Rode Nt1 Vs. Nt1a: How Do They Compare

Last Updated on May 27, 2023 by Robert Mejia

As a recording artist or an expert in the Audio production industry, you must have come across one of these two Rode Microphones: the Rode NT1 and the Rode NT1A.

Rode has built a reputable brand in the audio recording industry, most notably as the perfect brand for entry-level mics.

Both mics are built to comfortably cater to recording artists, instrumentals recording, and even podcasts.

The NT1 and NT1A are entirely different in design but for the mesh grille that features on both models. Rode’ engineers designed NT1 with a focus on midrange response, smooth high frequencies, and a warm tone to make this mic stand out.

The Rode NT1-A brings to life the dynamic range and incorporates features you will only find in high-end microphones brought to you at a more affordable price tag.

While both mics have some similarities, they were designed with very different needs in mind. We have delved into the details to make the selection process much more comfortable as you go about choosing one that suits your needs.

Let’s take a glance at what each has to offer before we put these two bad boys in one ring against each other.

RODE NT1

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The NT1 resembles the NT1-A in design but for the microphone, which was uniquely designed from scratch.

It has a unique signature vintage sound and has very low self-noise, arguably one of the quietest microphones. The NT1 generally has a very neutral frequency response with a hint of warmth.

Rode NT1 Specifications
Microphone Condenser
Frequency range20Hz-20kHz
Polar PatternCardioid
SPL(max) 132dB
Cable Connector XLR
Self-Noise 4.5dB
ColorsBlack and White
Diaphragm 1 Inch

Pros

  • Sound is balanced, neutral across the frequency range
  • A neutral but warm tone with an excellent mid-range
  • The quality of the material is good, and the design has an excellent finish.
  • Very low self-noise
  • Minimal background noise
  • Has a ten-year warranty
  • Can be compressed easily

Cons

  • The pop filter isn’t the best; you can purchase one separately.

RODE NT1A

RODE NT1A

The NT1-A has been the point of reference and comparison in the recording industry. The NT1-A is everything you need to get professional sound, whether in a home studio or a recording booth. It has a cardioid polar pattern and offers a wide dynamic sound range hence suitable for a variety of voices. It also has a large 1″ capsule with a gold-plated diaphragm giving the mic a bit of character.

NT1A Specifications

NT1ASpecifications
Polar PatternCardioid
Frequency Range20Hz-20kHZ
Capsule1 inch
AcousticPressure gradient
Self-Noise5dB
Output Impendence100 Ω
SPL (max)137dB
Maximum Output13.7mV
Weight326gms

Pros

  • The quality of the build material is fantastic.
  • Comes with a metallic shock mount
  • Very quiet
  • Vibrant sound as it is open and airy
  • Capable of handling high SPL

Cons

  • Not so natural sounding; recordings can be too bright.
  • You might want to get a better cable
  • Comes with no PAD or HPF

Accompanying accessories include:

  • XLR Cable
  • Shock mount with attached pop filter
  • A storage pouch

Similarities and Differences between Rode NT1 and Rode NT1A

As both Rode NT1A and Rode NT1 are products of Rodes Microphone manufacturers, they both exhibit significant similarities. The inspiration and the market need that both fulfill are, however, different. In this comparison, we will break down everything from the condenser, frequencies, polar patterns, and much more.

Similarities

  • Both microphones have low self-noise
  • They are large-diaphragm condenser microphones
  • They have a cardioid polar pattern
  • They both have a golden 1-inch diaphragm
  • They both have a ten-year warranty from Rode
  • Power consumption is the same on both mics

Differences

Price

NT1 is slightly more expensive than NT1A

Design

NT1 has a more appealing vintage look as compared to the NT1A

Treble

NT1A has a much brighter treble than NT1

Background Noise

Much as both microphones can block background noise, the NT1A captures a tiny bit of background noise in comparison to NT1

Sound

The NT1 has a more balanced Neutral sound, which gives a straight line on the graph up until about 4K, where it starts to rise steadily before flattening at around 15K. The NT1As figure rises between 100-200Hz, then it flattens at around 2k. Going forward, it increases and falls dramatically until about 10k. This explains why NT1A has some vibrancy to it. In general, the NT1 has warmer vintage tones, while the NT1A is dynamic and airy.

Body

The NT1 is made from 6061 aluminum, and then nickel plated to prevent corrosion and ensure durability.

Power Options

P24and P48 for both

Pickup Patterns

They both have a polar pickup pattern hence pick the sound from a single direction. While most mics have a polar pattern that varies slightly with frequency, these two are no different.

Max SPL

The NT1A has a slightly higher max SPL as compared to NT1 with a 137dBA vs. 132DbA. This makes the NT1A better at recording high pitch sounds. This, however, won’t make much difference in the sound unless you are recording instruments.

Frequency Response

Frequency is what differentiates the two mics significantly. The NT1 has a flatter and rich sound while the NT1A is more brighter, airy, vibrant.

Price

They both have really great qualities for the price. For many artists who are just starting out, either of these can be a great entry-level microphone with great features that competitively compare to the high-end mics, especially the NT1.

Generally, however, NT1 is more appropriate if you are going for a natural sound while the NT1A is excellent if you want brighter tones.

One thing you’ll appreciate about these two Rode microphones is the quality you get for the price. These are perfect for small projects and can be a great addition to your home studio.

While personal preference takes center stage when it comes to choosing a gadget, the NT1 and NT1A are sure to give you service for a long time. It is important to note that the NT1 was released 14 years after the NT1A. The NT1 is a later version and goes back to the basics.

The designers must have had the current needs of the market at the time of manufacture of both mics.

The NT1 stands out with its incredibly low self-noise. This is by far one of the quietest mics at this price range and has been compared to the Neumann.

The NT1A, on the other hand, is winning if you have no time for sound effects later. It gives you everything all at one go.

You might want to go for the NT1 if you like making your tweaks, and defining your own sound as a flatter sound is easier to work with.

While some recording artists might prefer a more natural, vintage sound as starters, others prefer a boost of confidence from the beginning.

Some have argued that the Rode NT1 is much better for sound recording, while Rode NT1A is better with instruments. Both are missing a PAD or a high pass filter, which is one of the downsides of both.

Either way, the designers of these two microphones have done an excellent job of giving consumers an option. You can’t complain as you are winning with either choice.

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