Rode NTG1 Review

Shotgun Microphone

14,970 reviews
rode.com
Rode
  • For Indie Films, TV & Documentaries
  • Phantom Powered
  • Selectable 80 Hz Low-Cut Filter
  • Low Handling Noise
  • High Maximum SPL before Distortion
  • Slight Presence Boost
  • Windscreen Reduces Wind Noise
  • Lightweight Metal Housing

Introduction

In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 14,970 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the Rode NTG1. This analysis is performed by the RR artificial intelligence and updated daily with newly submitted reviews. The RR AI utilizes a complex algorithm to first scrutinize user reviews for credibility, filtering out unreliable ones. It then proceeds to dissect and evaluate the valuable insights within these reviews, providing users with ratings regarding the features of this product. Based on these assessments, users can make informed decisions about whether this product is suitable for them or not.

Ratings Based on Features

These results are a summary of user reviews of the Rode NTG1. For example, 89% of 4,381 users who have commented on the Value for money of the Rode NTG1 have given positive feedback.

89%
Value for money
89% of users are satisfied, based on 4,381 reviews
89%
Sound quality
89% of users are satisfied, based on 2,625 reviews
Average Rating (14,970 ratings)
91%
Amazon.de ( 1,845 ratings )
88%
Amazon.es ( 1,836 ratings )
90%
Amazon.it ( 1,756 ratings )
90%
Amazon.nl ( 1,465 ratings )
92%
Amazon.se ( 1,387 ratings )
92%
Amazon.sg ( 1,152 ratings )
90%
Amazon.com.tr ( 868 ratings )
92%
Amazon.fr ( 841 ratings )
88%
Amazon.com ( 780 ratings )
94%
Amazon.com.mx ( 693 ratings )
92%
B&H Photo Video ( 368 ratings )
100%
Amazon.sa ( 318 ratings )
90%
Amazon.ae ( 173 ratings )
94%
Amazon.eg ( 173 ratings )
94%
Amazon.co.uk ( 172 ratings )
92%
Amazon.ca ( 172 ratings )
94%
Amazon.com.br ( 172 ratings )
94%
Amazon.in ( 172 ratings )
94%
Amazon.pl ( 172 ratings )
94%
Amazon.co.jp ( 172 ratings )
94%
Amazon.com.au ( 172 ratings )
94%
Thomann ( 59 ratings )
92%
Amazon.cn ( 39 ratings )
90%
SweetWater ( 8 ratings )
90%
Zzounds ( 2 ratings )
90%
Guitar Center ( 1 ratings )
100%
Musicians Friend ( 1 ratings )
100%
Reverb ( 1 ratings )
100%
Show more

