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R/E/P => R/E/P Archives => The Acid Test => Topic started by: eightyeightkeys on September 21, 2009, 07:09:56 PM

Title: RODE NT5's-Thank-you Terry
Post by: eightyeightkeys on September 21, 2009, 07:09:56 PM

I bought a pair of brand new NT5's at a very reasonable price based, in part, on Terry's article. The article where Terry finds himself in a studio down under without many of the traditional high end mic's that he was expecting, but, with a bevvy of these Australian Rode mics. Hmmm......if Terry likes 'em ?...maybe me like too ?

I used them for the first time on a session just chalk full of percussion. Bata's, Tabla's, Cajon, etc... and the Rode NT5's were just stellar. I could not have been happier with the result. There were smiles all around from everyone.

All the detailed high end was right there for every little nuance as well as a suprisingly beefy and tight low end on low tabla and cajon. Loads of bottom on the cajon about 8 inches away. The NT5's handled the cracking mid range of the Bata's without any problem at all.

So far, I just love 'em. You really do have to take internet reviews with several grains of salt, but, coming from a very respected engineer....well... Thanks again Terry....and good on ya Rode !

Title: Re: RODE NT5's-Thank-you Terry
Post by: compasspnt on September 22, 2009, 11:47:36 AM

Yes, the 5's are pretty darned good...no, perhaps they aren't the greatest ever made, but for so many uses, they will perform admirably.

The omni capsules are nice as well, if you don't have them.

Title: Re: RODE NT5's-Thank-you Terry
Post by: Ian Visible on September 23, 2009, 08:28:05 AM

I've been wondering for a while - do the omni capsules fit the NT5s as well as the NT55s?

All the literature and descriptions seem to me to be a bit unclear, and only the NT55s mention interchangeable capsules.

I'd like the option of omni capsules for the NT5s...er...and would obviously then rush out and buy a pair!

Title: Re: RODE NT5's-Thank-you Terry
Post by: Glenn Bucci on September 23, 2009, 02:21:41 PM

I have the NT55's and I usually use one to record acoustic guitar with the omni capsule. Sounds a lot more open than the cardioid capsule. Only use the cardioid capsule if I do a X/Y  or a two mic setup for stereo.

I have friends who told me you can use the omni capsule with the NT5, but I can't confirm

Title: Re: RODE NT5's-Thank-you Terry
Post by: compasspnt on September 23, 2009, 03:24:53 PM

OK, so I opened up some mic boxes to see what I could find out.

The capsule series is the NT-45, and comes of course in card, omni, and also in hyper-card.

The omni is the NT-45-O.

It does fit onto the NT5, as well as the NT6, NT55, and, believe it or not, the NT4 stereo X/Y.

My favourite for the cuteness factor is the NT6 with the          little mini-gooseneck mount...can be placed almost anywhere.

Title: Re: RODE NT5's-Thank-you Terry
Post by: KB_S1 on September 24, 2009, 07:55:10 AM

Terry, have you tried the omni capsule on the NT4?

Might be a useful way to gain an omni SDC for relatively little for me.

Title: Re: RODE NT5's-Thank-you Terry
Post by: compasspnt on September 24, 2009, 08:01:01 AM

I have only used the 4's in their stock 2 x card, fixed X/Y config...never thought of having two omni's in "x/y"...

We should try...

Title: Re: RODE NT5's-Thank-you Terry
Post by: Ian Visible on September 24, 2009, 08:16:53 AM

Excellent news, thanks for trying it out and answering the question definitively!

I like Rode.

Title: Re: RODE NT5's-Thank-you Terry
Post by: MagnetoSound on September 24, 2009, 10:01:58 AM

How can you put omnis in X/Y?

Won't it sound like mono?

Title: Re: RODE NT5's-Thank-you Terry
Post by: compasspnt on September 24, 2009, 10:21:41 AM

I suspect that Keith meant that if he put one omni capsule on one half of an NT4 that he already owns, and used only that half, he would have an extra-option omni mic at only the cost of one capsule.

Title: Re: RODE NT5's-Thank-you Terry
Post by: MagnetoSound on September 24, 2009, 10:38:54 AM

Yes, but I wasn't sure what you meant.

But now I see I've been done up like a kipper!

Grr.

Title: Re: RODE NT5's-Thank-you Terry
Post by: KB_S1 on September 24, 2009, 10:45:56 AM

compasspnt wrote on Thu, 24 September 2009 15:21

I suspect that Keith meant that if he put one omni capsule on one half of an NT4 that he already owns, and used only that half, he would have an extra-option omni mic at only the cost of one capsule.

Bingo.

Although Now that I think of it a combination of one omni and one cardioid capsule could prove pretty handy for location sessions.

Title: Re: RODE NT5's-Thank-you Terry
Post by: jetbase on September 24, 2009, 06:40:17 PM

Ian Visible wrote on Thu, 24 September 2009 22:16

I like Rode.

I predict that their product line will get a whole lot more interesting in the near future... at least I hope so!

