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Microphones / Studio Condenser / NT1 5th Generation

NT1 5th Generation

Studio Condenser Microphone

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Our Iconic Original Studio Microphone, Reborn

The NT1 5th Generation is the latest evolution of the iconic NT1. First introduced in 1991, the NT1 is the world’s most popular studio microphone, renowned for its warm, classic sound and incredible versatility. The NT1 5th Generation takes the much-loved and respected core of the NT1 and introduces state-of-the-art features while preserving the legendary sound quality that made the original the go-to microphone for countless creators. A perfect marriage of tradition and innovation.

Black NT1 5th Generation on dark background

Game-changing Connectivity

Featuring RØDE’s groundbreaking, patent-pending Dual Connect output, the NT1 5th Generation can either be connected to an audio interface or mixer via XLR or directly to a computer via USB for studio-grade, plug-and-play recording. Unprecedented flexibility for any studio setup.

NT1 5th Generation XLR and USB connectivity diagram

Classic Sound on the Cutting-edge

The NT1 5th Generation delivers the same warm, silky character, extremely low noise, and high SPL handling capability that the original is revered for, with improved circuitry for even lower self-noise – an astonishingly low 4dBA, making it the world’s quietest studio condenser microphone. When using the XLR output, it delivers the rich, classic studio condenser sound you know and love from the NT1. When using the digital output, you get this same sound plus a slew of cutting-edge features to further enhance your audio for recording pro studio sound directly into your computer.

Girl wearing NTH-100M recording with silver NT1 5th Generation in home studio

The Digital Studio of the Future

The NT1 5th Generation features a professional-grade audio interface built into the microphone, which is perfectly optimised to preserve its pristine audio fidelity and also offers a range of highly innovative features for enhanced sound, including our ultra-low-noise, high-gain Revolution Preamp™, high-resolution (192kHz) A/D conversion and advanced digital signal processing. This is so much more than just a studio condenser microphone, it's an all-in-one digital recording solution.

NT1 5th Generation circuit board

The “Unclippable” Microphone

The NT1 5th Generation features a world-first 32-bit float digital output – a revolutionary recording format that allows you to record everything from a whisper to a scream, the softest guitar to the loudest drummer without having to worry about setting your gain – simply adjust your audio after recording and all the dynamics of your performance will be maintained, with zero risk of clipping or distortion. Gamechanger.

To find out how to record in 32-bit float in your DAW, check out these step-by-step walkthrough guides.

Rock singer recording with NT1 5th Generation

Versatility Like No Other

With its smooth frequency response, extremely low noise, high SPL handling, flexible connectivity options and powerful digital capabilities, the NT1 5th Generation offers versatility like no other studio mic. It excels in any recording application, from vocals and speech to guitars, drums to piano, and can fit into any workflow, from a solo bedroom recording setup to a professional studio.

Guitarist recording with NT1 5th Generation

Craft Your Sound

Craft your sound with advanced APHEX® audio processing, driven by the NT1 5th Generation’s powerful on-board DSP. Add compression, a high-pass filter, noise gate, and the legendary APHEX® Aural Exciter™ and Big Bottom™ to your audio with ease using the free RØDE Connect and RØDE Central companion apps. Dial in the perfect sound with the touch of a button using the intuitive VoxLab™ editor or fine-tune each processor using the advanced editor.

Podcast recording with NT1 5th Generation on RØDE Connect

Premium Components, Built to Last

Made from premium components, the NT1 5th Generation is built to the highest standard in RØDE’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Sydney, Australia. The HF6 capsule is precision manufactured to sub-micron tolerances to ensure the utmost consistency in tonality and frequency response and is internally shock-mounted for minimising external vibrations. The body is machined from rugged aluminium and is available in black or silver, with high-grade finishes that are extremely resistant to scuffs and scratches, ensuring the NT1 5th Generation is ready to take on the rigours of recording day in, day out.

Black NT1 5th Generation close-up

Everything You Need to Start Recording

The NT1 5th Generation comes with everything you need to start recording in the box, including a studio-grade shock mount and pop filter for minimising unwanted sounds in your recording caused by plosives, knocks and bumps, a premium XLR cable with Neutrik® connectors and Canare cabling, and a high-quality USB-C cable.

Silver NT1 5th Generation What's In The Box

Unlock More Creative Potential with the RØDE App Suite

The NT1 5th Generation is compatible with a range of free RØDE apps, including the RØDE Central companion app, RØDE Connect podcasting app and UNIFY streaming app, all of which allow you to configure settings, access the advanced DSP, update firmware and more.