Highlighted Customer Reviews

Showing 1 to 20 of 94 Reviews

Making TV Better In a 'Short' Way

Rode NTG1 Shotgun Microphone Review

Rode NTG1 Shotgun Microphone

Jan 11, 2016

Reviewed by Matthew on B&H Photo Video

Recently, I acquired a Sony PXW-X70 and needed to find a quality mic in a compact design and without breaking the bank. This camera would be primarily used for recording outings/trips that would end up on some Hunting/Fishing TV shows so I knew that I need to invest in a quality mic. In my initial research of compact shotgun style mics, I found a few that would fit within the maximum length requirement. I was leaning toward a shorter and less expensive mic from another manufactorer but then a filming partner of mine reminded me that good video is 90% audio. With my experience of filming, that hit home so I broke some piggy banks and vacuumed my cars out to find loose change and I purchased the Rode. In the bigger scheme of things, this is by no means an expensive mic and it is well worth the few extra dollars. After getting it delivered and performing the 'Fro Knows Sniff Test,' I put it on the PXW-x70 and started doing some simple audio checks to find it's sweet spot. After spending about an hour of speaking and setting changing I found that the NTG1 needed the 20db boost from he camera pre-amps with the gain at 80% (this should vary between cameras). I was hoping that the signal strength of the mic would be a little stronger but even at this higher gain setting the noise floor is still really low (approx. 40-38db). I also did a few similar tests with the Tascam DR-60Dmk2 and the gain settings were similar as well but the noise floor was a little lower (approx. 42-40db). Which made me feel better about this purchase because I now knew that I could use this mic along with the Tascam for recording interviews (scoop or boom position). I did notice in these tests that the optimal max distance from the speaking subject was about 2-2.5ft. Once you moved the mic further away the echoes in an untreated room would become more and more noticeable. The off-axis audio is noticeable but with a satisfactory fall-off that wasn't too quick/steep. This would bring me to point out that you have to pick the mic for JOB THAT YOU WANT IT TO DO THE MAJORITY OF THE TIME. If you do not want to hear much, if any, off-axis or echo audio then this IS NOT the mic for you and you should be looking at HYPERcardioid. This mic is very directional but the fall-off is a steady and constant pattern which is what I need this mic to do. Being that this mic would be recording nature sounds and at times from a great distance, I wanted to have some of the surrounding audio present with the primary source. The size and weight of this mic fits perfectly with the PXW-x70 (and cameras of similar size, Canon XA20/25). The camera package stays small and compact without loosing quality. When I reviewed the test audio the clarity was very impressive. The sub-100hz frequencies were very clean and not boomy. This was true of the high end of the frequency range and there didn't appear to be any hot spots of frequencies that needed to be cut a few db from the start. Very balanced and true reproduction of the audio source. After all, this is a Rode mic. I have not tested the mic with the low shelf (high-pass filter) turned on so I can't commit on how that feature performs. The XLR connection spacer is a nice bonus. I am currently using mine to keep the mic connection as tight as possible to prevent any unwanted clicking noise to be recorded when on the move. The Kopul (Neutrik) cable appears to be doing its job very well being that the optimal recording levels have a low noise floor. I have not yet used the shock mount yet but it does have a snug fit around the mic. If you are looking for a great mic to put on your compact professional camera then the NTG1 would be a good option. I have been very pleased with mine. Matt P. ... More

Good mic, great price.

Rode NTG1 Shotgun Microphone Review

Rode NTG1 Shotgun Microphone

Oct 28, 2007

Reviewed by Dave on B&H Photo Video

The NTG1 is a really nice little mic. In the price range, I dare say even compared to Mic's twice this price, the NTG-1 is the best. Like other Rode products, it's hot. Especially with this kit, it makes a great on-camera mic for run & gun stuff, picking up good quality sound even from 6-10 feet away. On a boom, it's even better. The tone is great, the sensitivity is great... it's definitely worth it for someone who wants a good phantom-powered mic without spending a fortune. Expertise: Professional Problems Encountered: The mount that comes with this kit may need tightening with a screw-driver (under the shoe mount) but that's all. Items I Recommend: Gitzo G-557C Boom pole ... More

Exactly what you need

Rode NTG1 Shotgun Microphone Review

Rode NTG1 Shotgun Microphone

Sep 18, 2008

Reviewed by rlaskey on B&H Photo Video

My first Rode product was an NT1-A, and since then I've been a big supporter of the company and their products. The NTG-1 is an excellent mic, sounds incredible and is very versatile. This is all stuff you've probably read elsewhere on the web, but until you can put them side by side in a real setting it's hard to really get that across. I personally much prefer the sound of this mic to the K6 modular Sennheiser line, and that's without considering I spent a little more than half what those cost. The NTG-1 is also quite versatile, with a good polar pattern that makes it a pleasure to use. Off-axis rejection is good, yet you also have a little bit of room to play with when targeting your source. Adding this to a ten year warranty (when you register at the Rode website), I feel it's a mistake to go with anything else (although, if you can spring for the extra cash, I've also heard good things about the NTG-3). I bought the NTG-1 over the NTG-2 because it's a bit lower weight and more compact. You do need to have phantom power because of this, though most interfaces can supply this and I haven't had it be an issue. It also makes for less batteries to worry about, which is a feature when there's already enough other things on your mind. ... More

Great Set of Gear

Rode NTG1 Shotgun Microphone Review

Rode NTG1 Shotgun Microphone

Nov 21, 2010

Reviewed by Jason in North Florida on B&H Photo Video

Upon a friend's recommendation (the friend is a location sound man), I bought this NTG-1 kit as entry level location sound equipment. I use it with a Canon 7D fitted out for video and a Zoom H4n digital audio recorder. The equipment in this kit is great. The boom works well, is good quality, and it's basically nice to have the internal cable instead of having to deal with wrapping the cable around the pole. The shockmount works well, and the 90 degree XLR plugs are nice. You get two windscreens: one foam version that comes with the mic, and one dead cat that comes in the kit. Very versatile. And the handle that comes with the kit fits into the Zacuto mini baseplate I use, and makes my fully dressed camera look like an old ARRI 2BL 35mm movie camera, which is kind of cool and a handy bonus. The only mistake I made in purchasing this kit was that I got the NTG-1 instead of an NTG-2. The only difference is that the NTG-2 holds a battery for use when you don't have phantom power. I need that for shooting documentary style video with my DSLR. But, you live and learn. ... More

A Fine Mic!

