Rode NTR - Active Ribbon Review / Test (vs. SM7b, VR2, M160)

Today i review the Rode NTR, an active figure-8 ribbon microphone which has a really healthy output so you don't have to worry about your preamp that much. This gives you a very classic sounding ribbon tone with an insanely robust bass and low mids, a slightly more neutral mid section, and then the treble and air are tame but not overly so.

RECORDING SETTINGS:
Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen
Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz
Gain: ~12:30
Boosted in Post: +4dB

SPECS:

Polar Pattern: Bidirectional

Freq Response : 20Hz - 20khz

Sensitivity: -30.5dBV

Max SPL: 130dB

Equivalent Noise: 15 dBA

Impedance: 200 Ohms

Power Requirement: +48v Phantom Power

Buy the Rode NTR (Affiliate Link)
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/4gTx74d

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00:00 - Intro / Setup
00:26 - What’s in the Box
00:51 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:16 - Specifications
01:29 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:50 - (Not a) Plosive Test
02:10 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:30 - Background Noise Test 
02:47 - Untreated Room Test
03:07 - Shock Rejection Test
03:26 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:54 - Shure SM7b Comparison
04:18 - sE Electronics VR2 Comparison
04:40 - Royer R10 Comparison
05:03 - Beyerdynamic M160 Comparison
05:26 - Shure KSM313 N/E Comparison
05:57 - AEA KU5a Comparison
06:28 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
07:05 - Music Test
08:39 - Pros & Cons
10:04 - Overall Thoughts
12:27 - Recommendation