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RODE SoundField NT-SF1 Ambisonic Microphone

BH #RONTSF1 • MFR #NT-SF1
6 reviews
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RODE SoundField NT-SF1 Ambisonic Microphone
Key Features
  • Ideal for VR, Film, and Game Audio
  • Cardioid Capsules in Tetrahedral Array
  • Four 1/2" TF45C Condenser Capsules
  • 20 Hz to 20 kHz Frequency Response
The Rode SoundField NT-SF1 is an ambisonic microphone designed to provide clear and accurate reproduction of 360° sound for recordists in VR, film production, and audio for video games. It features four 1/2" TF45C cardioid condenser capsules arranged in a tetrahedral array, wired to an XLR 10-pin connector for four-channel, A-format output. Each capsule is powered via 48 VDC phantom power and delivers a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Flexible B-format manipulation of polar patterns and output format is supported through the downloadable SoundField by Rode ambisonic processor plug-in. The NT-SF1 includes a custom shockmount, a spherical windscreen, a furry wind cover, and a breakout cable that converts the XLR 10-pin output to four standard XLR 3-pin connectors.
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RODE NT-SF1 Overview

From Manufacturer

The Rode SoundField NT-SF1 is an ambisonic microphone designed to provide clear and accurate reproduction of 360° sound for recordists in VR, film production, and audio for video games. It features four 1/2" TF45C cardioid condenser capsules arranged in a tetrahedral array, wired to an XLR 10-pin connector for four-channel, A-format output. Each capsule is powered via 48 VDC phantom power and delivers a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Flexible B-format manipulation of polar patterns and output format is supported through the downloadable SoundField by Rode ambisonic processor plug-in. The NT-SF1 includes a custom shockmount, a spherical windscreen, a furry wind cover, and a breakout cable that converts the XLR 10-pin output to four standard XLR 3-pin connectors.

Microphone Features
  • Tetrahedral array with four externally biased cardioid condenser capsules
  • Created in-house at Rode's Sydney headquarters, each TF-45C capsule is machined to tolerances of less than one micron
  • JFET impedance converter with bipolar output buffer
  • Low noise of 15 dBA
  • Handles SPLs up to 129 dB
  • Sturdy brass body
Plug-In Features
  • Utilizes frequency-domain processing instead of matrices and correction filters to deliver spatial accuracy at all frequencies
  • Change polar patterns in post-production and even create shotgun-type patterns
  • Set up mixes for all common surround-sound formats from 5.1 to 7.1.4, and accommodate custom formats and speaker arrays
  • Intuitive user interface with sound level visualization for immediate feedback on levels and soundscape information
  • Advanced mode opens up all parameters and controls for precise, detailed manipulation
  • Accepts A-Format, B-Format (FuMa), or B-Format (Ambix)
  • Outputs B-Format (FuMa), B-Format (Ambix), mono, stereo, 5.1, 7.1, 5.1.2, 7.1.2, 5.1.4, or 7.1.4
  • Compatible with macOS 10.11 or later, and Windows 10
  • Supports AAX, Audio Units, and VST plug-in formats
UPC: 698813005314

RODE NT-SF1 Specs

Key Specs
Microphone Type
Surround
Polar Pattern
Cardioid
Element Type
4x Condenser
Controls
None
Frequency Response
20 Hz to 20 kHz
Maximum SPL
129 dB
Analog Output
1x XLR 10-Pin (on Mic)
4x XLR 3-Pin (on Included Cable)
Power Sources
Phantom Power
Microphone
Microphone Type
Surround
Polar Pattern
Cardioid
Element Type
4x Condenser
Sound Field
Tetrahedral/Ambisonic
Orientation
N/A to Surround/Binaural Mics
Controls
None
Pad
No
Circuitry
Solid-State
Performance
Frequency Response
20 Hz to 20 kHz
Maximum SPL
129 dB
Sensitivity
-30.4 dBV/Pa
Equivalent Noise Level
15 dB (A-Weighted)
Connectivity
Analog Output Connector
1x XLR 10-Pin (on Mic)
4x XLR 3-Pin (on Included Cable)
Power
Power Sources
Phantom Power
Operating Voltage
48 V
Physical
Color
Black
Dimensions
ø: 1.8 x L: 7.57" / ø: 45.72 x L: 192.3 mm
Weight
10.09 oz / 286 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
6.835 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
15.2 x 10.8 x 6.4"

