Home Microphone Comparisons Rode NT1 vs. NT2 | OLD VS. NEW!

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Hey friend and Welcome!!

Before we dive right into the Rode NT1 vs. NT2, grab a snack, sit back and relax because..

You’ve come to the right place!!

What I will bring you in this review

Since there isn’t much info on the NT2, I will outline the NT1 and compare/contrast towards the end. 🙂

  1. Ratings/Price
  2. Specifications
  3. Summary
  4. Pros
  5. Cons
  6. Video Review
  7. Who this mic benefits?
  8. What you will need?
  9. Thoughts from Stu’s notepad
  10. Consensus/Conclusion
  11. Similarities & Differences
  12. Final Word

Now without further ado, let’s get rolling!

Rode NT1

Ratings/Price

Specifications

  • Microphone Type: Condenser
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid. What is a cardioid capsule?
  • Diaphragm Size: 1″
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
  • Max SPL: 132dB. What is SPL?
  • Self Noise: 4.5dB (A-weighted)
  • Color: Black, White
  • Connector: XLR. What is XLR?
  • Included Accessories: Shock Mount, Pop Screen

Summary

The Rode NT1 gets rave reviews pretty much everywhere. It’s solid as a barbell, with a flat and neutral response that still remains warm and inviting, like Grandma’s gingerbread cookies. 😛

Its claim to fame is the 4.5dB of self-noise, which makes it one of the world’s quietest microphones according to many.

Pros

  • A flat, neutral response, while remaining crisp and punchy. Even sounding across the spectrum. Very natural.
  • Comes with shock-mount and pop-filter, both of which are of high quality.
  • Exceptional build quality.
  • The amazing Rode 10 year warranty.
  • Responds well to EQ and Compression. Not a lot is needed either.
  • Longevity. Built to last like Duralast. 😛
  • Excellent mid-range.
  • Low noise floor, meaning minimal extra sounds in the recording (ambient noise, room noise, etc.).
  • No sibilance. What does Sibilant mean?

Cons

  • The pop-filter according to many is sub-par. You will want to invest in a separate one.

Video Review

Who this mic benefits?

I’ve seen it endorsed for:

  • Miking instruments/amps, guitars.
  • Vocals/Singing.
  • Rap/Hip-Hop.
  • Podcasting.
  • Acoustic Guitar.
  • Female Mezzo vocals.
  • Tenor male voices.
  • Miking drums.
  • Tutorials
  • Narration

What you will need?

  • 48v phantom power via your audio interface.
  • A good pop-filter
  • A mic stand
  • XLR cable(s).

This mic also may need a good preamp to shine. Preamp vs. Interface.

Some good options:

  • Grace Design M101.
  • DBX 286A.

Your audio interface options:

So to summarize:

There were some people who recommend a preamp + interface to improve the sound quality and reduce white noise. You could always try out just an interface and see how it sounds first.

Thoughts from Stu’s notepad

  • Like all condenser microphones, this one will pick up quite a bit of background noise. Be prepared to employ some Acoustic Sound Treatment!
  • The specs on this mic are very similar to the Neumann U87.

Consensus/Conclusion

An extremely quiet and versatile mic that is built to last. You will want to invest in a separate pop-filter for shizzle.

Similarities & Differences

Similarities

  • The capsules on both come from the Neumann K67 design. What is a cardioid capsule? Both are center terminated and have the K67 backplate drilling pattern.
  • The mics do well in similar applications.

Differences

  • The NT2 modeled itself after the famous Neumann U87, while the NT1 has a few different looks: A white mic, a black mic, a silver mic, and a similar appearance to the NT2 in silver as well.
  • The NT2 is a dual-diaphragm capsule since it supports both omnidirectional and cardioid features. The NT1 only has a cardioid pattern.
  • The Max SPL for the NT2 is a bit lower than the NT1.
  • The self-noise of the NT1 is significantly lower than the NT2. The NT1 is well known for being one of the quietest mics on the planet.
  • The NT2 has both a -10dB pad and a Hi-pass filter, unlike the NT1.

Rode NT2 information

Ratings/Price

This mic is basically a ghost on the internet. There are only a few articles about it, and it’s not sold on Amazon or any other site.

Specifications

  • Microphone Type: Condenser
  • Polar Pattern: Omni-directional, Cardioid
  • Diaphragm: 1″
  • Max SPL: 130dB
  • Impedance: 40 Ohm
  • Self Noise: 14dB (A weighted)
  • Color: Silver
  • Weight: 530g
  • Pad: -10dB
  • Filter: High Pass Filter
  • Connector: XLR.
  • Included Accessories: SM-1 Shock Mount, Spare elastics, European thread adapter, foam windscreen, padded aluminum flight case.

Final Word

I would definitely go with the NT1, as it’s much more affordable, comes in a kit with everything you need, has really great reviews, and is super quiet to boot. The problem with the NT2 is that it’s just really hard to find! I didn’t even come across a place where you can purchase it. The NT2 does have some extra bells and whistles, but I’ve heard it’s expensive.

SEE THE RODE NT1 FOR YOURSELF ON AMAZON!!

 


Well, that’s about it for today my friend! I hope you’ve enjoyed this article on the Rode NT1 vs. NT2.

Questions? Comments? Requests? Did I miss the mark on something? Please let me know down below or Contact me!!

Which of these tickles your pickle? Are you thinking about searching out a good deal on the NT2? I would love to hear from you. Until next time…

All the best and God bless,

 

 

-Stu

[Xtr@Ba$eHitZ]

Be sure to check out my Reviews and Resources page for more helpful and informative articles!

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