Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (39)
$399.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (6)
$449.00
Amazon
4.3 (217)
$385.77
zZounds
4.5 (9)
$449.00 $399.99 $49.01 · All time low
Thomann
4.8 (1059)
$299.00
Gear4Music
£172.75

Average Price: $397

Standard/Professional

$100

$401+

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Price History

Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Rode NT5". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Rode NT5 is your trusted companion for capturing the pristine sound of your music with precision and clarity. This small-diaphragm condenser microphone is not only compact and versatile but also boasts a tight cardioid pickup pattern, making it perfect for capturing the nuanced details of acoustic instruments, from guitars to violins and saxophones. Its lightweight design allows it to fit seamlessly into any recording setup, whether you're working in a bustling studio or a cozy home environment.

What sets the NT5 apart is its ability to deliver a full frequency response, ensuring that every note you play is caught in its natural brilliance. The microphone's gold-sputtered capsule and surface-mount circuitry contribute to its low-noise performance, making it a staple in both professional and project studios alike. Whether you're recording the shimmering highs of cymbals or the subtle textures of a classical guitar, the NT5 delivers with astounding clarity.

The NT5 is often used in pairs for stereo recordings, providing an expansive soundstage ideal for overhead drum mics or capturing the richness of an acoustic ensemble. Supplied with windshields and mic clips, and housed in a custom carrying case, this microphone offers great value and reliability for musicians and sound engineers seeking professional-grade audio capture.

Key Features:

  • True condenser transducer
  • Gold sputtered 1/2" capsule
  • Heavy-duty satin-nickel plated body
  • Low-noise, surface-mount circuitry
  • Full frequency response
  • Requires +48V phantom power
  • Supplied as a matched pair with a custom carrying case
  • Includes two WS5 windshields and two RM5 stand mounts with adapters

Product specs

Microphone Type Condenser
Mono/Stereo Stereo Pair
Polar Pattern Cardioid
Diaphragm Size 0.5" (12.5mm)
Frequency Response 20Hz-20kHz
Max SPL 143dB
Output Impedance 100 ohms
Signal to Noise Ratio 78dB (A weighted)
Self Noise 16dB (A weighted)
Connector XLR
Power Source 12-48V phantom power
Dimensions 4.5" x 0.79"
Weight 0.22 lbs.
Included Accessories Storage Pouch, Mic Clips, Windscreens

FAQs

What applications are the Rode NT5 microphones best suited for?

The Rode NT5 microphones excel in recording acoustic instruments, drum overheads, cymbals, and live performances due to their accurate cardioid polar pattern and wide frequency response.

Do the Rode NT5 microphones require phantom power?

Yes, the Rode NT5 microphones are condenser mics and require 12-48V phantom power to operate.

What is the polar pattern of the Rode NT5 microphones?

The Rode NT5 microphones feature a cardioid polar pattern, which is ideal for capturing sound from the front while minimizing noise from the sides and rear.

Can the Rode NT5 microphones handle high sound pressure levels?

Yes, the Rode NT5 microphones can handle a maximum sound pressure level of 143dB, making them suitable for recording loud sound sources without distortion.

Are the Rode NT5 microphones suitable for stereo recording?

Yes, the Rode NT5 is sold as a matched stereo pair, making them ideal for stereo recording applications.

What accessories are included with the Rode NT5 microphones?

The Rode NT5 microphones come with two RM5 standmounts, two WS5 windscreens, and a storage pouch for convenience and protection.

Curtis Judd

Curtis Judd

Indoor Boom Microphones: Oktava MK-012, RODE NT5, Audio Technica AT4053b

Video thumbnail for Indoor Boom Microphones: Oktava MK-012, RODE NT5, Audio Technica AT4053b by Curtis Judd

Indoor Boom Microphones: Oktava MK-012, RODE NT5, Audio Technica AT4053b

Curtis Judd

Curtis Judd

Video thumbnail for Rode Nt5 vs Rode M5 (acoustic guitar) (pt.1) by Crash Course Recording

Rode Nt5 vs Rode M5 (acoustic guitar) (pt.1)

Crash Course Recording

Crash Course Recording

Video thumbnail for AT4053b VS. RODE NT5 in 4K by Carlos Quintero

AT4053b VS. RODE NT5 in 4K

Carlos Quintero

Carlos Quintero

Video thumbnail for Rode NT5 Review for Film Sound by Kong Thao

Rode NT5 Review for Film Sound

Kong Thao

Kong Thao

Video thumbnail for Rode NT5 Sound Test + Review! by Tech Raccoon

Rode NT5 Sound Test + Review!

