RØDE NT1 Signature condenser microphone: features and spec-based rating

RØDE’s NT1 Signature is a cardioid condenser microphone with XLR connection.

A condenser microphone records small sounds in fine detail. It is often used to record singing and narration.

In this article we rate it on 5 criteria using only the specifications the manufacturer publishes, and show how it ranks among the 32 microphones we compare.

Disclosure: This site takes part in affiliate programs. Specifications are as of the date we checked them and can change.

Figure: SoundBounty

Summary

Among the 32 microphones, NT1 Signature is rank A. The ranks run S, A, B and C, and A is second from the top. Averaging the scores for each criterion (out of 5) gives 3.6.

Strengths

• Quietness (4 dB(A), 5 points): The microphone itself makes little noise, so whispers and quiet songs record cleanly.
• Sensitivity (25 mV/Pa, 5 points): You get a solid level even from a softer voice.
• Lightness (313 g, 4 points): It is light, so there is little load on the microphone stand.

Things to keep in mind

• Features (0 of 3, 1 point): It has few or no switches, so adjustments are made on the audio interface or the computer.

Who it suits: judging from the specifications, it suits people who want to record quiet voices and whispers cleanly; people with a softer voice who still want a solid recording level; people who want to go easy on the microphone stand.

Main features of NT1 Signature

Very low self-noise of 4 dBA

The self-noise is 4 dBA, and RØDE describes it as “the world’s quietest studio condenser microphone”. The maximum input sound pressure level is also high, at 142 dB SPL, and it is said to record everything from whispers to drums.

The HF6 capsule inherited from the NT1

It uses the 1-inch HF6 capsule, the same as the NT1 series, and carries on the NT1’s sound character of rich lows, detailed mids and sparkling highs. It is cardioid and is said to pick up little surrounding noise.

A shock mount, a pop filter and a cable are included

The shock mount SM6, with a detachable pop filter, and an XLR cable are included. Besides black there are also limited-color models. It has no USB connector, which is the difference from the NT1 5th Generation.

Video: “How to record pro sounding vocals with the NT1 Signature Series Studio Condenser mic” (official RØDE YouTube channel; narration in English) Watch on YouTube

Where it is useful

• Recording singing or narration with little noise
• Recording many things with one microphone, such as vocals, piano, acoustic guitar and drums
• Getting a shock mount and a pop filter together as well

Rating by criterion

Quietness: 5 / 5

How little of the small hiss the microphone itself makes (self-noise). The smaller the number, the quieter.

NT1 Signature: 4 dB(A). That is a high rating among the products we compared. The microphone itself makes little noise, so whispers and quiet songs record cleanly.

Sensitivity: 5 / 5

How large a signal the same voice produces (sensitivity). The bigger the number, the easier it is to get a good level from a quiet voice.

NT1 Signature: 25 mV/Pa. That is a high rating among the products we compared. You get a solid level even from a softer voice.

Handling of loud sound: 3 / 5

How loud a sound it can record without distortion (maximum SPL).

NT1 Signature: 142 dB. That is a standard rating among the products we compared.

Features: 1 / 5

How many of the pad (lowers loud sound), low-cut (reduces low noise) and pickup-pattern switch it has.

NT1 Signature: 0 of 3. That is a modest rating among the products we compared. It has few or no switches, so adjustments are made on the audio interface or the computer.

Lightness: 4 / 5

The weight of the microphone. The lighter it is, the less load on the microphone stand.

NT1 Signature: 313 g. That is a high rating among the products we compared. It is light, so there is little load on the microphone stand.

The gray marks in the figure below (the dotted line on the pentagon) show the average of the 32 products we compared. Price is not part of the score.

How we score (Microphones)

Criterion	Basis	5 pt	4 pt	3 pt	2 pt	1 pt
Quietness	Self-noise	≤7	≤12	≤16	≤20	>20
Sensitivity	Sensitivity	≥25	≥20	≥15	≥10	<10
Handling of loud sound	Maximum SPL (without the pad)	≥148	≥144	≥140	≥135	<135
Features	Pad, low-cut and pickup-pattern switch	All 3	2	1	—	None
Lightness	Weight	≤300	≤350	≤400	≤450	>450

Scored only on the body specifications published by the manufacturer. Price and accessories are not part of the score. Items that are not disclosed are not scored, and the rank is based on the average of the remaining items. Where a model publishes only the signal-to-noise ratio and not the self-noise, the self-noise is converted as "94 minus the signal-to-noise ratio".

NT1 Signature connection and getting started

Connection	XLR (3-pin). Connect it to the microphone input of an audio interface or mixer (it cannot connect to a computer directly by USB)
Power	Phantom power (48 V) is required
In the box	Shock mount SM6 (with a detachable pop filter) and an XLR cable

Checked on the manufacturer’s official pages on September 27, 2026.

Compared with other microphones

Click a heading to sort. On a phone, the table scrolls sideways.

Before you buy

• It needs phantom power (+48 V). This is an XLR condenser microphone, so connect it to an audio interface or mixer that can supply phantom power.
• Check what comes in the box. The manufacturer lists: Shock mount SM6 (with a detachable pop filter) and an XLR cable. Anything not on that list (a shock mount, a pop filter, cables and so on) you need to prepare separately.
• It has no pad or low-cut switch. When you need one, adjust with the audio interface or the DAW instead.

Read next

• NT1 5th Gen: features and rating (rank A)
• AT4040: features and rating (rank A)
• C414 XLII: features and rating (rank S)
• C414 XLS: features and rating (rank S)