Aloha friend and Welcome!!
Before we dive right into the Rode NT5 vs. M5, grab a snack, sit back and relax because…
You’ve come to the right place!!
What I will bring you in this review
Of each microphone:
- Ratings/Price
- Specifications
- Summary
- Pros
- Cons
- Sound Test
- Who this mic benefits?
- What you will need?
- Thoughts from Stu’s notepad
- Consensus/Conclusion
- Similarities & Differences
- Final Word
Now without further ado, let’s get rolling!
Rode NT5
Ratings/Price
- Check Amazon! | Check Sweetwater! | Check eBay!
Specifications
- Acoustic principle: externally polarized single-diaphragm condenser
- Capsule size: 1/2. What is a cardioid capsule?
- Active electronics: JFET impedance converter with bipolar output buffer
- Directional response: cardioid
- Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz
- Sensitivity: -38dB re 1V/Pa ±2dB equivalent to 12mV/Pa where 1 Pa = 94dBSPL
- Equivalent noise: <16dBSPL (A-weighted)
- Maximum output: +13.9dBu
- Dynamic range: >128dB
- Maximum SPL: 143dB. What is SPL?
- Signal/noise ratio: 78dB
Summary
A good thing to keep in mind about the NT5 is that its sound is pretty even sounding across the frequency spectrum, with a bit of emphasis on the treble. This enables the sound to be very crisp and clean, if not a tad sibilant at times. It’s nothing to freak out about though.
Pros
- Good tonal balance.
- Great clarity in the high end.
- Flat frequency response, making it easy to EQ.
- The tone is crisp and clean.
- Good case.
- Natural sounding.
- Mic clips are rugged.
- Durable.
Cons
- A bit edgy for drums in the high-frequency range, causing sibilance. What does sibilant mean?
- No polarity switch or dB pad.
- The matte nickel finish scratches easily.
Sound Test
Who this mic benefits?
I’ve seen it endorsed for:
- Acoustic Guitar
- Overhead drum miking
- Room miking
- Piano
- Orchestra
- Instrumental ensembles
- High-end cymbals
- Brass
- Hi-hat/ride
- Bass
- Electric guitar
- Vocals
- Hand percussion
- Mandolin
- Pipe Organ
- Choir
- Harp
- Cello
- Clarinet
- Bassoon
- Flute
- Fiddle
- Acoustic Bass
- Trombone
- Trumpet/Flugelhorn
- Baroque ensembles
- Brass quintet
- Big Band Jazz
The important thing to note is that they will sound better with brighter sources.
What you will need?
A good preamp or interface is needed. Preamp vs. Interface
Some other good articles:
Thoughts from Stu’s notepad
- When recording guitar, pointed at the soundhole may not warrant the sound you’re looking for. Pointing them at the neck/headstock area may be advantageous.
- They come with thread adapters for euro mic stands.
- They are very hard to get the mics into the holder and the holder is very hard to get out of the carrying case. The holders however are very durable as stated in the Pros section.
- They have a top-end roll-off, meaning they will capture things like cymbals and acoustic guitars without sounding thin and tinny.
- The included pop screens aren’t as effective as a conventional pop-filter.
- There are no built-in pads or attenuation switches.
- The mic is very sensitive and picks up a lot.
- If you’re looking for a darker sound, these may not be for you. These have that air and high end crisp. There is a presence peak in the mid-high range.
- There is also a slight emphasis on the low midrange and bass frequency. It’s not an over-hyped sound though.
- You can buy the Omni capsules for the NT5, enabling omnidirectional recording. Good for pianos and the like.
Consensus/Conclusion
A versatile mic with emphasis on the treble. Maybe a tad bright at times.
Onto…
Rode M5
Ratings/Best Price
- Check Amazon! | Check Sweetwater! | Check eBay!
Specifications
- Microphone Type: Condenser
- Mono/Stereo: Stereo
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
- Max SPL: 140dB
- Output impedance: 200 Ohms
- Signal to noise ratio: 75dB (A-weighted)
- Color: Black
- Connector: XLR. What is XLR?
- Weight: 0.17 lbs.
- Manufacturer Part Number: M5-MP
Summary
The Rode M5 is a small diaphragm condenser microphone that works well in a pinch. A lot of people commented that it’s a bit noisy and sometimes sibilant.
Pros
- Durable build.
- Pretty smooth and clear/flat frequency response.
- Versatile.
Cons
- The grill is vulnerable to damage since it extends past the edge of the body. it is also easily damaged being made of thin aluminum or alloy.
- Can be sibilant at times.
- Difficult to put the mics in the mount.
Video Review!
Who this mic benefits?
I’ve seen it endorsed for:
- String Quartet
- Choir
- Drum overheads
- Acoustic guitars
- Dulcimer
- Electric Guitar
- Violin
- Saxophone
- Field Recording
-
Uilleann pipes
- Banjo
- Viola
- Cello
- Egyptian Kanoon
- Congas
- Cymbals
What you will need?
The same applies to the NT5. The Steinberg UR22 is a good match. Check out the best budget audio interface!!
Thoughts from Stu’s notepad
- The mic clips have a locking lever, enabling you to loosen them and adjust the angle.
- They aren’t very warm or musical according to some.
- You will want to play around with mic placement with these (and the NT5’s as well) to get the best sound.
Consensus/Conclusion
Another versatile piece. A bit noisy, and can be sibilant at times as well.
Similarities & Differences
Similarities
- They are both small diaphragm condenser microphones. Large diaphragm vs. Small Diaphragm
- Both are pretty detailed yet neutral.
Differences
- The M5’s mic clip has a locking lever, unlike the NT5.
- The M5 is not quite as hot as the NT5 meaning they aren’t going to become sibilant quite as easily. This also means that the NT5’s have more detail in the treble range.
- The NT5’s sound signature is a bit better overall than the M5. The mid-range on the M5 is scooped, meaning they are a bit recessed or not as easily heard as the other frequencies such as the treble or bass.
- They are a bit harder to EQ than the NT5’s.
- Both have been accused of being sibilant at times.
- Neither have any dB pads or roll-off switches.
- The M5 is much noisier than the NT5. The NT5 has much lower self-noise. The exact specs are 16dB compared to 19dB.
- The NT5 is a bit warmer sounding than the M5.
Final Word
I would say that if you’re on a budget, go with the M5. Just know that the sound quality won’t be as good as the NT5 right out of the box. You will have to do some extra EQ’ing to achieve a similar NT5 sound.
SEE THE M5 FOR YOURSELF ON AMAZON!!
If you can stretch your budget a little more, the NT5 is a great pencil condenser with a crystal clear frequency response. Just know that it does have a tendency to become sibilant at times. The noise floor is also pretty darn quiet as well, and won’t require too much EQ.
SEE THE NT5 FOR YOURSELF ON AMAZON!!
Well, that’s about it for today my friend! I hope you’ve enjoyed this article on the Rode NT5 vs. M5.
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? I would love to hear from you. Until next time…
All the best and God bless,
-Stu
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