Title: Re: RODE NT5's-Thank-you Terry
Post by: MagnetoSound on September 25, 2009, 06:44:43 AM

KB_S1 wrote on Thu, 24 September 2009 15:45

compasspnt wrote on Thu, 24 September 2009 15:21 I suspect that Keith meant that if he put one omni capsule on one half of an NT4 that he already owns, and used only that half, he would have an extra-option omni mic at only the cost of one capsule. Bingo. Although Now that I think of it a combination of one omni and one cardioid capsule could prove pretty handy for location sessions.

Yes, just be sure to point the omni away from the source.

Title: Re: RODE NT5's-Thank-you Terry
Post by: seedyunderbelly.com on September 25, 2009, 08:00:56 AM

I have a question for you Rode owners- Whom also have Classic mics in hand,

If you have KM64's, 221bs,KM54/56/53  KM84 and 451's on hand  

??Would you still find a use for the RODE mics that would out perform the others in certain instances?

Are they good enough to justify their place on sonics alone within that group?  or are they "Good for the money/Great for the money?"

Thanks!

j

Title: Re: RODE NT5's-Thank-you Terry
Post by: KB_S1 on September 25, 2009, 09:28:53 AM

I have new style and  old 451's available.

My NT4 is comparable quality to the older one and better than the new (subjectively of course).

Not had a chance to compare to the other mic's on your list but I can say I would pay double for the Rode NT4(5) that I would pay for KM184s.

The fact they are about a 1/3rd of the price just makes it all the better!

Title: Re: RODE NT5's-Thank-you Terry
Post by: Tomas Danko on September 25, 2009, 09:49:16 AM

Regarding the Rode K2, NT4/5's and Classic II, I'd most definitely keep using them no matter what other microphones I had. They can, and often do, win over much more expensive as well as highly sought after microphones.

For the NT1000/2000 and such, chances are I'd eventually stop using them unless I ran out of other mics.

Speaking of the NT1A, NT3 etc, I'd probably stop using them very early on as soon as I had any other decent mics available.

Title: Re: RODE NT5's-Thank-you Terry
Post by: C.Cash on October 07, 2009, 04:52:07 PM

So,where do can I find the Hyper-cardioid capsules for the NT-5?
I found the Omni and Cardioid.

Thanks.

Title: Re: RODE NT5's-Thank-you Terry
Post by: craig boychuk on October 18, 2009, 04:40:48 PM

One small drawback with the nt5 & nt4 is that they are not so good for use outdoors. They do not like the wind and the supplied windscreens don't help much.

Not a deal breaker, though. Excellent for studio use, of course.

-craig-

Title: Re: RODE NT5's-Thank-you Terry
Post by: KB_S1 on October 19, 2009, 07:24:02 AM

craig boychuk wrote on Sun, 18 October 2009 21:40

One small drawback with the nt5 & nt4 is that they are not so good for use outdoors. They do not like the wind and the supplied windscreens don't help much. Not a deal breaker, though. Excellent for studio use, of course. -craig-

You need a 'Dead Kitten'.

Unfortunate name but appropriate product.

Title: Re: RODE NT5's-Thank-you Terry
Post by: benn on October 20, 2009, 03:50:24 AM

Tomas Danko wrote on Fri, 25 September 2009 06:49

For the NT1000/2000 and such, chances are I'd eventually stop using them unless I ran out of other mics.

I was involved in a session where we ended up choosing to use an NT1000 on a lead female vocal for a couple tracks over a very impressive mic selection at a well known studio here.  Not saying that it would always be the case, but it has happened.

For recordists on a tight budget, Rode mics are an extraordinary resource.
For people on an unlimited budget, Rode mics are sometimes the best tool for the job.

Title: Re: RODE NT5's-Thank-you Terry
Post by: Tomas Danko on October 20, 2009, 10:52:40 AM

benn wrote on Tue, 20 October 2009 08:50

Tomas Danko wrote on Fri, 25 September 2009 06:49 For the NT1000/2000 and such, chances are I'd eventually stop using them unless I ran out of other mics. I was involved in a session where we ended up choosing to use an NT1000 on a lead female vocal for a couple tracks over a very impressive mic selection at a well known studio here.  Not saying that it would always be the case, but it has happened. For recordists on a tight budget, Rode mics are an extraordinary resource. For people on an unlimited budget, Rode mics are sometimes the best tool for the job.

I have no problem whatsoever to agree with all of your statements.

Actually, I still own a pair of NT1000's and one of them was always the first choice for a certain voice on a certain project regardless of the other, much better, microphones I happen to own.

Title: Re: RODE NT5's-Thank-you Terry
Post by: craig boychuk on October 23, 2009, 03:06:37 PM

KB_S1 wrote on Mon, 19 October 2009 06:24

You need a 'Dead Kitten'. Unfortunate name but appropriate product.

Thanks for the heads up! Didn't know Rode made one of those...

funny name, indeed.

-craig-

Title: Re: RODE NT5's-Thank-you Terry
Post by: bleen on October 26, 2009, 10:29:15 PM

I love my matched pairs of NT55's. Great utility mics that work in so many scenarios.

I'm getting rid of a pair if anyone's interested (need more compressors...).