The NT5 is Rodes premier small-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone, sometimes referred to as a 'pencil mic'.
- Externally biased condenser
- Gold sputtered 1/2" capsule
- Heavy-duty satin-nickel plated body
- Dual power operation
- Surface mount circuitry
- Low noise
- Full frequency response
- Available as Certified Match Pair
- 10 year extended warranty
Intended for recording acoustic instruments, drum overheads, cymbals and live performances, the compact externally polarized mic employs a 1/2" capsule, an active J-FET impedance converter with bipolar output buffer.
Its tight cardioid pickup pattern also makes it ideal for use as an indoor dialogue microphone for filmmaking on a mic stand or boom.
Expanding the NT5's versatility, an interchangeable omnidirectional capsule (NT45-O) is available.
Finished in durable satin nickel, the NT5 available as a single microphone or as an acoustically matched pair.
The NT5 is designed and made in Australia, and covered by RØDE's industry leading 10 year warranty.
NT5 Specifications
Acoustic Principle | Pressure Gradient |
Active Electronics | JFET impedance converter with bipolar output buffer |
Capsule | 0.50" |
Polar Pattern | ![]() |
Address Type | End |
Frequency Range | 20Hz - 20kHz |
Output Impedance | 100? |
Maximum SPL | 143dB SPL (@ 1kHz, 1% THD into 1K? load) |
Maximum Output Level | 13.9mV |
Sensitivity | -38.0dB re 1 Volt/Pascal (12.00mV @ 94 dB SPL) +/- 2 dB @ 1kHz |
Equivalent Noise Level (A-weighted) | 16dB-A |
Power Options |
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Weight | 101.00gm |
Dimensions | 118.00mmH x 20.00mmW x 20.00mmD |
Output | ![]() |
Warranty | 1 year with free extension to 10 years following registrationhere |
IN THE BOX:
-
NT5 x 2
Compact 1/2" Cardioid Condenser Microphone
-
RM5 x 2
Durable Microphone Clip
-
RC5
Rugged Microphone Case
-
WS5 x 2
Pop Filter/Wind Shield

The NT5 pair I use on Acoustic guitars, string sections, and sometimes just atmosphere from the room. One problem, keep your eyes on the musicians. They will put this one in their back pocket after the session

The RØDEs really have excellent directivity and rejection. I recorded with no eq or compression and got a super sound.

Bright, complex sounds such as small bells were handled well, with no obvious intermodulation distortion, while acoustic guitars came over with plenty of depth and detail. Noise was never evident.