Rode NT1 Signature

Rode introduced the original NT1 way back in 1991, and it’s been so successful that last year they released the fifth generation of this mic. Indeed, when I’m asked by musicians or aspiring engineers to advise on a first ‘proper mic on a budget’, it’s pretty much always been on my shortlist. I was recently sent the new NT1 Signature for review — this one is an all‑analogue affair with the usual XLR connector on the bottom, but it’s worth noting that there’s also a USB version with 32‑bit converters and some DSP on board (it also includes the XLR connector), and if you’re interested in reading about that one, check out Sam Inglis’ March 2023 review: www.soundonsound.com/reviews/rode-nt1-5th-gen

As well as a smart‑looking mic (available in silver or black), you get some nice accessories, and I was impressed with the quality of the included shockmount, which has a neat attachment for fitting the included pop filter. There’s an XLR cable included too, so you only need a mic stand and preamp/audio interface and you’re good to go.

Like its predecessors this NT1 is a cardioid‑only capacitor mic that features no additional pads or filters. But the lack of such ‘bells and whistles’ is by no means a sign of cheap quality. While the biggest evolution in the fifth‑generation NT1 is arguably the digital connectivity, there’s plenty more to commend this analogue‑only model too. For example, unlike many budget‑friendly mic companies, Rode design and build...