Comments about Rode Microphones Matched Pair of NT5 Microphones:

I needed a pair of small condenser mics to fill out my mic cabinet at my studio for an upcoming session, but didn't want to spend a bundle because I'm also getting a lot of work done on my studio piano, a concert grand, which is costing me a bundle. I had heard about the NT5's from some other engineers and figured they were worth a try. I have not been disappointed! I put these mics up on my piano the day they arrived and compared them to mics I own that cost significantly more and the NT5's really held their own. As in any subjective discussion about mic character: airiness, clarity, etc. there could be a big debate over the merits of this mic over that. But for me, the NT5 really gave a good reproduction of my piano--which I've been recording for 15 years. They sounded great on acoustic guitar as well. For a basic cardioid pattern small condenser at an amazing price point, you can't go wrong.

Comments about Rode Microphones Matched Pair of NT5 Microphones:

These microphones are fantastic! I first fell in love with Rode when I tried out their other high value microphone, the NTA-1. Like the NTA-1, this microphone is highly affordable for it's quality, which is equal to that of much more expensive mics. It has a nice flat frequency response which makes it very easy to handle in post. I tried these babies out during an orchestra recording job and they were amazing, just two of them were able to capture a fantastic range of frequencies and depth. These have been excellent for drum overheads too, but since they are flat, remember they will need some EQ to get the right sound. Rode delivers again!

Comments about Rode Microphones Matched Pair of NT5 Microphones:

These little things beat the pants off cheaper mics and could play ball with some mics that are around twice their price. They usually won't beat the mics that are twice their price, but they'll play ball and look respectable.I use these mainly for live recordings of small (2-people) to large (200-persons) instrumental ensembles. They do a really tremendous job at getting everything in there, although they don't have the clarity of the big boys (which, honestly, most people have to rent if we need them!) Really though, you'd have to drop some serious dough in order to score better mics.Bottom line: if you're looking at a stereo pair of condenser microphones in this price range, you may as well stop looking and get these ones. If you have deep pockets, stop looking at Rodes.

Comments about Rode Microphones Matched Pair of NT5 Microphones:

I own the Rode NTK and NT2A; which I love! But, The NT5 did not handle bass or mid frequencies well without distortion when miking a drum kit front and center in an XY configuration at six feet away and six to eight feet high at reasonable playing levels.I am sure that with proper placement, level settings and frequency tweeqing; the NT5 would compliment a large diaphram mic. I was looking for a small diaphram stereo pair that would give me a full body sound (or somewhat close as possible)without to much work and extra equipment to lug around. I need a quick fast, clean easy stereo setup on the go to go-in, record, and get out.The NT5 is a nice mic for the price but needs to much work and care when miking an intrument, band or room.I will not mention the mic I replaced the NT5's with but, I will say it cost about three times as much.I look forward to the next generation of NT5's.

Comments about Rode Microphones Matched Pair of NT5 Microphones:

I use a matched pair of the NT-5s on my buddies K-Custom hi-hat and ride when performing Sunday mornings at our home church, and I love them. K-Customs are cymbals that (in my opinion) possess minimal offending frequencies, and need little coloration or attenuation to be reinforced. These mics have a wide and flat response that reproduces exactly what they hear. Some people find a flat response boring, but it totally depends on the timbre of what you're putting the mic in front of, and these work great for high-end cymbals.Also, these are EXTREMELY sensitive! I get more than enough volume from these when gain-staging during practice, so much so that my preamp is pulled back to 8 o'clock with a 20dB pad on - and it's STILL hot (my mic placement has the condenser about 6 inches away from the cymbal edge)! The drumset is very well-caged, however, so the containment of sound is much greater than the set being open (also is very convenient conditions to be using a condenser mic). Personally I find their sensitivity very advantageous - I get the sound I need without the rest of the drumset overpowering the signal I want, and it is indicative of having a wide dynamic range and low noise floor. Buy these mics! There are many other uses besides drums, too!

Comments about Rode Microphones Matched Pair of NT5 Microphones:

I have seveal sets of these for Brass and hi-hat/Ride. For brass they work great, warm and clear! For drums they are a bit too edgy in the higher frequency range causing the hi-hat and ride to become piercing rather than well rounded. Also they tend to pick up everything remotely close to them.

Comments about Rode Microphones Matched Pair of NT5 Microphones:

I have been using $100 or below mics for the last few years, and it has been long overdue for me to upgrade. When I finally had enough money to comfortably afford these, I purchased them a few months ago with a Presonus bluetube dp dual channel stereo preamp specifically to get good acoustic guitar recordings. They worked very well with the preamp giving me a nice warm, crisp sound. For acoustic guitar I like to add just little bit of tube warmth (drive at about 9 o'clock) to the mic sound, and it sounds very professional. I don't have an acoustically treated room, far from it, so background noise has been a problem for me, but with these the noise can be substantially minimized if the unidirectional pattern is used correctly. Also, I tend to get the clearest stereo acoustic guitar recordings when I have right next to each other pointed at and place right above the headstock/neck area of the guitar. I don't really like the sound I get when they are pointed at the sound hole. I don't do much eq'ing with them.My recordings still don't sound truly professional. I tend to either sounds that are too tinny or too boomy. I don't know much about recording techniques and equipment, but based on the reviews and just some gut feelings, I feel that you really can get professional recordings with these if you have good equipment to go along with them, but overwhelmingly more important, if you really know what you are doing as a recording engineer. That goes for any of the other equipment you may own, too.

Comments about Rode Microphones Matched Pair of NT5 Microphones:

These mics sound really good for the small price tag. I suggest using them on acoustic guitar in a brige and nut placement. Use the 3:1 rule because these mics tend to phase fairly easily. A Polarity pattern switch should of been added to work on preventing this. Other than that the tone is crisp and clean with not noticeable boosts throughout the frequency range. Good overall flat response mic. If you cant afford anything more these are by far the best for under $500 hands down.

Comments about Rode Microphones Matched Pair of NT5 Microphones:

As a player, I've been in recording situations for over 20 years. During all that time, I have never had a set of drums overheads sound as beautiful and alive as these little babys have on my latest recording, with me as the engineer. They are absolutely crystal clear, and sound as good as the drums did in the room during the original recording. I really couldn't ask for more!!!

Comments about Rode Microphones Matched Pair of NT5 Microphones:

The matched pair NT5's are a great set of beginner small diaphragms. I've recorded acoustic guitar, overheads, and even vocals with these and they all sound great. They tend to be very detailed in the upper frequencies (really noticeable on the acoustic guitar) almost to the point of annoyance (you can hear every "hammer on"). Features are a 7 because of their lack of any sort of polarity switch or dB pad. You can buy the interchangeable capsules, but those cost extra money. Overall, however, a very decent pair of microphones. Looking for the next step up? Try out a pair of Neumann KM184's.