Rode NT5 Matched Pair Cardioid Condenser Microphones

93
GEARANK

93 out of 100. Incorporating 1250+ ratings and reviews.

Street Price: 

$429
Rode NT5 Match Pair Overhead Drum Microphones

Rating Source Highlights

Website Source *Rating Value
Gearspace musicgen 90/100
Bonedo (German) Nick Mavridis 90/100
EMMAG EMmag US 90/100
*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm's adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.

Overview

A fun fact about the Rode NT series is that it’s actually named from the way the company’s microphone initially took off, described as “like a rat up a drain pipe”. The unofficial title of Rode’s first microphone was the Rodent-1, which was later changed to Rode NT-1.

The most notable feature of this microphone is that it’s one of the most affordable microphones to feature gold sputtering. Gold is a very effective conductor of electricity and is highly resistant to corrosion so that it retains its conductivity for long periods, which is why you often see it on high-end audio equipment. Gold sputtering uses a thin layer of gold which helps to maintain conductivity while still keeping costs relatively low. This is especially beneficial on microphone capsules (which is where the sputtering is used on the Rode NT-5) as it allows the material to still move quickly while retaining conductive properties.

This goes a long way in increasing a microphone's performance, and is likely a part of the reason why the NT-5 pair is so highly reviewed.

Key Features

  • Type: Condenser
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid
  • Frequency Response: 20 to 20000 Hz
  • Sensitivity: -38 dB re 1 Volt/Pascal (12 mV @ 94 dB SPL) +/- 2 dB @ 1kHz
  • Impedance: 100 ohms
  • Maximum SPL: 143 dB
  • Dynamic Range: Not specified
  • Equivalent Noise Level: 16dBA (A-weighted)
  • Power Requirements: 24V or 48V Phantom Power
  • Connection Material: Not specified
  • Weight: 3.56oz (101g)
  • Extras: RM5 stand mount, Wind Shield, RC5 case

Polar Pattern

Rode NT5 Polar Pattern

Frequency Response

Rode NT5  Frequency Response