Rode NTG1 Shotgun Microphone Review

Rode NTG1 Shotgun Microphone

Jul 16, 2011

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

I use this with my Sony HDR-AX2000 and it is a great improvement over the camera's built in mic, as one might expect. The windscreen it comes with is quite nice and very useful, but I would also recommend a good dead cat for more windy conditions. I bought Rode's Deluxe Windshield, which works great and is designed with the NTG-1 specifically in mind (and cost only $20 more than a similar Pearstone model).I most recently shot a piece with this mic and dead cat combo in a park on a windy day and the sound quality was fantastic.Another advantage of this mic is that it is shorter than many in its class such as its slightly bigger cousin, Rode's NTG-2 which is otherwise the same but accepts an internal battery for power. I've found the NTG-1 only draws about 15 minutes worth from my camera battery which I don't think is too significant so I'm glad I went with it over the slightly more expensive NTG-2.Quite simply, there is no mic better in the price range. ... I am very pleased with the results. ... More

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Rode NTG1 Shotgun Microphone
$249
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Rode NTG1 Shotgun Microphone
Rode NTG1 Shotgun Microphone Kit with Shockmount and XLR Cable
$299.9
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Rode NTG1 Shotgun Microphone Location Recording Kit
$595.74
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Rode NTG1 Shotgun Microphone Location Recording Kit
Rode NTG1 Shotgun Microphone and Windshield Kit
$308
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Thomann
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Musicians Friend
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Reverb
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Great For DSLR Video Shooters

Rode NTG1 Shotgun Microphone Review

Rode NTG1 Shotgun Microphone

Jul 29, 2012

Reviewed by Jake M. on B&H Photo Video

How I Use This Product: Audio recording for video. I hook it up to my Zoom H4N and sync up the sound in post with footage from my 5D MK II. I highly recommend using a shock mount while mobile on a boom pole. Other wise, this mic is so sensitive, it'll pick up the vibration sound.The included mic clip is great if you're leaving in stationary on a boom mic stand. Excellent pickup pattern. In a quite studio, it works flawlessly if you put in on axis correctly. Out in the field, it does exceptionally well for getting the target sound. Picks up some background noise, but as long as you get room tone or ambient noise track separately, you won't notice. It'll just sound natural.Overall, very impressed. Worth the money and since it's the only mic I have right now, I'm finding it to be very versatile in all my video and foley situations. ... More

Great Entry Level Mic

Rode NTG1 Shotgun Microphone Review

Rode NTG1 Shotgun Microphone

Jul 30, 2013

Reviewed by Riff-Raff on B&H Photo Video

I bought this Microphone as part of the Bundle Kit that B&H has and I love it. I'm just starting to break into location sound and sound design so i needed a shotgun mic that was at a professional level but still affordable. The mic is plenty sensitive and captures all frequencies at fairly even levels. The lows are a little weak, but not to a level that should really cause a lot of problems. Especially for the price. i don't have a problem with it not having a battery (The only difference between the NTG-1 and NTG-2) but if you don't have a power supply or a recorder that can supply phantom than this could be an issue. The included windscreen is borderline nonsense but that is usually the case for all shotguns, and if your not buying a softy or blimp with the microphone, that's on you. Overall it's a great entry level mic that is well worth the price. ... More

Very Very Happy

Rode NTG1 Shotgun Microphone Review

Rode NTG1 Shotgun Microphone

Oct 25, 2011

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

I am not new to the world of sound and video. I purchased this mic as a backup mic. It has moved to first place, I am purchasing a second one maybe the NTG-2 (maybe not-do I need battery power) I am using it in a Panasonic Ag-Af100 The sound I am getting with this mic is beating out sound sent to me from professional sound boards, In both tight room settings and video taping bands in a small to medium stage area. It gives me dual channels, which I can dial up as I wish on the camera. I also am impressed with the warranty and service from bhphoto, a bad cable and it took less than 45 seconds for them to commit to sending me a new one. yes 45 seconds and we were done. Thanks BhPhoto I will be back ... More

