Rode's 5th Gen NT1 microphone supports XLR and USB with world's-first extras

RØDE NT1 5th Gen
RØDE NT1 5th Gen mic supports analog or digital recording setups. (Image credit: RØDE)

What you need to know

  • Rode's long-standing flagship NT1 condenser microphone has been updated with cutting-edge technology in this 5th Gen revision, available now for $249.
  • Introducing its Dual Connect feature, the NT1 5th Gen supports both XLR and USB connectivity for analog mixers or digital recording on a computer.
  • This latest model features the world's first 32-bit float digital output alongside audio processing effects for studio-grade audio.

Rode has officially launched a 5th Generation revision to its iconic NT1 microphone, the same model they've been manufacturing since the 1990s. This latest update features revolutionary upgrades inside and out, with the vendor claiming it's the world's first 'unclippable' mic. If you're looking for studio-grade recordings, the NT1 5th Gen covers all the bases.

Featuring XLR and USB connectivity support, you can record via analog mixers or directly into a computer with a standard plug-and-play setup. On-board DSP effects carry over from many other models in the Rode range, including the recent Rode X XCM-50 condenser microphone aimed at gamers, which was strictly reliant on USB.

Available in black or silver, the NT1 5th Gen includes a shock mount and pop filter alongside USB and XLR cables. (Image credit: RØDE)

Launching at $249 MSRP on Amazon, the NT1 5th Gen stands out from the crowd as the first microphone with a 32-bit float digital output, capturing the full dynamic range without signal clipping. It's a fantastic addition that removes the need for exhausting pre-recording prep when recording analog, saving the adjustments for afterward. The USB digital output still features the ultra-low-noise, high-gain Revolution Preamp seen on the Rodecaster Pro II production studio with fine-tuned post-processing via Rode companion apps.

The NT1 is not only our flagship microphone; it’s an icon for today’s creative generation (..) The NT1 5th Generation is unlike any studio mic out there, but it hasn’t lost its charm and is sure to continue inspiring creators for decades to come.

Damien Wilson - RØDE CEO

Packaged with a studio-grade shock mount and pop filter, the NT1 5th Gen is available in black or silver and includes XLR and USB-C cables. Rode has contacted Windows Central with a sample unit, so a review will follow soon. Check the official Rode NT1 5th Gen product page for a full breakdown of specifications and features.

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Header Cell - Column 0 Rode NT1 5th Gen
Polar patternCardioid
CapsuleCondenser
Frequency range20Hz - 20,000 Hz
ConnectivityXLR / USB-C
Sample rate48 / 96 / 192 kHz
Bit depth24 / 32-bit floating point
Dimensions52 x 52 x 189mm
Net weight308g
Ben Wilson
Channel Editor

Ben is the channel editor for all things tech-related at Windows Central. That includes PCs, the components inside, and any accessory you can connect to a Windows desktop or Xbox console. Not restricted to one platform, he also has a keen interest in Valve's Steam Deck handheld and the Linux-based operating system inside. Fueling this career with coffee since 2021, you can usually find him behind one screen or another. Find him on Mastodon @trzomb@mastodon.online to ask questions or share opinions.