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Rode
NT5 |
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Rode NT5 is a pencil style condenser mic with low noise specs
and full frequency response from 20hz to 20K. Because they come
as a pair they are ideal for placement in front of groups of vocals
or instruments, and as drum overheads but of course you can use
them individually in countless other situations. The mic is a
small diaphragm cardioid condenser with a gold sputtered 1/2-inch
mic capsule which screws onto a heavy-duty cast metal body with
a satin nickel finish. as a condenser mic it requires phantom
power (minimum 18V for optimal performance) and comes with WS5
custom windscreen, RM5 stand mount, and a custom hardshell carry
case. |
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Recording |
A few years ago when the first reviews appeared for Rode
microphones everyone seemed very excited by their matched pair
of small diaphragm, condenser, cardioid mics the NT5s. It looked
very similar in size and style to the Neumann
KM 84s and was designed to provide a similar range of applications
such as a pair of drum overheads or a stereo pair for recording
a small choir or ensemble. All the reviews were positive and
both the mobile and the studio decided to buy a pair as at just
over £200 for a pair they seemed too good to miss. The
mics are very nicely made and come in a foam lined plastic hard
case with a couple of clips and simple foam shields. I have
experimented with these mics as a stereo pair in different configurations
and as single point mics for recording instruments. I think
that they are just terrific value for money and with the exception
of voice/over work they get used on all the sessions with the
mobile and in the studio. I tend to set them up on a stereo
bar in ORTF
and I am particularly happy with them as drum overheads
though they don't really match up to the Neumann KM 84s. They
get used for general stereo instrument work and give a lovely
clear picture with a bright smooth top end though they are perhaps
a bit light at the bottom. However it would be churlish to criticise
these mics at their price.
I recently had one take a hit distorting the vents which slightly
dropped the output of the mic and while it wasn't the end of
the world I thought it would be good to see if Ii could get
a replacement capsule. I spoke to Rachid Amini at the UK distributers
HHB
and he sent me a replacement capsule for free. That's what I
call good service!
JR
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