Short Description:

Classic large diaphram tube condensor. In Used, Excellent condition

What We Think:

When RØDE introduced the NTV, they proved that a modern manufacturer could build a true audiophile-grade tube condenser capable of going toe-to-toe with classic European studio icons. Handcrafted with an uncompromised bill of materials, the NTV has earned a revered status on the used market as one of the smoothest, richest-sounding vocal mics RØDE has ever produced.

The magic of the NTV lies in its stellar component selection. Built around a custom 1-inch edge-terminated capsule, a hand-selected ECC81 (12AT7) vacuum tube, and a USA-made Jensen output transformer, this mic captures that quintessential vintage tube character—deep, authoritative low-end body, a lush midrange, and a silky, open top end that never turns harsh or sibilant. Unlike many modern tubed microphones that hype the high frequencies to simulate clarity, the NTV delivers an organic, three-dimensional warmth that sits vocals directly in the sweet spot of a mix.

In the studio, the NTV is a absolute powerhouse for lead vocals, voiceover, acoustic guitar, and drum overheads. Its heavy-duty machined steel body and dedicated external power supply reflect a level of craftsmanship built to last generations, making it a prized piece for tracking chains seeking genuine analog soul.

Manufacturer Description:

Overview The RØDE NTV is a premium, large-diaphragm tube condenser microphone engineered to deliver the timeless warmth, silky detail, and intimate depth of vintage vacuum tube classics. Designed by RØDE in Australia, the NTV stands as a milestone in high-end tube microphone design—combining custom-engineered acoustic components with audiophile-grade electronics to provide exceptional vocal and instrument capture for professional recording studios.

Acoustic & Electronic Performance At the heart of the NTV is a custom-designed, 1-inch edge-terminated capsule featuring a gold-sputtered, ultra-thin Mylar diaphragm. This capsule is coupled to a hand-selected ECC81 (12AT7) dual-triode vacuum tube and a custom-wound Jensen output transformer, ensuring an exceptionally low noise floor, high dynamic range, and rich harmonic saturation. The result is a smooth, open high-frequency response, a detailed midrange, and a warm, authoritative low end that flatters lead vocals, acoustic guitars, drum overheads, and room recording applications.

Custom Power Supply & Build Quality The NTV is housed in a heavy-duty, precision-machined solid steel body with a striking brushed nickel finish and an acoustically optimized stainless-steel mesh grille. Powering the microphone is a dedicated external power supply unit (PSU) with high-grade multi-stage filtering to deliver pristine, ripple-free high voltage to the internal tube circuit. The system connects via a heavy-duty multi-pin cable with locking metal connectors for maximum reliability and signal integrity.

• Custom 1-Inch Capsule: Edge-terminated, gold-sputtered diaphragm engineered for smooth, uncolored frequency response and vintage warmth.

• Hand-Selected Vacuum Tube: Powered by an ECC81 (12AT7) twin-triode tube providing classic harmonic character and low self-noise.

• Jensen Output Transformer: Custom-built Jensen transformer delivers rich analog saturation, high headroom, and low distortion.

• Heavy-Duty Construction: Solid steel body with brushed nickel plating and an acoustically tuned stainless steel headgrille.

• Dedicated External Power Supply: Audiophile-grade PSU provides clean, stable power for consistent performance.

• Cardioid Polar Pattern: Focused front-axis pickup with excellent off-axis rejection for tracking in studio environments.

• Complete Studio Package: Includes external power supply, multi-pin interconnect cable, and flight case.

Specifications:

Acoustic & Electrical Specifications

• Acoustic Principle: Externally polarized 25mm (1-inch) condenser
• Directional Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz
• Output Impedance: 200 ohms
• Sensitivity: -31 dB re 1 volt/pascal (28 mV @ 94 dB SPL) ±2 dB
• Equivalent (Self) Noise: < 19 dBA (A-weighted per IEC268-15)
• Maximum Output: +2 dBu (@ 1% THD into 1k ohm)
• Maximum SPL: 125 dB SPL (@ 1% THD into 1k ohm)
• Dynamic Range: > 106 dB (per IEC268-15)
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: > 75 dB (per IEC268-15) []

• Active Electronics: Thermionic impedance converter with twin-triode valve (ECC81/12AT7)
• Transformer: Custom-made Jensen output transformer
• Power Requirements: Dedicated external power supply (switchable 110–120V or 220–240V AC, 50/60 Hz)
• Microphone Weight: 649 g (Packed weight with case and accessories: 7.7 kg)
• Dimensions: Approx. 8 inches (203 mm) long and 2 inches (54 mm) in diameter