Custom ASIO Driver for Windows

To get the most out of your NT1 5th Generation when using it with a Windows computer, download its custom ASIO driver. This allows you to record in 32-bit float, control the input gain, change the buffer size, and record with up to eight individual NT1 5th Generation microphones via USB simultaneously.

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Black NT1 5th Generation in shock mount on white table

NT1 5th Generation User Guide

Discover everything you need to know about using your NT1 5th Generation studio condenser microphone in this comprehensive user guide, including how to record with both the analog and digital connections, using the 32-bit float output, advanced DSP and more.

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Black NT1 5th Generation in shock mount on white table

Specifications

Downloads

NT1 5th Generation - ASIO (1.0.2)
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FAQs

Q.
Does the NT1 5th Generation have a headphone output for zero-latency monitoring?
A.
The NT1 5th Generation doesn’t have an in-built headphone output for monitoring, but you can simply monitor with very low latency using either your computer’s in-built headphone output or an external audio interface.
A.
You can monitor with low latency via your computer’s in-built headphone output or an external audio interface if you have one. Simply select the NT1 5th Generation as your input device and your desired output device in your DAW or audio software. To find out more about monitoring your audio, check out the user guide.
A.
The 32-bit float output is processed via the NT1 5th Generation’s in-built audio interface for the digital USB output only. The XLR output is a pure analog output, like a traditional studio condenser microphone so does not support 32-bit float recording. However, the incredibly low noise floor and dynamic range of the NT1 5th Generation is fully available on the XLR output and the NT1 5th Generation can be paired with any microphone preamp for capturing ultra-high-quality audio.
A.

First of all, ensure that both the NT1 5th Generation and audio software you are using are set to 32-bit float mode (note: some DAWs do not support 32-bit float recording – check out the user guide [link] for step-by-step walkthroughs). Even in 32-bit float mode, you can still hear clipping while monitoring if the audio is too loud. Simply turn the mic input gain down and the clipping should disappear. Of course, in 32-bit float mode, you can still record this clipped audio and adjust after recording to remove the clipping.

If you are recording a very loud sound, it is possible you have exceeded the maximum SPL rating of the NT1 5th Generation. Like all microphones, the NT1 5th Generation has a maximum SPL (sound pressure level) which, when exceeded, can result in a small amount of distortion or clipping. The NT1 5th Gen has a max SPL of 142dB, which is very high and will only be exceeded by recording an extremely loud sound source or recording very close to the capsule.

A.
The NT1 5th Generation sounds practically identical to the fourth generation (all black) NT1 as it has the same HF6 capsule. The NT1-A features a different capsule and design to both of these microphones and has a slightly different sound signature.
A.
Yes. The USB and XLR outputs sound exactly the same. If you notice that the USB output sounds different to the XLR, you may have digital signal processing (DSP) activated. You can access the DSP settings via RØDE Central, RØDE Connect or UNIFY.
A.
There are a couple of ways to control the output gain of the NT1 5th Generation when recording using the USB output: via your computer’s sound settings; using the Audio MIDI Setup (on Mac) or custom ASIO driver (on Windows); or via RØDE Central, RØDE Connect or UNIFY. To find out more about setting your gain, check out the user guide.
A.
To use the NT1 5th Generation’s 32-bit float digital output, you need to connect to a computer via its USB output and ensure the bit-depth of the microphone and your DAW session is set to 32-bit. To find out more about using the 32-bit float output, check out the user guide.
A.
Yes. Both the XLR and USB output have a very low self-noise rating of just 4dbA. The NT1 5th Generation’s digital USB output features our ultra-low-noise Revolution Preamp technology, which does not increase the self-noise of the microphone.
A.
No, it is not possible to use both XLR and USB simultaneously.
A.
No. To use the NT1 5th Generation’s 32-bit float output with a Windows PC, you need to use its custom ASIO driver, which you can download here.
A.
The NT1 5th Generation requires at least 5V of power via USB to operate. Most standard USB ports and hubs can provide this. If you are using a laptop on battery power, and your mic is not working, check that the USB settings are not defaulting to ‘power save’ mode, which can restrict the power available over USB, causing the mic to not work properly.
A.
Yes, you can connect up to four NT1 5th Generation microphones to RØDE Connect. Currently RØDE Connect does not support 32-bit float recording.
A.
Yes. You can use RØDE Central to control the input gain and processing on the NT1 5th Generation when connected via USB.
A.
The NT1 5th Generation does not fully support connection to a smartphone or tablet as your device may not supply enough power for the microphone to operate.
A.
32-bit float recording is supported on Adobe Audition on Mac, but it is not supported on Windows. To see a list of DAWs that support 32-bit float on Mac and Windows, click here.
A.
The NT1 5th Generation features a Hi-speed USB 2.0 connection, with a USB-C connector.