Amazing sound for the price

Rode NTG1 Shotgun Microphone Review

Rode NTG1 Shotgun Microphone

Dec 31, 2012

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

I'm using the microphone with my Canon 7D and a Zoom H4n recorder. I got a Rycote Universal Camera kit that includes a mount and windshield. I was very hesitant to buy a microphone at such a comperatively low price, since I know how important sound is and that it is better to invest in the best quality. I am very impressed, however, with the quality of sound I am getting. I know a sound expert will probably be able to tell me how much better a Sennheiser 416 is. But to most ordinary people, including me who have been doing professional camera work for years, the audio sounds, well, just great. The look and feel of the microphone speaks of quality. The length is also perfect for a DSLR and even on a wide lens, the microphone mounted on the camera's hot shoe does not get into shot. ... More

Great Mic

Rode NTG1 Shotgun Microphone Review

Rode NTG1 Shotgun Microphone

Jun 18, 2013

Reviewed by Justin on B&H Photo Video

The Rode NTG-1 is a great mic to have on hand. I purchased it so I wouldn't let the extra XLR input on my Canon XA10 go to waste. The frequency response is good and it has excellent dynamic range. For $$just having it in use pays for itself compared to the camera's onboard mic.The directionality is great, especially attached to a camera. I didn't notice any camera noise at all and I'm sure it's good to be used from a boom as well. The only issue I came across is that it doesn't fit in the shotgun mic attachment on my camera, this was easily solved using some styrofoam padding.It's a great mic for a decent price compared to other models in the same range. Its specs are way above what most Audio Technica and lower-end mics are as well. ... More

Great short shotgun

Rode NTG1 Shotgun Microphone Review

Rode NTG1 Shotgun Microphone

Jan 27, 2011

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

I purchased the NTG-1 to use on a Panasonic HMC40 for environmental and close-range isolated audio-for-video. Having used several R0DE products in the past, I've been consistently pleased with their build quality and performance. I chose the NTG-1 over the NTG-2 because I am always operating in an environment with phantom power, and did not need the on-board power ability (and the extra body length that comes with it). Buyers should note that both the NTG-1 and NTG-2 have a bass roll-off switch, but they call it different things on the two specs pages here. This was a critical point for me, but I was able to confirm that both units indeed have the switch, even though the spec page on the NTG-1 here was not entirely clear. ... More

Affordable quality

Rode NTG1 Shotgun Microphone Review

Rode NTG1 Shotgun Microphone

Jan 31, 2012

Reviewed by Pete on B&H Photo Video

This shotgun mic is a great value, combining affordability with high-quality signal. The compact form factor is a bonus. The microphone compares favorably to my old Sennheiser ME-80, and pretty much every other microphone I've used. The one concern I've had is that its narrow diameter causes it to swim in my on-camera mic holder. I wrapped the NTG-1 in a neoprene strip to snug up the mount and that seems to have solved the problem. Another solution would be to purchase the Rode SM5 shock mount. Maybe I'll pony up for a proper mount in the future, but the neoprene is working for now. Note that this microphone is phantom powered, so verify that your camera (or other equipment) can supply the necessary juice. ... More

Good on-camera mic so far

Rode NTG1 Shotgun Microphone Review

Rode NTG1 Shotgun Microphone

Sep 14, 2014

Reviewed by Indrid Cold on B&H Photo Video

I bought this microphone to attach to the shotgun mount of my Sony PMW-200 camcorder. It's short enough to attach to the camera without invading my shot. It was a little too thin to fit into the camera mount, but I taped a small piece of foam paper around the base of the microphone and now it fits perfectly. I've had it for a few months and it has worked well so far. I ran into a situation where I needed to record someone talking and didn't have ideal equipment with me. We were outdoors in a noisy environment and only had this microphone attached to my camera to try to pick up some useable audio. Obviously, the end result wasn't amazing quality audio, but I still felt that this mic did an amazing job considering the situation and I was able to use some of what we recorded that day. It has certainly served me well so far and I would recommend it to others. ... More

Best Shotgun Mic!

