NT4

The people at RØDE Microphones have outdone themselves with the NT4, a fixed X/Y stereo condenser mic featuring two 1/2″ cardioid capsules. For less than what most manufacturers charge for a single cardioid condenser microphone, the NT4 is capable of capturing clean, bright sound, whether it’s music or backgrounds/ambience for film. The NT4′s fixed microphones always ensure that your recordings are perfectly 90 degrees out of phase, giving you a full sounding recording every time.

No other microphones in this mic’s price range can claim the perfection found in the NT4. Investing in stands that “attempt” to make a perfect X/Y (or even pulling out your protractor) won’t likely match the accuracy of the NT4, and they certainly won’t be set up as quickly. As with every microphone from RØDE, the NT4 comes with a 10 year warranty. This microphone is definitely worth checking out, even if you’ve got a “go-to” microphone for everything mentioned above. Between ease of use and affordability, the NT4 could just replace microphones that cost 3x its value.

...the RØDE NT4 is a stereo mic that travels easily, can be powered from a battery and sounds like it costs nearly twice as much. Anyone seriously into stereo recording should give the NT4 a listen.

The NT4 makes stereo miking very convenient and its ability to run from battery power makes it an obvious companion for portable DAT or Minidisc recorders where phantom power is not available.

The NT4 stereo mic I use a lot for stereo horns over head, also for recording straight to DAT on a live performance, it works and sounds really good

Here's my vote for a realy great low-cost microphone.... The RØDE NT4. Frequently it is my FIRST CHOICE for acoustic Guitar and similar.

My favourite for drum overhead. Due to perfect phase from its fixed X/Y pattern, it’s allowed me to turn up the overhead, which, in this case is more of a full kit sound.

..it is such an amazing mic. I have been using it to record acoustic as well as electric sounds.

I had no idea how loud the harriers or the 20mm guns were going to be, except they would be loud, and I was hopeful that with a max spl of 143db, (way above the threshold of pain) the NT4 would cope. Initially I put 30db pads in and set the gain to -30db, so I could quickly up the gain on the PD4 if need be. We were allowed on the flight deck as the first harriers landed an amazing sight hovering over the sea as they matched the ships speed and then are guided onto the landing site. The -60db setting was a good guess, so for the take off and fly pasts I removed the pads and switched the PD4 to line level! I was right under the radar tower for the take off and radar rejection was really good. The harriers are catapulted for the ship and get airborne with the aide of the steep ski ramp, just as you think it can’t get any louder it does, and II could feel the heat from the engines as it passed me, a great sound in stereo. The NT4 behaved impeccably, even after getting quite damp, the bass response and its ability to withstand these extreme SPLs for a mic in this price range was incredible.

The NT4 is a great solution for drum overheads where space is at a minimum. I have personally used this mic for overheads and it sounded great! Since it is configured in a fixed X/Y pattern, there are no phase issues between the two capsules, and it is very easy to get the right sound within minutes. This mic can also be powered via a single 9V battery, which is perfect if you don't have phantom power available or if you want to do a stereo field recording. The included stereo cables and 3.5mm adapters make this a VERY versatile mic at a KILLER price!

This is a beautiful-sounding microphone, and it's provided fabulous results even when using it for ADR and VO on-the-fly. It has a very low noisefloor and captures well-articulated sound. The real bonus is the ability to use a 9V for phantom instead of P48 - works great when using with mobile recorders that don't have enough juice for long-duration and reliable P48.

The real plus to this microphone is that although it has a wide cardioid pattern because of the twin capsules, its perceived polar pattern and off-axis rejection are very tight with a long throw, nearly matched to that of a hypercardiod shotgun mic. One can really drill down on what they want to record with this and not pick up excess ambient noise. A fantastic mic for sound effects and recording, and even intimate foley recording in close proximity.

The quality of my live environment recordings has greatly improved since I started using this mic. From loud rock bands to mellow string quartets, this mic excels. Spend a little more, get a lot more. The RØDE NT4 is a great mic, perhaps even a steal at the current price. Buy it now!

This mic loses 1/2 a star because it's a fixed X/Y configuration and that means reduced flexibility of placement. However, then again, if you buy a NT4 then you know that this is what it is and you have a need for a no-fuss quality piece of kit.

I have been using this mic for field recordings (9V internal power) for film FX/ambient sound and foley (48 V phantom). In both cases it positively shines. The sound is silky smooth and there's plenty of high end detail.

Just used this to record an orchestra and choir for a TV Christmas special. It wasn't the only mic used, but the mix was MOSTLY this mic with a couple of spot mics for dramatic effect. Everyone in the remote truck commented on the richness and warmth of the sound, as well as the pleasant width of the resulting track. Even the orchestra conductor was impressed with the results (and he's a PRETTY hard guy to impress!!) I HIGHLY recommend this mic for ensemble recordings