How would you like to be able to record virtually everything that's happening with one mic? Music Experience has exactly what you need: the SoundField by RODE NT-SF1 ambisonic microphone. Fitted with four true-condenser RODE capsules deployed in a tetrahedral array, the NT-SF1 captures the entire spherical sound field. Every sound, from every direction. It comes with a special mic cable that breaks out to four standard male XLR connectors, allowing you to record four tracks that comprise the complete spacial audio information. In post production, you can manipulate the sound using the free SoundField by RODE plug-in processor. Adjust the mic's position, directivity, and rotation. Create a full 7.1.4 surround-sound mix or a 360-degree head-track-compliant soundscape for immersive VR video applications. Whether you're recording music or sound effects, the NT-SF1 delivers unparalleled flexibility and sonic quality. The SoundField by RODE NT-SF1 comes in a full kit that includes a 10-pin XLR to 4 x 3-pin XLR breakout mic cable, a custom suspension shockmount, a blimp-style pop shield, a furry wind cover, and an attractive presentation box.
Based on the work of theoretical mathematician and psychoacoustics pioneer Michael Anthony Gerzon, UK company SoundField invented the ambisonic microphone and its accompanying A-Format and B-Format audio in 1978, revolutionizing 3D audio production. RODE transformed the microphone industry, employing advanced manufacturing techniques to deliver studio-grade microphones at accessible prices. The NT-SF1 embodies the collective expertise of these two iconic companies.
At the heart of the NT-SF1 is the brand-new TF-45C true-condenser capsule. Designed in-house at RODE's Sydney headquarters, this groundbreaking new capsule is machined to tolerances of less than 1 micron in the company's state-of-the-art fabrication facility. The result is a capsule that delivers astonishing clarity, sonic purity, and exceptionally low noise. Four of these capsules — each with a subcardioid polar pattern (slightly more omnidirectional than cardioid) — are mounted in a tetrahedral array (A-Format) on the NT-SF1 to capture and generate the sum-and-difference B-Format components, which are processed by the SoundField by RODE plug-in processor in post production.
For decades, RODE microphones have been popular in every media field, from professional broadcasting and recording facilities to independent film production and home recording. These mics are built tough and sound great, and they're incredibly affordable, in light of their exceptional quality. Many of the recording professionals here at Music Experience began our mic lockers with RODE microphones, and we not only still have them — we use them all the time!
The 'SoundField by RØDE' NT-SF1 is a peerless ambisonic microphone that captures broadcast-quality 360° surround sound, offering unprecedented sonic possibilities for use in VR, sound design, immersive audio, and experimental recording applications. The NT-SF1 is the first collaboration between ambisonic pioneers SoundField (who invented the first commercial ambisonic microphone) and RØDE.
The NT-SF1 records the entire spherical sound field – every sound from every direction – in perfect A-Format™ audio, which can be converted to B-Format™ audio and then manipulated infinitely using the 'Soundfield by RØDE' plug-in. Alter the mic directivity, position, and rotation after recording; create a full 7.1.4 surround mix; create a fully head-tracked 360° soundscape for immersive video. The possibilities are, quite literally, only limited by your imagination.
The 'SoundField by RØDE' plug-in delivers a revolutionary approach to ambisonic processing, offering the most accurate ambisonic rendering available in the world, all with legendary RØDE accessibility and ease of use. Eschewing the laborious matrices and correction filters of previous generations, it utilises state-of-the-art frequency-domain processing to deliver unparalleled spatial accuracy at all frequencies. And of course, it's perfectly matched to the 'SoundField by RØDE' NT-SF1.
The SoundField legend starts in 1978 in the UK, with the first commercial SoundField microphone launched off the back of the pioneering work of Michael Gerzon. SoundField is now the global leader in high-end ambisonic microphones, installed in many of the world’s most iconic venues. SoundField became part of RØDE/Freedman Electronics in 2016, starting the next chapter in the story.
The Ambisonic Sound Library is a huge, ever-growing collection of ambisonic recordings from some of the world’s top sound recordists. The entire library is free to download, giving you access to hundreds of high-quality ambisonic recordings to use in your projects. Download B-Format audio files into your DAW and apply the 'SoundField by RØDE' plug-in to experience true ambisonic audio.
The NT-SF1 is the perfect microphone for an extremely wide range of recording applications, from recording music to capturing three-dimensional soundscapes for virtual reality and immersive media. As productions increasingly require the use of surround or multi-channel spatial reproduction and the limits of creative recording continue to be pushed, the NT-SF1 should be the next addition to every sound recordist’s arsenal.
| Microphone Type | Condenser |
|---|---|
| Diaphragm Size | Small Diaphragm Capsules |
| Polar Pattern | Sperical Ambisonic (4 x Subcardioid) |
| Frequency Range | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Max SPL | 129dB SPL |
| Output Impedance | 63 ohms |
| Self Noise | 15 dB (A weighted) |
| Color | Black |
| Connector | 10-pin XLR (mic), 4 x 3-pin XLR (cable) |
| Power Source | 48V phantom power |
| Dimensions | 7.57" x 1.8" |
| Weight | 0.63 lbs. |
| Included Accessories | Shockmount, 4-way cable, Pop Filter, Furry |
| Manufacturer Part Number | NTSF1 |
