RODE NT4

Dual Element Stereo Condenser Microphone

Clearly, the latest technologies offer more portability and quality, but some of the greatest products already exist in other markets or applications. One of the hidden treasures of professional live audio engineers is the RØDE NT4 stereo microphone that brings stunningly realistic audio to DSLRs and video cameras.

The NT4 is actually two microphones on a single body, adding natural dimension for superior audio reproduction. The NT4 connects to your camera or recording device via either two XLR cables (2x mono left/right) or a single 1/8″ stereo jack. The jack makes it compatible with many later-model DSLRs or advanced consumer digital video recorders.

For live music, outdoor scenes, or ambient sound sampling, this dual-headed condenser microphone will make the final audio accurate and vivid without harshness. The package includes a product-specific mic clip and molded basic foam windscreen to reduce noise. It also includes a rugged carrying case and cabling. The NT4 requires a single mic stand (a heavier base and boom extension are recommended) for placement.

As a condenser microphone, it requires a 48v power supply, but also can run on a 9-volt battery. This 200-ohm mic offers 20-20,000 Hz frequency response, but with a more natural audio curve that's consistently warm at most proximities to the sound source.

For those more familiar with audio production for video, using a separate multitrack audio recorder or digital recording suite on a computer with multiple inputs allows the NT4 to be "flown" over a wedding crowd, in the audience at a concert, or just mixed into your headphones to hear the ambient sound during an event. By adding the NT4 to other microphones, and mixing the levels later, your clients and customers will enjoy viewing the final video in home theaters and surround-sound systems with dramatically better audio quality.

Company:  RØDE Microphones
Price: $899
Web: www.rodemic.com
Rating: 4.5
Hot:  Audio quality; stereo image; single stand requirement
Not:  Slightly larger than traditional microphones