Rode SoundField NT-SF1 Review
Condenser Ambisonic Microphone
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 5 of 5 Reviews
Great for music recording and experimenting
Rode SoundField NT-SF1 Ambisonic Microphone
Reviewed by Robert on B&H Photo Video
My background: I am an electrical engineer, amateur musician, amateur photographer and hi-fi enthusiast. Ambisonics makes recording so much simpler for me. It is the equivalent of shooting in RAW for digital photography. (Mathematically, the equivalence is more like panoramic stitching where you map each of your frames into spherical coordinates, combine, then choose the projection to map it back into a plane--but for illustration purposes, the workflow and versatility is similar to shooting in RAW.) I purchased this mic after playing with my brother's Zoom H3 which does a remarkable job for such an inexpensive device. 1) I use it to record my 7 foot Mason & Hamlin piano. Previously I have been frustrated that I have not been able to capture the majestic tones of this instrument. I'm still not there, but I am a lot less frustrated and hope someday to get there! https://soundcloud.com/user-6045912/brahms-op118-no2-a-major-binaural https://soundcloud.com/user-6045912/brahms-op-117-no-2-b-flat-minorbinaural2921 2) It is easier to make a convincing surround recording than a convincing stereo recording. Panning in ambisonic space is more natural than pan pot panning. 3) For 2 channel distribution, I can decode from ambisonic space to binaural or use the SoundField plug-in to stereo. 4) Experimentation is simplified. I have less choices to make on setup (where to set up the mic) and a lot more choices in post. In stereo, besides position, there is direction, configuration (AB, XY, ORTF, DIN, etc.) Imagine having to try all those positions, directions and configurations. Okay, I haven't seen an AB (spaced omni) decoder for ambisonics, but since HRTF use angle based delays for left and right ears, it should be possible to make a custom angle based delay HRTF model for left and right mics. 5) Ambisonic ToolKit (ATK) is a free download. The binaural decoder that I use is part of ATK. I use it with Reaper DAW. Not sure why this hasn't caught on, but it really works for me. ... More
Excellent Field Mic
Rode SoundField NT-SF1 Ambisonic Microphone
Reviewed by Jim on B&H Photo Video
I purchased the NT-SF1 to use in field recording with a MixPre6. I am very satisfied with the results I have gotten so far. I have taken it to Lebanon, Alaska, and Hawaii. I have yet to fully explore all the special qualities of this system but am well satisfied with what I have captured so far. I have production options ex post facto with this mic and use the various polar patterns to develop my sound designs. I appreciate the texture of the MixPre6 ambisonic presets, and then use other polar patterns for texture... I find the many polar options exciting, but have mostly used it as an ambiance mic for my video productions in Davinci Resolve 15-16. I am excited to further test this excellent product. Thank you B&H ... More
Amazing Microphone
Rode SoundField NT-SF1 Ambisonic Microphone
Reviewed by William on B&H Photo Video
I waited two years to get my hands on this microphone and it was worth it. I am still discovering what I can do with it but am amazed with what I have already found out about its capabilities. I do a lot of field recording and music recording and it is an unbelievable to know that what ever I capture with this microphone can be processed after the fact in so many ways: virtual microphones; multiple pickup patterns; capture of the entire 3 dimensional sound environment. I think I have found the only microphone I will ever need.
Fantastic
Rode SoundField NT-SF1 Ambisonic Microphone
Reviewed by Richard on B&H Photo Video
Yes, a little pricey, but works fantastic and sounds great. Comes with everything you need, even nice wind protection. My only wish would be if it came in a hard carrying case or if I could purchase one.
Exactly what I expect
Rode SoundField NT-SF1 Ambisonic Microphone
Reviewed by Boris on B&H Photo Video
Its a great Microphone
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