Rode NTK vs NT1A [2023 Review]

We cannot think of a recording studio without condenser microphones. Rode has two amazing mics if you want to capture voice-overs. If you are looking for mics for singing or vocal work of any kind, we got two of the best mics in the market right now.

If you are planning to record acoustic instruments when you truly want crisp audio both Rode NTK vs NT1A can do an amazing job. Let’s take a look at both of them to see which one is ideal for you.

If you are interested in these models, keep reading our Zoom G3X vs G3XN review for more information below. We will be exploring their features in detail to find out which one could be the better buy.

Winner of Rode NTK vs NT1A: Rode NT1A

Both of these Rode mics are excellent for voice recordings and studio broadcasts. Consider acquiring the Rode NTK if you want to capture work with high volume and high sound pressure levels, as it can handle up to 158dB.

On the other hand, the NT1A comes highly recommended for the ones who do voice overs. That is because of the fact that it has a low self-noise and a neutral tone. Also, it comes half of the price of an NTK, so our winner in this Rode NTK vs NT1A review is Rode NT1A.

If you still cannot decide, there is not really a poor decision when it comes to between these two mics, so you can go for any of them considering your own budget.

Rode NTK Review

Features: For starters, the all-metal housing of NTK is of really good quality. There is literally no way this mic is going to break any time soon. It comes with a screw-off body sleeve, so you can reach the tube.

It also has a heat-treated steel dual-layer grille which ensures that it is a reliable device. This mic looks a lot like other old studio mics, it still has its own style and looks really cool. The classic aesthetic of the Rode NTK is finished with satin nickel.

A simple mic stand adapter is included with the microphone. You can make use of it to make sure the mic is in the correct place all the time. NTK can be connected to its power source by a seven-pin XLR connection.

The audio is delivered out by a conventional three-pin balanced XLR. The power supply has a status LED which is really useful to keep track of the power. Seven-pin XLR, power cables, and a vinyl carrying case are all included in the price.

The sensitivity figure of NTK is 38dB (ref. 1V/Pa). The analogous noise figure, on the other hand, is just 12dBSPL. This means that the dynamic range exceeds 147dBA, and the maximum output may reach +29dBu.

Rode NT1A Review

Features: For some very good reasons, the Rode NT1-A is still a popular seller. This is a good choice if you are upgrading to your microphone or replacing an outdated one. If you are searching for a nice condenser mic to record voices, Rode NT1A is the one to go for because of its affordable price.

Anyone who wants to upgrade their mic is welcome here. The Rode NT1A is not the most inexpensive mic out there, but it is also not outrageously costly. That means most people can still buy it if they are ready to make their first serious microphone purchase.

This mic does the job even if you are recording yourself talking or singing. You will have no trouble using this if you are already familiar with phantom powers and mics. The Rode NT1-A is designed to be stationary, which means it is ideal for studio use.

Setting up the Rode NT1A is not difficult at all and everybody can do it. However, this is not a USB mic so you will not be able to just plug it in and do your thing. To connect it to literally any other device, you need an XLR cable.

Rode supplies the customers with a decent 6m long cable, as well as a shock mount and travel case all included in the price. After you mount it and connect the XLR, everything will be good to go.

Rode NTK vs NT1A Comparison

The Rode NT1A appears to be identical to the Rode NTK at first glance. Their mesh heads and bases are what differentiates them but they could be mistaken for one another at first glance.

The NT1A is a better mic for studio recordings than the Rode NTK since it has less self-noise. However, it is 5 dBA. When contrasted to NTK, it falls short since that value is 12dBA for the NTK. That’ is a shockingly low number if you think about it.

Because of its flat frequency response, the NT1A is referred to as a flat microphone. If you will be doing voiceover recordings, this is probably the best mic you can get. If you are also planning to sing with it, NT1A can expose your true voice since it is an externally biased condenser mic.

On the other hand, Rode NTK is a classic tube microphone. It has a self-noise level of less than 12dBA. This ensures that your record will be what you would hear in real life. Thanks to the power supply and robust stress mounting of the internal HF-2 capsule, this mic almost makes no self-noise.

However, when it comes to self-noise, NT1A wins the battle because it has a lower value than NTK.

Rode NTK vs NT1A Sound Quality

The frequency response range of the Rode NTK and Rode NT1A is the same, ranging from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, allowing them to record equivalent low, mid, and high sounds. The Rode NTK, on the other hand, has a greater resistance of 200 ohms, whereas the Rode NT1A has a lower resistance of 100 ohms.

A microphone with a higher impedance may require more energy, but it can provide superior acoustic precision and sound stability as a result. Rode NTK also boasts a higher maximum SPL sensitivity than the Rode NT1A, allowing it to handle louder noises and function effectively in close-up recordings.

The NTK can handle 158 dB SPL at 1kHz with 1% THD into a 1K load, but the NT1A can only handle 137 dB SPL. The equivalent noise level of the Rode NTK is only 12 dB-A, which is extremely low.

Rode NT1A, on the other hand, is a tubeless, transformerless condenser microphone with an extraordinarily low noise level of only 5 dB-A. Although the Rode NT1A makes a totally silent recording, the Rode NTK seems superior to many other microphones.

Furthermore, because it is tubeless, the Rode NT1A may be too strong for some. It may come across as excessively rough and unpleasant. Rode NTK, from the other side, is much richer and less crisp. It has a nicer and more pleasing feel to it.

Rode NTK vs NT1A Price

Rode NT1A is currently sold for around 230 while Rode NTK is over $500. As you can see the price gap is huge and you can get two NT1As for the price of a Rode NTK. Rode NT1A wins when it comes to value since it has more to offer at a low cost.

Rode NTK vs NT1A Design

If we compare the two products side by side, we can see that Rode NTK is slightly larger than Rode NT1A. Both are in silver and the Rode NTK is quite a bit heavier at 760 grams than Rode NT1A. Rode NT1A is only 326 grams.

Rode NT1A may be more pleasant and friendly to the user because of how easy it is to carry it around. Both the Rode NTK and the Rode NT1A are cardioid condenser microphones with a pressure gradient but it does not mean that they are produced for the same purposes.

Because it incorporates a valve/tube impedance converter with the bipolar output buffer, the Rode NTK is substantially heavier. Rode NT1A, on the other hand, comes without a tube.

Conclusion: Rode NTK vs NT1A [2023 Review]

What is the difference between the Rode NTK vs Rode NT1A microphones? If you have been wondering which model suits your preferences, we tried out best to explain their differences in detail.

They are both condenser microphones designed specifically for singing but it does not necessarily justify the price gap between them. Rode NT1A is significantly less expensive and more budget-friendly than Rode NTK.

Since this is a review to compare these two, we had to pick a winner and that is Rode NT1A for sure for many reasons we have mentioned above. We hope you liked our Rode NTK vs NT1A review and it was helpful.