Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $368
Standard/Professional
$100
$401+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 7 merchants for "NT5 Matched Pair". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Meet the NT5 Matched Pair, your solution to achieving studio-quality sound without breaking the bank. Renowned for their performance that far outshines their price point, these RODE condenser microphones are the go-to option for recording virtually any instrument. Whether you're capturing the soulful tones of a saxophone, the crisp strums of an acoustic guitar, or the robust beats of a drum kit, the NT5s deliver with exceptional clarity.
Compact in size but packed with professional features, these microphones are well-suited for both project studios and professional recording environments. They come in a carefully matched stereo pair, offering double the value for a price typically associated with a single condenser microphone.
But the value doesn't stop there. Alongside the matched pair of NT5s, you'll also receive a pair of windshields and mic clips, all neatly housed in a custom carrying case. With the NT5 Matched Pair, you won't just get more mic for less money, you'll get the tools to take your music to new sonic heights.
Key Features:
- True condenser transducers
- Gold sputtered 1/2" capsules
- Heavy-duty satin-nickel-plated bodies
- Full frequency response
- Low-noise, surface-mount transformerless circuitry
- Supplied as a matched pair in a custom carrying case
- Includes two WS5 wind shields and two RM5 stand mounts
- Requires +48V phantom power
Owner's manual
NT5 Matched Pair User ManualProduct 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
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What applications are the Rode NT5 Matched Pair best suited for?
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The Rode NT5 Matched Pair is ideal for recording acoustic instruments, drum overheads, and cymbals, as well as capturing live performances and dialogue on-location due to its accurate cardioid polar pattern and wide frequency response.
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What does "matched pair" mean for the Rode NT5 microphones?
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A "matched pair" refers to two microphones that are carefully selected to have nearly identical sensitivity and frequency response, ensuring consistent and balanced stereo recordings.
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What is the polar pattern of the Rode NT5 microphones?
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The Rode NT5 microphones have a cardioid polar pattern, which is excellent for isolating the sound source while minimizing ambient noise and feedback, making them suitable for studio and live environments.
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Do the Rode NT5 microphones require phantom power?
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Yes, the Rode NT5 microphones require 12-48V phantom power to operate, which is commonly supplied by most audio interfaces and mixing consoles.
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Are the Rode NT5 microphones suitable for outdoor recording?
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Yes, the Rode NT5 microphones are suitable for outdoor recording, especially with the included WS5 windscreens, which help reduce wind noise and protect the microphones in challenging environments.
Videos
Andertons Music Co
RODE NT5 - An affordable pencil condenser with a twist!
RODE NT5 - An affordable pencil condenser with a twist!
Andertons Music Co
Stereo Audiotest: RØDE NT5 Matched Pair
WupperVideo
Rode NT5 (Matched Pair) Unboxing
Prathamesh Madan
Rode NT5 Matched Pair Review (No Commentary) - Full Unboxing
Gadget Explained B-roll
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional for XY stereo recording, capturing organic mixes of vocals and guitar
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Great presence and clarity, especially for small diaphragm mics
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Versatile for live sound, choirs, and instruments with excellent feedback rejection
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Neutral and accurate sound, highlighting the nuances in performances
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Sturdy build quality and solid value for the price
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Comes with a high-quality, travel-safe box and accessories
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Low self-noise, suitable for studio and live recording environments
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Resistant to "hot plugging/unplugging" with phantom power on
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Comparatively excellent value for money against higher-priced mics
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Provides a different sonic character than some competitors, offering variety in mic choices
CONS
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Lacks a pad, limiting its use as a close mic for loud sources
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Some find the sound overly bright or needing EQ adjustment for optimal results
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Sticker on the mic may peel off, a minor quality oversight
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May sound a bit nasal in the mids compared to more expensive mics
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about NT5 Matched Pair.
Features and functionality
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The NT5 allows capsule switching, including Omni capsules, offering versatile recording options for single mic setups.
Source -
Matched pairs are crucial for precise stereo techniques like XY and ORTF, ensuring microphones overlap instead of interfere.
Source -
The Rode NT5 has a sensitivity of -38dB V/Pa, making it 7dB more sensitive than the Zoom H5's built-in mics, reducing the need for high gain.
Source
Comparisons
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NT5 is often favored for acoustic guitar recording, but the AKG P170 pair is suggested as a cost-effective alternative.
Source -
Differences in tonal consistency might exist between generations of NT5s due to production changes, affecting stereo recording quality.
Source -
Higher-end microphones like Sennheiser 80 series and Schopes have consistent quality, potentially reducing the need for matching in stereo setups.
Source -
Compared to the Behringer C2, the NT5 is 3dB more sensitive, offering better sound capture and less dependency on high preamp gain.
Source
Use cases and applications
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An NT5 positioned about a foot from the guitar, aimed at the neck-body junction, can be adjusted for tonal variation by angling towards different parts of the body.
Source -
Combining NT5s with a Zoom F3, which has a better EIN of -127dB A-weighted, significantly improves noise floor performance for field recordings.
Source -
Small diaphragm condensers like the NT5 can be effective for field recording when paired with a recorder with low self-noise preamps.
Source
Setup and maintenance
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To minimize room noise with condenser mics, close proximity to the guitar and using absorbent materials like blankets or an open closet can help reduce reflections.
Source
User experience
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The NT5 is a preferred choice among users for recording acoustic instruments due to its reliable performance and versatility.
Source -
Some users find that unmatched NT5s can work fine for their needs, suggesting less critical applications may not require matched pairs.
Source -
Some owners of multiple unmatched mics report no noticeable difference in the final sound, indicating personal tolerance for variation.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 4 Reviews and 20 Ratings
41007
Great value.
I bought a pair if these when they first came out and never regretted it. When I want SDCs on drum overheads or a less american sound for xy acoustic guitar than sm81s offer I go with these guys. They punch way above their price point.
They have pretty good headroom but the lack of a pad limits their usefulness as a close mic for me. I would rather not fiddle with the nt5 as a spot mic when i can just put up something that I know won't overload.
The nt5 is fairly flat to my ear and is priced similarly to the sm81, but the way they pick up the same source when set up the same is like chalk and cheese. One or the other will sound right.
Preferred Settings + Usage:
XY pair as drum overheads or in front of an acoustic guitar around the 14th fret.
Spaced drum overheads.
Hihat spot mic, positioned carefully to avoid overload and maintain snare phase (you're never getting the snare out of the nt5 in this application so make it work).
Saxaphone about a foot from the bell.
Cello spot mic for extra bow detail and transient response alone, in XY or spaced with a figure 8 mic with good bass response.
Backing vocals, position to taste.
Stunning value...
Short on cash I couldn't spring for the Neumann equivalent, but these guys are more than adequate. Sometimes I add my TLM 103 in the middle if I'm doing something like a guitar. I initially tired this to compare the quality in sound, and turns out it's a neat trick for beefy acoustic guitars! As far as quality goes, for the money they're outstanding. They are a little nasal in the mids somewhere, but not noticeable till comparing the sound to another superior mic.
Also, they are obviously hyper directional so ideal for countless other 'mono' applications..
420
Accordion microphones
I use these as accordion microphones to great effect. they were a bit pricey (not as much as some of my tune mics though), but I definitely got what I paid for, plus some more! I love these and have used them on all sorts of applications.
41007
underrated overheads
Artist usage
Add artist
Mentioned in the description of the video and seen positioned for the recording of his guitar.
In this video (0:25 in detail) we can see the matched pair of NT5 mics used for stereo piano recording.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use NT5 Matched Pair, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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