RØDE NT55 Professional Small-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone with Cardioid & Omni Capsules

RØDE NT55 Small-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone (Single)

The RØDE NT55 is a professional small-diaphragm condenser microphone designed for precision recording of instruments, vocals, and ambient sound. Built for studio and live applications, it delivers detailed, accurate audio capture with excellent transient response and flexible tonal control.

As a “pencil” condenser microphone, the NT55 is widely used for acoustic instruments, drum overheads, percussion, orchestral recording, and location sound where clarity and realism are essential.

Interchangeable Capsule Flexibility

The NT55 includes interchangeable capsules that allow switching between cardioid and omnidirectional pickup patterns. This gives engineers flexibility to adapt the microphone to different recording environments and techniques.

Cardioid mode focuses on sound directly in front of the microphone, while omnidirectional mode captures a more natural and open room sound.

Professional Control for Recording Precision

The NT55 includes onboard switches that provide advanced control over the recorded signal:

• 3-position pad (0dB, -10dB, -20dB) for handling high SPL sources
• 3-position high-pass filter (Flat, 75Hz, 150Hz) for reducing low-frequency rumble

These features allow the microphone to perform well across a wide range of recording scenarios, from delicate acoustic sources to loud instruments.

Clean, Detailed Sound Reproduction

With a 1/2-inch gold-sputtered condenser capsule, the NT55 captures audio with high accuracy and a wide frequency response. It is designed for natural, uncolored sound reproduction while maintaining clarity in complex mixes.

This makes it especially suitable for professional recording environments where detail and transparency are required.

Professional XLR Connectivity

The NT55 uses a standard 3-pin XLR output and requires 48V phantom power, making it compatible with audio interfaces, mixing consoles, and professional recording systems.

Key Features

• Small-diaphragm condenser microphone (pencil mic design)
• Interchangeable cardioid and omnidirectional capsules
• 1/2-inch gold-sputtered condenser capsule
• 3-position pad for high SPL handling
• 3-position high-pass filter for rumble reduction
• Wide frequency response for accurate audio capture
• XLR output with 48V phantom power requirement
• Ideal for instruments, drums, and studio recording

Typical Applications

• Acoustic instruments (guitar, strings, piano)
• Drum overheads and percussion
• Orchestral and ensemble recording
• Studio and live performance capture
• Ambient and room recording techniques

Summary

The RØDE NT55 (Single) is a highly versatile small-diaphragm condenser microphone designed for precise and flexible audio capture. With interchangeable capsules, advanced filtering controls, and professional-grade clarity, it is a strong choice for studio engineers and recording professionals.