The first thing to consider when deciding between the NT1 and the NT1-A is the price difference of some Bucks.
If you are on a budget but want to achieve audio quality above your normal microphone, then go with the non-A version because it’s literally half the price of its successor.
However, if you have some money to spare or just don’t care about saving $$$ dollars, then obviously go with the NT1-A for better sound quality overall.
The next consideration you should think about is what features do they offer?
For example, does one mic offer something that another doesn’t? Ultimately you’ll need to decide whether those added features are worth the extra cost.
Rode NT1 Features
First of all, the physical appearance makes it obvious that the rode nt1 has a better build quality than the non-a version. It’s less susceptible to low-frequency hiss or popping due to its internal pop filter design.
Also, with an added 3 position high pass filter you can control any unwanted noise coming from your speakers or other components in your studio without having to resort to using EQ during post-production.
- Includes the RODE AI-1 USB Audio Interface – adds studio-quality input and output capabilities to your computer
- Includes RODE NT1 – 1″ diaphragm condenser microphone
- Includes SM6 shock mount, pop-shield, RODE XLR cable, USB-C/A cables, and power – 48V phantom power
- Neutrik combo jack – 3-pole XLR mic input & 1/4” instrument jack
The last standout feature about this mic is the fact that its polar pattern is cardioid which helps isolate the main sound source better than an Omni or bi-directional polar pattern would do.
So if you are paying attention you’ll there are only three features listed on the specs, but there are actually five. It also comes with an attenuation switch which is placed on the back of the mic near the XLR end; this allows you to quickly turn off the 10db pad or high pass filter if needed.
Rode NT1-A Features
There are basically three additional features that come with NT1-A over its predecessor.
First of all, it has a low-cut filter knob on top of the microphone; this is very convenient for quick adjustments of your tone curve without having to use any extra equipment like an EQ pedal or plugin (which would allow you easier access).
Second, you can rotate the diaphragm surround up to 180 degrees which makes a lot easier when trying to do any multi-track recording in full 360 degree environment. Third, the last feature is that you can switch between -10db and +4 dB attenuation to allow compatibility with different types of preamps when trying to achieve the right amount of gain.
Rode NT1 vs RODE NT1-A: Key Differences
The NT1 has no internal shock mount to reduce noise and vibrations traveling into the unit
The NT1 is slightly less expensive than the NT1a — but not by much, certainly not worth forgoing the slight increase in sound quality! If you can afford it go with the NT1-A…or whichever one best suits your budget if you are looking for a more affordable option.
For example, there is also an NTG series of microphones offered by Rode which are incredibly good value compared to industry-standard mics!
The NT1a has a built-in side-address studio condenser microphone, with an internal shock mount to reduce noise and vibrations traveling through the mic stand into your mic – only the NT1a contains this feature.
- 10 Year warranty on the Rode NT1-A
- Includes a tripod base desk stand, pop shield, shock mount, premium 20′ microphone cable, dust cover, and an instructional DVD with recording tips
- Large 1” (25mm) capsule with gold plated diaphragm
- Self noise of only 5dB (A)
The NT1 comes with everything you need to start recording studio-quality audio straight away, including a tripod stand and analog XLR cable (XLR Cable is the most common type of connector for microphones) – whereas the NT1a does not include these extra accessories.
The Rode NT1-A is slightly more expensive than the Rode NT1, but it’s well worth the extra money.
The microphone features a built-in side-address studio condenser microphone.
The microphone has an internal shock mount to reduce noise and vibrations traveling through the mic stand into your mic.
Furthermore, you can easily edit all its settings via a clear LCD screen that displays both your adjustments and settings on an easy-to-use menu.
It comes with everything you need to start recording studio-quality audio straight away, including a tripod stand, analog XLR cable, pop shield, and pouch!
As stated above, the NT1 is a little more expensive than the NT1-A. However, you get so much for your money.
With the Rode NT1-A you actually get two mics in one – they are both dynamic and condenser mics, which means that even if you don’t have the best soundcard around they will still deliver good quality audio recordings with ease.
Plus it comes with its own simple stand and everything else you need to get started straight away! It’s well worth splashing out for this mic alone!
Summary:
The Rode NT1 and Rode NT1a are both easy to use, good quality microphones.
However, the NT1a is definitely the better bang for your buck! The NT1 does have a slightly more narrow dynamic range than the NT1-A but this isn’t that noticeable if you are just recording vocals or instruments – whereas most of us do most of our recording using these tools.
And if you are looking to record anything else it will be fine for this too!
Either way, they are both excellent mics at an equally excellent price so if the extra features of the Rode NT1-A aren’t necessary for you then go with whichever one best suits your budget.