Rode NTG1 Shotgun Microphone Review

Rode NTG1 Shotgun Microphone

Feb 11, 2011

Reviewed by Sammy on B&H Photo Video

I used to use lav mics for interviews and such, but to be honest they are no good compared to a good shotgun like this one. It picks up great and the audio quality is far superior to any other mic for the price! I think this mic is absolutely worth the money! Especially if your doing interviews, this mic will give you excellent sound for a manageable price. No lav mic around the same price range will give you a better sound. This is a great choice. Here's some videos on which I used this mic:...

Beyond bang-for-buck

Rode NTG1 Shotgun Microphone Review

Rode NTG1 Shotgun Microphone

Apr 26, 2017

Reviewed by Majd on B&H Photo Video

I wouldn't consider myself a professional nor have I experience with any other shotguns. HOWEVER, I don't need to be a pro to tell that the noise level is very low and that this mic produces very good sound. I bought it for personal projects that I won't be making money on and it's been worth every dollar (well, shekel)! It's small and light which makes putting on a camera simple and easy. I just finished filming an indie short with it and got great results. I was able to get very usable sound from about 10' away. If you're not a pro, like myself, and you're hesitant about this one I'd say go for it! I can't recommend it enough! ... More

Almost perfect...

Rode NTG1 Shotgun Microphone Review

Rode NTG1 Shotgun Microphone

Jan 7, 2015

Reviewed by DocAudio on B&H Photo Video

I wanted a guick, easy, and economical solution to some casual exterior recording - mostly FX, and this mic will work great. I put it up against my TLM170 in the studio and was very pleased (though it's a bit like comparing a Mustang and a Ferrari) Low noise and not too much inexpensive condensor 'grit' that other mic will have. But it really smoothed out nicely when using the foam windscreen. The only reason I took a star off was the mic clip is useless - totally does not fit over the mic housing (maybe the XLR, but I don't want to have a conector as my only support point) But I have other mic clips, so not a big problem. This wiould also be an excellent choise for home VO people on a budget... ... More

Incredibly Versatile Mic

Rode NTG1 Shotgun Microphone Review

Rode NTG1 Shotgun Microphone

Oct 7, 2015

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

Even a year after our company first bought this mic, I am still impressed with it. We've used it for numerous outdoor interviews and, with a dead-cat to help with an errant breeze, it does great at minimizing the environment while drawing out the interviewee. It can listen in on a phone call across a room, but when placed 2 or 3 feet away from a speaker's mouth, it will all but eliminate any surrounding conversations. It produces excellent quality sound. It seems fairly flat in it's vocal response so their is plenty of room to adjust things with an EQ or in post. ... More

sounds good, but...

Rode NTG1 Shotgun Microphone Review

Rode NTG1 Shotgun Microphone

Jul 21, 2008

Reviewed by colins84 on B&H Photo Video

sounds good, but doesn't fit in the HVR-Z1U's mic holder. You have to buy a ring that goes inside the mic clip on the camera in order to make the microphone fit securely.

Quality shotgun mic

Rode NTG1 Shotgun Microphone Review

Rode NTG1 Shotgun Microphone

Nov 9, 2014

Reviewed by Luke on B&H Photo Video

Heavy duty, solid construction, great sound.This thing is solid. It is machined out of one solid piece of aluminum and feels great. I got this model instead of the NTG-2 because I didn't want the weakness of moving parts. I was not disappointed. Sound quality is great. I tested it against my azden shotgun and rode video mic pro. This thing has much less ambient noise. It's very directional and doesn't sound thin like many other cheap shotgun mics. Great bass, nice clarity, great off axis cancelation.

Let there be good sound!

Rode NTG1 Shotgun Microphone Review

Rode NTG1 Shotgun Microphone

Aug 25, 2013

Reviewed by david on B&H Photo Video

I bought this mic to use on my C100. A fantastic mic in build-quality and sound-quality. You cannot go wrong for the money. Also, I didn't want to have a longer mic that could extend into my wide-angle shots so I chose the NTG1 over the NTG2. Same mic, the only difference being the NTG2 takes batteries and is therefore longer.

Showing 1 to 20 of 94 Reviews