.
Not what I was looking for but sufficient.
Rode NT5 Cardioid Studio Condenser Microphones (Single Microphone)
Reviewed by Jason on B&H Photo Video
Wanted an off-frame microphone for video recording vocals at my desk. For interior dialog, this microphone was reviewed to be excellent as a traditional shotgun is not recommended indoors. Unfortunately, for the microphone to create good vocals, it needs to be no greater the 12 - 18 inches from the subject. This was accomplished using a boom arm clamped to my desk. Also, I am using a Focusrite Solo (Gen 3) and the gain is at the 3/4 point, which from forum posts indicate this might be normal when using this microphone for voice.
Very good mics
Rode NT5 Cardioid Studio Condenser Microphones (Matched Pair)
Reviewed by Andres Schmidt on B&H Photo Video
I use them to capture ambient sounds. They work very good. Are clean and pristine.
Excellent pair of mics!
RODE NT5 Small Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone Stereo Pair
Reviewed by Glenn C. on Reverb
I used these mics years ago and always wanted to get a pair. I finally found the right deal on Reverb the other week and bought them. These are great microphones at an unbelievably low price! I've already used them on a solo piano recording and as drum overheads and they did not disappoint. I've AB'd these against pairs that cost considerably more and these hold their own. Rode makes great mics! I may buy another pair soon!
Not too bad.
Rode NT5 Cardioid Studio Condenser Microphones (Single Microphone)
Reviewed by Zachary on B&H Photo Video
I haven't had a chance yet to fully experience the microphone in any situation, but so far it's been pretty good. Definitely adjust the gain based on the distance it is from the source. Always keep it a little lower than you would usually like it because that will prevent it from clipping and you can always increase the volume in post production. Worth the money in my opinion.
