The NT-USB features highly optimized side-address construction with a side-firing capsule with carefully considered geometry and premium components selected for their superior performance characteristics such as an all-new custom manufactured large-diaphragm condenser microphone cartridge developed exclusively by RØDE.
A built-in pop shield is also included in the package that attaches easily to the base of the mic with a supplied swivel mount.
The NT-USB is designed for interface recording applications where desktop space is at a premium as well as providing mobile users with an ultra-light, high-quality vocal microphone solution.
The body of this USB mic integrates perfectly into professional recording environments as both a stereo and mono option for your clients.
This model has +48V phantom power available via mini XLR input giving you increased flexibility across all kinds of recording applications both at home and in the studio.
If you are looking to capture podcasts or lavalier recordings, then simply connect our optional PSA1 or OSVR OS X Rig kits that integrate cleanly into any professional setup.
- Rode NT-USB-Mini USB Microphone with Detachable Magnetic Stand, Built-in Pop Filter and Headphone Amplifier
If you want to mount the microphone in a shock mount (not included), we recommend picking up the universal and professional SM3 shock mount in our accessories section.
Key specs:
- Type: Side Address Condenser Microphone with USB digital output
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid (16mm capsule)
- Sensitivity: -36dB ±4dB (0dB = 1V/Pa at 1kHz)
- Impedance: 2.2k Ohms ±30%
- Max Input SPL: 130dB w/ pad engaged @ <1% THD; 156dB w/ pad engaged @<0.5%THD; 162 dB tested when phantom power (+48v) is switched on and mic gain set to maximum (with no load attached). Power requirements: 5v DC, 2mA typical.
- Dimensions(Mic): 33mm (1.3”) long, 16mm (0.6”) maximum body diameter
- Weight: 220g (7.8 oz)
- Includes NT-USB mic, pouch/pop shield/stand, stand mount adapter, swivel mount for shock mount or boom arm use, USB cable and instructions.
The Rode NT-USB is a side-address condenser microphone with an integrated A/D converter that can be plugged straight into your computer via USB for direct recording.
It features a large-diaphragm in its side-address design and sports low mass diaphragm technology for extended frequency response and superior transient response.
Additionally, the NT-USB features a +48v phantom power on a mini XLR connector to provide compatibility with most mixing consoles and external analogue signal conditioning such as preamplifiers, compressors and gates.
As well this one of the primary reasons we chose phantom power over batteries or external power supplies is that it allows you to use the NT-USB as a mono mic with an XLR splitter cable if desired.
The Rode NT-USB comes bundled with its own pop shield, stand mount and storage pouch so not only do you get the microphone itself but everything that you need straight out of the box.
You can attach all of these essentials onto your mic by way of standard microphone clips, microphone stands or boom arms. This makes for easy setup whether you are recording in your home studio or outside on location.
The NT-USB features a unique swivel mount that allows you to adjust the orientation of the microphone capsule. This can be particularly useful if you are looking for the perfect placement of the microphone with respect to your mouth relative to plosives or sibilance. Just simply rotate the mic within its mount until you find what works best.
The sound quality of this microphone is also second-to-none and the included pop shield, stand mount and storage pouch are an added bonus. You can’t go wrong with either this or its bigger brother which I have reviewed in this post here .
It’s extremely versatile, especially if you’re looking for one mic that does it all but also comes down to just being a pleasure to use particularly due to it being plug n play.
Plenty loud enough for singers/voice artists up to 120dB which is more than most people will ever need! The NT-USB has brought us so much convenience when recording voiceovers/vocals in particular so we highly recommend giving it a try today!
If you want to use the extra-long 3 meter USB cable, it plugs directly into your computer via USB port and also doubles as an audio output from your computer without requiring any drivers which makes the connection extremely simple.
The NT-USB itself is powered by 48v phantom power through its mini XLR connector so all you have to do is plug in and record! You can also use this one mic for all your recording and streaming needs whether you are on a PC, MAC, or even iPad.
I really like the fact that you can record directly to your computer with zero-latency monitoring and not have to deal with any extra soundcards.
This makes recording extremely simple for people who are new to recording, but also offers advanced features like EQ, Compression & Limiting if you want them. The quality of recordings is very high thanks to its low mass diaphragm design and ability to handle high SPLs up to 120dB which is more than enough for nearly all vocalists/voice artists (Although note that this isn’t the ‘quietest’ studio mic around but still within acceptable limits).
I would like to share some of our favorite ways to use the Rode NT-USB microphone:
OPTION 1: Use it as a cardioid microphone in the studio with zero-latency monitoring directly from your computer/laptop (No extra soundcard required!)
OPTION 2: Mount the NT-USB on top of your DSLR camera and use it for recording video sound for movies, documentaries, vlogs, etc…
OPTION 3: If you’re into streaming then this is also perfect for that! You can use this mic on its own or paired with other microphones and go live directly from your computer or laptop.
OPTION 4: You can even use this for podcasting using the Rode Podcaster application which gives you a ton of other features such as EQ, Compression, and limiting all built-in.
Conclusion:
Overall I found that both producing and recording voiceovers with the Rode NT-USB was an extremely straightforward process and has made our workflow much simpler and efficient than ever before! It is easy enough to set up and get everything up and running within minutes across all platforms whether you’re on PC, Mac or iPad.