Tech Raccoon

Tech Raccoon

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional sound clarity with great presence and balanced tone

  • Excellent for recording acoustic instruments and vocals

  • High-quality build and consistent performance since 2002

  • Outstanding price-performance ratio compared to boutique brands

  • Notably effective for stereo recording applications

  • 10-year warranty upon registration, surpassing most competitors

  • Captures warmth and richness, especially in vocal recordings

  • Versatile with potential for omnidirectional capsule swap

  • High output level, suitable for a variety of recording settings

  • Great feedback rejection for live sound applications

CONS

  • Cardioid pattern may pick up more ambient noise than expected

  • Lacks built-in bass rolloff and pad features

  • Omnidirectional NT45-o capsule hard to find

  • May require software solutions for noise suppression in non-musical settings

  • Some users experience unwanted sensitivity or "after crackle"

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Rode NT5.

Setup and maintenance

  • Using an XY pattern with two mics can eliminate phase issues by ensuring sound hits both mics simultaneously.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The NT5 allows capsule switching, offering versatility for different recording needs, such as using Omni capsules for a single mic setup.

    Source
  • The Rode NT5 has a sensitivity of -38dB V/Pa, making it 7dB more sensitive than the Zoom H5's built-in mics, requiring less gain.

    Source
  • The NT5 lacks a hypercardioid capsule, which can result in picking up too much room tone when using the cardioid capsule for interior dialogue recordings.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • For a wider sound, record twice with the NT5 and pan each take left and right.

    Source
  • Position the NT5 about a foot away, angled toward the sound hole for body or toward the neck for finger sound clarity.

    Source
  • Small diaphragm condensers like the NT5 can be effective for field recording, but the recorder's noise floor is crucial in determining overall sound quality.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The NT5 is favored by some over the Rode M5 for recording acoustics, being a go-to choice for small diaphragm condensers.

    Source
  • The Rode NT5 is 3dB more sensitive than the Behringer C2, offering better noise performance without needing additional gain.

    Source
  • The Rode NT5 is noted for being sharper and more aggressive at high frequencies compared to the Oktava MK-012, which favors the low end but has more noise.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Considering Triton Audio FetHead Phantom for cleaner gain, although upgrading to a Zoom F3 might offer a more significant improvement in reducing noise floor.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Investing in a Zoom F3 at $350 may be more cost-effective long-term than purchasing two $100 FetHead Phantoms for noise reduction.

    Source
  • A matched pair of NT5s is approximately 100 euros cheaper than the Oktava MK-012 pair, offering a more budget-friendly option for similar performance.

    Source

Build quality

  • The XLR connector on the NT5 can become loose over time, especially in demanding rental situations.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Rode NT4 & NT5

soundonsound.com

The Rode NT5 impresses with its high-quality, neutral sound and robust build, making it an excellent choice for stereo recording. It offers versatility as a matched pair for those who prefer separate mics over a dual-capsule design. While lacking high-pass switches, its sensitivity and dynamic range are commendable, handling a variety of recording settings with ease. Ideal for capturing bright, complex sounds with precision, the NT5 is a well-priced, reliable choice for both studio and location recording, provided phantom power is available.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Helios uses Rode NT5

Helios

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post by Hollie + Keith Kenniff (@kenniffs), Helios is shown using a Rode NT5 condenser microphone, highlighting its role in their studio recording setup.

See how Masaru Teramae uses Rode NT5

Masaru Teramae

Guitarist, Bassist

Demetori

...
Verified via Twitter

He states that he used this microphone in combination with a 40w Marshall(a JCM 200 DSL401 is pictured) and a USA Fender on the song "Genesis Beyond The Beginning" from Ys Origin.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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