NT-SF1 Ambisonic Microphone
Best immersive audio capture for professional sound designers.
This revolutionary microphone captures immersive 360° soundscapes with exceptional clarity. Its unique design, featuring four true-condenser cardioid capsules, records in A-Format™, offering unparalleled flexibility in post-production with the included processing plug-in. Ideal for VR, sound design, and immersive audio projects, it provides the foundation for truly captivating spatial audio experiences. This microphone is the ultimate tool for creating rich, detailed, and expansive sound environments, ensuring your audio projects stand out with professional-grade quality and creative freedom.
$1139.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1564
/ 3367
#1564 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
+124%
Above average
Acoustic Principle
Externally Biased Condenser
/ Externally Biased Condenser
Who it's for
- Immersive content creators building virtual reality experiences
- Audio engineers seeking extensive sound design options
- Professionals demanding studio-grade audio fidelity
Who should skip it
- Beginners new to spatial audio recording
- Hobbyists or those on a tight budget
- Users without existing multi-track recording setups
Performance breakdown
Spatial Accuracy
Four-capsule array delivers precise, immersive 360-degree sound field reconstruction.
Post-Production Flexibility
A-Format recording provides extensive control over orientation during the mixing stage.
Self-Noise Performance
Low noise floor ensures clean captures for delicate, quiet environmental soundscapes.
Build Durability
Rugged construction withstands demanding field recording and outdoor production environments.
Workflow Integration
Included processing plug-in streamlines the conversion to standard surround formats.
Wind Protection
Comprehensive blimp and furry cover kit effectively mitigates outdoor handling noise.
Key Specs
Acoustic Principle
Externally Biased Condenser
Active Electronics
JFET impedance converter with bipolar output buffer
Polar Pattern
Cardioid
Frequency Range
20Hz - 20kHz
Output Impedance
63 Ω
Equivalent Noise Level (A-Weighted)
17 dB SPL
Maximum SPL
129 dB SPL
Sensitivity
-30.4 dB re. 1 Volt/Pascal
Know before you buy
A-Format™ is the raw, four-channel output captured by the microphone's individual capsules. This format is essential because it allows you to manipulate the sound field in post-production, giving you the flexibility to convert the recording into various surround sound or spatial audio formats later.
Yes, you will need to use the included RØDE SoundField processing plug-in to convert your A-Format recordings into B-Format or other surround sound standards. The plug-in is designed to seamlessly integrate with most major digital audio workstations.
While the NT-SF1 is specifically engineered for 360° immersive audio, you can certainly use it for stereo applications. By using the processing software, you can manipulate the virtual microphone patterns to create a stereo image, though it is primarily intended for more complex spatial projects.
The NT-SF1 requires 48V phantom power to operate. Because it features four individual capsules, you must ensure your audio interface or recorder can provide stable 48V phantom power across all four input channels simultaneously.
Yes, it is well-suited for field work, especially since the kit includes a blimp-style windshield and a furry wind cover to manage wind noise. However, because it is a sensitive condenser microphone, you should handle it with care in extreme weather conditions.
The microphone uses a multi-pin output that connects to the included breakout cable, which splits the signal into four standard XLR connectors. You will need an audio interface or field recorder with at least four high-quality XLR inputs to capture the full ambisonic signal.
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