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Rode NT5-S Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone

Small-diaphragm Single NT5 Cardioid Condenser Mic
6 Write review Item ID: NT5Sing
$219.00

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Rode NT5-S Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone
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Single Rode NTD Small Diaphragm Condenser Mic

The NT5 is a pencil-type, small-diaphragm, mono condenser mic that was originally offered in matched pairs featuring sequential serial numbers so that they're close to each other all the way through manufacturing. A typical use of the NT5 would be as drum overheads or recording high-hats. We've found that they are detailed and very clear, and with just a tiny bit of compression they sound great. If you prefer the positioning flexibility afforded by a pair of small-diaphragm mics, then the NT5 is an easy choice. If you're lookng for a great-sounding, and very affordable single small-diaphragm condenser mic, the Rode NT5-S is a single NT5. Small-diaphragm condenser mics such as the NT5-S have an even and wider frequency response than large diaphragm condensers, handle higher SPLs, and can more accurately capture instruments with a pronounced high-frequency component (violins, for instance).

Related Videos: NT5-S Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone

Rode NT5-S Specifications:
  • Acoustic Principle: Externally polarised single diaphragm condenser transducer.
  • Capsule Size: 0.5" (13mm).
  • Active Electronics: JFET Impedance converter with bipolar output buffer.
  • Directional Response: Cardioid.
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz.
  • Sensitivity: -38 dB re 1v/Pa +/- 2 dB equivalent to 12mV/Pa
  • where 1 Pa = 94dBSPL.
  • Equivalent Noise: <16 dBSPL, (A-weighted per IEC268-15).
  • Maximum Output: +13.9 dBu @ 1% THD into 1k_
  • Dynamic Range: >128 dB.
  • Maximum SPL: 143 dB @ 1% THD into 1k_
  • Signal to Noise: 78dB.
  • Requires phantom power, +38V to +52 V
  • P24 Supply (20V-26V) The microphone operates in accordance with the above specifications to a minimum of 18V. (It will operate with some performance degradation below 18V.)
  • Packed Weight: 1.8kg (Mic only 100g).
Rode NT5 Features:
  • True condenser transducer
  • Gold sputtered 1/2" Capsules
  • Heavy duty satin-nickel-plated body
  • Low Noise
  • Full Frequency Response
  • Custom WS5 Wind Shield
  • Custom RM5 Stand Mount
  • Surface-mount transformerless circuitry
  • Requires phantom power

Additional Media

Studio Microphone Buying Guide

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Tech Specs

  • Microphone Type: Condenser
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid
  • Diaphragm Size: 0.5" (12.5mm)
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
  • Max SPL: 143dB
  • Output Impedance: 100 ohms
  • Signal to Noise Ratio: 78dB (A weighted)
  • Self Noise: 16dB (A weighted)
  • Connector: XLR
  • Weight: 0.22 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: NT5

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Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5

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Rode NT5-S

The Rode NT5-S is an excellent mic for many different applications. I see it as a poor man's SM81, although I use both for recording acoustic guitar. I trust Rode quality overall and this mic lives up to their standards.
by Mike from Buffalo, NY on
Music background: Guitar/Piano, band.

Incredible value in a versatile microphone

I bought this after reading several reviews of best mics to record instruments. One review in particular had sound samples from mics from $99 to $10,000, made me realize that I wanted this mic in addition to the venerable SM57 for use on electric and acoustic guitars.

I own about a dozen microphones. They are mostly budget mics under $1000. They include the SM57 and SM58 as stables. I did a few experiments where I used 4 mics at a time to record the same electric guitar session through a Blackstar Studio 10 KT88 into Logic Pro X. The Rode NT5 small-diaphragm pencil condenser mic won the tone battle doing a nice job on both clean, bright Tele tones and dirty, boosted tones. It captured harmonics and overtones very nicely. The SM57 was also good. So the question one should ask is: "is the Rode NT5-S worth twice the price of the SM57?" My answer would be a qualified YES. The qualification is you want and need both mics. I almost always use at least two mics on the speaker cab or pointed up close to the 12th fret of an acoustic. The SM57 and NT5 make good choices for those two mics.

The biggest surprise for me with the Rode NT5 was not how good it sounded with guitars. I expected that given all the reviews and sample audio recordings. I do my research before buying a product. What surprised me was how good it is on vocals. I have a number of mics with prime use case being for vocals including large-diaphragm condensers. I believe I prefer the sound of the NT5 through a mic pre using a Mullard re-issue 12AX7 over any of my other options. I have used it one podcast and will be tracking some rock vocals this weekend. Like with guitars, I often use more than one mic when tracking so I can blend in addition to a room mic. My current audio interface supports 4 mic/instrument/line-in, plus a second system with 2, plus a stand alone Zoom H4n Pro with up various configurations between built in XY stereo mics and two external mic XLR/TRS/TS inputs.

The Rode NT5 is clearly a very clearly a very versatile mic with clear application for instrument and vocals. In hindsight I wish I had purchased a matched pair but I bought the NT5-S product SKU which is the single mic. I encourage you to do more research than just listening to me, but my recommendation is to add this mic to your toolbox ASAP! It's tiny size is a nice feature adding to the flexible ways you could use it. I generally don't give 5 stars usually using 4.5 to represent a great product. But this one seemed to earn the 5 star rating.
by Rich Sadowsky from Sturbridge, MA, USA on
Music background: 50+ years as a musician (since age 6). My "day" job is developing emerging technology, but being a musician is who I am.

A "Can't Touch" Value!

My hat off to Rode for this one!

I have used a stereo pair of Rode NT-5s for about 2 years now. I mainly use them on live choirs (15-40 voices), and one would do just as well if you don't need stereo miking. They're also excellent on drums (primarily as overheads), and Leslies. Their signal clarity is astounding. There is virtually no coloration or proximity effect with these mini-monsters.

I highly recommend these mics, but one word of caution first:

They pick EVERYTHING up! So, don't use them if you will be clicking your studio mouse mid-session!
by Sweetwater Customer on
Music background: Pro Sound Engineer, Musician

Great!!!

I use this mic for vocals, as well as guitar and percussion- it is a charming and great-sounding mic, all at a very affordable price. A must have!!
by Sweetwater Customer on
Music background: Graduate of Berklee College of Music, Pro Musician, Recording Artist

Fantastic

This works great.
by Phyllis Lynch from Greenwood IN USA on
Music background: Pro Musician
See also: Condenser Mics, Rode, Rode Condenser Microphones
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