Created in collaboration with the venerable classical producer/engineer Tony Faulkner, the black Rode TF-5 MP is a matched pair of small-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphones optimized for sonic transparency, accurate stereo imaging, and unobtrusive placement. Whether you record orchestral instruments, piano, acoustic guitar, percussion, or drums, the TF-5 MP can reproduce the varying timbre and dynamic range of your source with exactness.
The precision-engineered capsule of each microphone employs a cardioid polar pattern to enhance directionality and reduce ambience. Thanks in part to the JFET active electronics, the microphones are able to handle high SPLs up to 120 dB while delivering a wide, flat frequency response with low noise. Being 48V phantom powered, the mics aren't subject to performance degradation caused by drained batteries. Attach both TF-5 mics to a single mic stand via the supplied mic clips and SB20 stereo bar, which features angle/measurement indicators for ORTF and X/Y configurations. The compact, lightweight mic housings ensure a balanced setup with a variety of mic stands from compact to heavy duty. Windscreens are included to reduce noise from wind or HVAC systems.- Matched Pair for Accurate Stereo Imaging
- Optimized for Sonic Transparency
- Cardioid Polar Pattern Reduces Ambience
- Precision Small-Diaphragm Capsule Design
RODE TF5 MP Overview
RODE TF5 MP Specs
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| Polar Pattern | |
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| Power Sources |
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| Polar Pattern | |
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| Pad | |
| Circuitry |
| Frequency Response | |
| Maximum SPL | |
| Sensitivity | |
| Dynamic Range | |
| Equivalent Noise Level |
| Analog Output Connector |
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RODE TF5 MP Reviews
Pairs well with Zoom m4
I had no reason to get these mics except as a bucket-list thing to experience the best technology has to offer (I'm a gadget nerd). How do they perform and sound from a non-professional layperson's perspective? Better than my ears can do - literally. The very low noise floor, high sensitivity, and frequency response are beyond nature's design for the human ear. These are AMAZING mics to geek out over. They are small condenser mics with large condenser specs! Where I could test the m4's built in mics and find their limits of resolving sound, after months using these mics indoors and even outdoors, these are the last microphones I will ever need until a radical technological development fundamentally changes microphone design, and they should last a lifetime with the quality of the engineering (they even have corrosion-proof gold-plated diaphragms). As a non-professional, all I can say is if one just wants to splurge on mics to get a taste of pure quality, these are overkill for even that. These mics will outspec everything else in the signal chain (the specs are probably way higher than on paper due to an unfortunate misprint that has persistently stuck around (e.g. the max SPL is NOT 120db but more like 135-137, and that figure affects other reported specs)), and current eclectic analog-digital technology is very close to physical limits like thermal noise. The m4 mics are well-enough for me; they are good and suffice for recording most things clearly, the tf5's are incredible, so... they suffice too. That seems to be the bottom line for gear - if it suffices there is no point in overkill. Though, I haven't and probably won't grow tired of the tf5's; and it is wonderful to appreciate and enjoy the funfactor when otherwise they are just tools that suffice at doing their job. When money follows bliss instead of merely blood, sweat, and tears, life and the world become a better place to live. These mics enrich my life, and Rode's mics hit way above pricepoint!
Great sound!
Love the sound from these compared to Rode NT5. The stereo bar, though plastic, is useful for getting the exact ORTF placement. Wish a permanent case was included like with many other mics of this (and lower) price range.