RODE NT-SF1 Reviews

Awsome NT-SF1 Microphone but awfull wind protection

By Frank
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2026-03-15

This is a great product from Rode. But they fail in the wind protection. You need to upgrade this to the Rycote BBG Windjammer. If you would like to have great outdoor protection in the wind.

Great for music recording and experimenting

By Robert
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-03-24

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.

See any errors on this page?

I'd like to see a picture of the custom ...

I'd like to see a picture of the custom shockmount. And I'd like to clamp this to a Manfrotto extension boom https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1364396-REG/manfrotto_mboomcfvr_mus_virtual_reality_carbon_fiber.html. Can anyone recommend the parts to do so?
Asked by: Robert
The Auray 5/8" Male to 3/8" & 1/4"-20 Female Combo Reversible Thread Adapter (Steel), BH #AUADCOMBOS would adapt the shock mount to the Manfrotto extension boom.
Answered by: Steven M
Date published: 2021-02-22

Does this microphone have the standard protection ...

Does this microphone have the standard protection IP67?
Asked by: ALEX
No, Rode has not provided an IP rating for the NT-SF1. This microphone is not water-resistant or waterproof.
Answered by: Lisa S
Date published: 2021-01-28

What is the S/N ratio?

What is the S/N ratio?
Asked by: Rajnesh
The RODE SoundField NT-SF1 Ambisonic Microphone has a signal to noise ratio of 77 dB.
Answered by: Calvin M
Date published: 2023-10-09

Hi. Tell me plz, can I record this mic output to ...

Hi. Tell me plz, can I record this mic output to the zoom h6? Thank you!
Asked by: Boris
Yes, you can. You will record all four tracks separately and then in your DAW position each in the ambiosonic space you desire.
Answered by: John
Date published: 2024-08-06

In a video I saw they said that the mic comes ...

In a video I saw they said that the mic comes with a pelican-style hard case but I don't see it listed here. Is there a hard case? If yes, what are the dimensions of the case? Thank you
Asked by: Brandon
The NT-SF1 comes in a full kit, including custom suspension shockmount, blimp-style windshield and furry wind cover. It is all shipped in a beautiful presentation box. A hard Pelican type case is not included.
Answered by: Mark S
Date published: 2021-01-28

I bought this mic, but I noticed that the channel ...

I bought this mic, but I noticed that the channel 4 record level is significantly lower than 1-3. is this normal? or do I have a defective mic? I'm recording on a zoom F6 set for ambisonic recording.
Asked by: Glenn
It may be, but first make sure that each of the 4 input gain settings on the recorder are the same. If they are, just switch one of the known working channels to the one that seems to be lower and see if you get the same result. If so, you may have a defective mic.
Answered by: John
Date published: 2023-05-27

This wouldn't be able to connect with a Zoom F3 ...

This wouldn't be able to connect with a Zoom F3 correct as it is a 2 track recorder. This mic requires 4 tracks?
Asked by: Stephen
For full ambisonic recording with the RODE SoundField NT-SF1 microphone, you would need to record 4 tracks of audio. I would recommend considering the Zoom F6: https://bhpho.to/2YDC3S4
Answered by: Jordan K
Date published: 2023-02-24

How long is the cable that it comes with?

How long is the cable that it comes with?
Asked by: Brandon
The cable is 9.8 feet (3 meters).
Answered by: Lisa S
Date published: 2021-01-28
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