Rode
Rode NTR Premium Active Ribbon Microphone
Best ribbon microphone for capturing nuanced, high-fidelity studio recordings.
The Rode NTR Premium Active Ribbon Microphone is a visually stunning and powerful tool for any recording environment. Engineered for both professional studios and home setups, it boasts an exceptionally thin 1.8-micron ribbon for superior sensitivity. Innovative design elements include laser-etched ribbon edges for durability and a unique ribbon mounting system that minimizes resonance for maximum acoustic transparency. It features a custom, high-output, ultra-low noise transformer and an integrated shock mount for convenience and protection. This exceptional microphone is backed by a comprehensive ten-year warranty.
$829.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
193
/ 1735
#193 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
+63%
Above average
Acoustic Principle
Velocity Transducer
/ Velocity Transducer
Who it's for
- Mobile recordists worried about damaging delicate ribbon elements
- Producers seeking vintage warmth with modern high-end clarity
- Podcasters and engineers needing clean gain without extra hardware
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious home studio owners on a strict gear budget
- Busy professionals who cannot afford downtime for factory repairs
- Engineers recording in untreated rooms requiring directional isolation
Performance breakdown
Transient Response
The ultra-thin ribbon captures lightning-fast transients with incredible natural detail.
Build Integrity
Laser-etched edges and robust internal mounting ensure professional-grade studio longevity.
Self-Noise Floor
Custom transformer design keeps background hiss remarkably low for a ribbon mic.
Acoustic Transparency
Innovative mounting minimizes internal resonance for an exceptionally clean, uncolored sound.
Ease of Integration
Active phantom power requirements make this ribbon compatible with standard studio preamps.
Durability Assurance
The ten-year warranty and free ribbon replacement offer unmatched long-term peace.
Key Specs
Acoustic Principle
Velocity Transducer
Frequency Range
20Hz - 20kHz
Maximum SPL
130dB SPL (@ 1kHz, 1% THD into 1KΩ load)
Output Impedance
200Ω
Sensitivity
-30.5dB re 1 Volt/Pascal
Power Requirements
+48V phantom power
Dimensions
216mmH x 65mmW x 65mmD
Weight
1047gm
Features
- Thinnest 1.8-micron ribbon element available
- Integrated shock mount for convenience
- Ribbon mounted separately to minimize resonance
- Custom low-noise transformer for high fidelity
- Laser etching for precise, durable ribbon edges
- Travel screw secures ribbon for safe transit
- Chemically etched mesh for rigidity and transparency
- Ten-year warranty with free ribbon replacement
What customers say
This premium active ribbon microphone earns high praise for its exceptional sonic performance and modern convenience. Users consistently highlight its classic ribbon warmth and natural sound capture, noting superb transient handling without the usual low output issues. The integrated active circuitry provides ample gain, making it easily compatible with standard preamps. It excels on various sources, accurately capturing detail while smoothing harsh high frequencies. Build quality is excellent, feeling substantial and durable. While a premium investment, reviewers agree the NTR delivers professional results that rival much costlier vintage models, establishing it as a reliable, high-performance studio staple.
Know before you buy
Yes, the NTR is an active ribbon microphone and requires +48V phantom power to drive its internal electronics and custom transformer.
The exceptionally thin 1.8-micron ribbon allows the microphone to capture high-frequency detail and transient response with greater accuracy than thicker ribbon designs, providing a more natural and open sound.
Yes, the NTR features a maximum SPL of 130dB, making it capable of handling high-volume sources like guitar amplifiers or brass instruments without distortion.
The travel screw is designed to lock the ribbon element in place during transport. This prevents the delicate ribbon from moving excessively or becoming damaged while the microphone is being moved between locations.
The NTR features a bidirectional (figure-8) polar pattern. This means it is equally sensitive to sounds coming from the front and the back of the microphone while rejecting sound from the sides.
Rode includes a comprehensive ten-year warranty with the NTR, which specifically includes a free ribbon replacement if the element becomes damaged, providing long-term peace of mind for a delicate component.
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