Rode NT2-A & NT5 Pair – Condenser Microphones (£199 & £229)

Australian microphone manufacturer Rode have been manufacturing quality microphones for decades.  Their headquarters contain a fully automated production line ensuring exceptional build standards and consistent sound quality.  Each mic comes with a massive 10 year warranty, quite remarkable considering most of their competitors only offer 1 to 3 years, so you know you’re buying a quality product that will last.  Apparently Rode named their NT series after their rat-like inhabitants which is why you might occasionally hear them nicknamed the ‘Rodent’.

For the benefit of those who aren‘t familiar with condenser microphones (also known as capacitor microphones), they are well known for their detailed, sensitive response that is ideal for high quality studio recordings.  You‘ll need a phantom power supply (usually 48 Volts) as well as a microphone preamp to get started, both of which are usually supplied by a mixing desk or high-end soundcard.  Almost every condenser mic uses a 3-pin XLR to XLR cable which supplies the mic it’s power as well as carrying the audio signal.

The Rode NT2-A is an awesome large diaphragm condenser microphone with a smooth vintage character and plenty of features.  Building on the success of the award winning NT2, this updated model boasts three pad settings (-10dB, -5dB, or 0dB), three polar patterns (cardioid, figure of 8, and omni), and three high-pass filter settings (80Hz, 40Hz, or 0dB).  Like the NT2, the NT2-A has won several prestigious awards including last years MIPA ’06 award for best studio microphone.  In terms of specifications, the NT2-A captures the whole audible frequency spectrum (20Hz to 20KHz), has an impressive 140dB dynamic range, 87dB signal-to-noise ratio, 7dBA SPL self-noise, and a maximum SPL of 157dB.  It‘s hard to judge any mic simply by looking at specs but this should help you notice that the NT2-A is very versatile and would suit numerous recording situations. For the price the NT2-A is the perfect choice for recording vocals, and I’m sure you’ll instantly fall for it’s unique vintage warmness and ease of use.

The Rode NT5’s are small and aesthetic cardioid condenser microphones usually supplied in matched pairs with clips and wind shields in a handy hard plastic case.  Oddly enough a stereo bar isn’t included but I suppose this would only add to the cost if you don’t need or already own one.

Spec-wise they cover the audible frequency range (20Hz to 20KHz), produce less than 16dBA of self-noise, have over 120dB dynamic range, 78dB signal-to-noise ratio, and can handle a maximum SPL of about 143dB.  The NT5’s don’t have any pads or filters but a filter is hardly necessary as they naturally filter out lower frequencies being small diaphragm.  Saying that though, they seem to be a little more bass responsive than most other small condensers.  A conventional use for these mics is to capture high frequency sound sources such as drum cymbals or glockenspiels but they also serve well for capturing high-detail stereo images.  I’m yet to find a better solution for recording a strummed acoustic guitar than the NT5’s in the X-Y configuration placed a short distance from the guitar‘s sound hole.  The results barely need EQ and can usually be placed directly into a mix without compromising clarity.

All Rode microphones boast incredibly low noise figures, good solid build quality, and computer built circuitry.  This combined with the 10 year warranty makes the NT range a sensible option for beginner and professional alike.