An all-in-one USB condenser microphone from the Australian audio company Ride debuted back in 2014, and it’s still a popular option for podcasters and other producers of streaming content today. A new upgrade with an integrated preamp and onboard DSP has just been released by the company.
The NT-USB+ is a plug-and-play recording system, similar to its predecessor, that is intended for “musicians, podcasters, streamers, and professionals who wish to capture studio-quality sound with ease.” It also comes with a desktop tripod and a detachable pop screen.
The studio-grade condenser capsule, according to Ride, has a tight cardioid polar pattern for audio clarity and produces a warm, full-frequency sound similar to that of a vintage large-diaphragm condenser microphone.
A low-noise, high-gain preamp, a 24-bit/48-kHz analog-to-digital converter, an internal Digital Signal Processor with a high-pass filter to eliminate low-end rumble, a noise gate to reduce background noise, and a compressor for a balanced sound with a punch are among the next-generation improvements.
A companion app (or the company’s free Connect podcasting/streaming program) can be used to activate and manage audio processing functions, as well as some broadcast tone effects.
For connecting to Windows/Mac PCs and iOS/Android mobile devices, the microphone offers a class-compliant USB-C output. It also has a zero-latency headphone output for monitoring that has its own on-mic volume and mix controls.
According to the company’s CEO, Damien Wilson, “the original NT-USB was an instant hit when it arrived almost ten years ago, setting a lofty standard for studio-quality USB mics.” “By developing the NT-USB+, we are creating a new benchmark. While adding a number of new features and integrating cutting-edge technology for the next generation of artists, we have maintained the form factor and functionality that made the original such a hit. Never before has plug-and-play USB audio sounded this amazing.”
Although street prices are much less expensive, the NT-USB+ microphone is now offered for a suggested retail price of US$229 on Amazon.com. More information can be found in the video below.
