RØDE NT5 Small-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

The RØDE NT5 is a small-diaphragm condenser microphone built for detailed recording duties in studios, live setups, and location workflows. It gives musicians, engineers, and content creators a focused microphone option for capturing acoustic instruments, percussion, cymbals, and spoken dialogue. Its cardioid pickup pattern helps emphasize the source in front of the microphone while reducing pickup from the rear.

A 1/2-inch gold-sputtered cardioid condenser capsule provides the NT5's balanced, full-range response. The microphone covers a 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency range, making it suitable for sources that need natural high-frequency detail and low-frequency extension. With a maximum SPL rating of 143 dB SPL, it can also accommodate louder instruments and close-miked percussion.

The NT5 uses a pressure-gradient acoustic design and an externally biased condenser capsule. Its 16 dBA equivalent noise level supports clean recording in quieter environments when paired with an appropriate microphone preamp. The 100-ohm output impedance and balanced XLR connection support integration with standard professional audio equipment.

This microphone is a practical choice for recording acoustic guitar, drum overheads, cymbals, piano, strings, room sound, and dialogue. Its end-address form factor is compact enough for close placement where a larger microphone may be difficult to position. The included microphone clip, foam windshield, and padded zip pouch support regular studio and portable use.

The NT5 is sold individually under model NT5, and RØDE also offers the microphone as a certified matched pair for stereo recording. An optional NT45-O omnidirectional capsule can expand the system for applications that call for omnidirectional pickup. It requires phantom power from a compatible mixer, audio interface, recorder, or microphone preamp.

Key Features

• 1/2-Inch Gold-Sputtered Capsule: Captures detailed sound with a cardioid response.
• Cardioid Polar Pattern: Focuses on the intended source from the front.
• Wide Frequency Range: Covers frequencies from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
• Low Equivalent Noise: Rated at 16 dBA for cleaner recordings.
• High SPL Handling: Handles up to 143 dB SPL.
• Expandable Capsule System: Supports the optional NT45-O omnidirectional capsule.

Design & Installation

The NT5 has a compact 118 x 20 x 20 mm body with a heavy-duty satin-nickel plated finish. Its small-diaphragm, end-address design is intended for precise placement on microphone stands, stereo bars, booms, and other standard microphone-mounting solutions. The microphone weighs 100 g, helping keep stand and boom setups manageable.

Connect the NT5 to a balanced 3-pin XLR microphone input and enable P48 phantom power on the connected preamp, mixer, recorder, or audio interface. Use the included RM5 microphone clip for stand mounting and the included WS5 windshield when light wind or breath noise is a concern. For stereo techniques, use two NT5 microphones in a suitable stereo array; the NT5 is also available from RØDE as a certified matched pair.