Does the NT1 5th Gen work with both XLR and USB?

Yes, it has RØDE's Dual Connect output, so you can use it with a standard XLR interface or plug it directly into a computer via USB.

What is 32-bit float and why does it matter?

32-bit float is a digital recording format with huge dynamic range. In USB mode it lets you capture loud sources without clipping, and you can adjust levels later without losing quality.

Do I need phantom power to use it?

Yes, when using the XLR output, the NT1 5th Gen requires 48V phantom power from your interface or preamp. USB mode provides power over the USB connection.

Is it good for podcasting and streaming?

Yes, its low self-noise and clear sound suit spoken word, and the USB output makes it easy to connect without an interface.

What comes in the box?

The microphone includes a shock mount, pop filter and a USB-C cable, so you can start recording right away.

Rode

RØDE NT1 5th Generation Large-diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone

Q: Where is the RØDE NT1 5th Generation Large-diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone cheapest?

At Music Store US, for $168.00, 33% under what the other stores charge, as of our latest check.

Q: Where can I buy the RØDE NT1 5th Generation Large-diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone?

16 stores we checked sell it, including Guitar Center, Musician's Friend, Walmart, Amazon, Music Store US.

Best price now

$168.00at Music Store USChecked 2 h ago

33% under what the other stores charge

Compared across 17 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Music Store US

What reviewers say

Reviewers and owners praise the NT1 5th Gen for its clean, detailed sound and the convenience of both XLR and USB outputs. Many highlight the 32-bit float USB recording as a safeguard against clipping, though some note the USB sample rate cap and the lack of multiple polar patterns.

What people mention

Sound qualityPraisedOwners describe a smooth top end and detailed midrange that flatters vocals and acoustic instruments.
ConnectivityPraisedReviewers value having both XLR and USB outputs, making it easy to move between interfaces and direct computer recording.
32-bit floatPraisedThe USB 32-bit float mode is often cited as a safety net that avoids digital clipping on loud sources.
USB sample rateCriticisedSome users wish the USB output supported sample rates above 48kHz for higher-resolution recording.
Polar patternCriticisedA few reviewers note the fixed cardioid pattern limits versatility compared with multi-pattern condensers.

About the RØDE NT1 5th Generation Large-diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone

The RØDE NT1 5th Generation is a large-diaphragm studio condenser microphone with a cardioid pattern. It uses a gold-sputtered HF6 capsule that is internally shockmounted. The mic handles high sound pressure levels, and its self-noise is 4dB-A.

It has a Dual Connect hybrid output. Connect it to audio interfaces and mixers with a standard XLR cable, or plug it straight into a computer through the integrated USB-C port. Over USB-C, the onboard DSP features can be reached through a DAW.

A built-in audio interface includes the Revolution Preamp and 192kHz analog-to-digital conversion. The mic has 32-bit float output, so gain does not need to be set before recording. A clipped signal can be adjusted to the right level after recording. The free RØDE Connect and RØDE Central apps add compression, a high-pass filter, a noise gate and APHEX processing controls.

Type

Large-diaphragm studio condenser microphone

Polar pattern

Cardioid

Capsule

Gold-sputtered HF6, internally shockmounted

Self-noise

4dB-A

Outputs

XLR and USB-C (Dual Connect)

Digital output

32-bit float