Rode NT-SF1 Ambisonic SoundField Microphone

Known product. Does exactly what I was expecting

This might seem a bit esoteric to most conventional applications, it does make hq atmos very easy (along with other applications Rode cites). The software (download) provided, directly integrates with my DAW. I imagine it can configure to suit most application requirements via the 4 discrete XLR fan out outputs. I have a particular interest in experimenting with an eight channel spherical sound stage, so I am interested in its potential 'point source' application within that field, so my application isn't likely to be of interest to many. I am a keen fan of the NT1's they are the only substitute I'm happy with, to replace my old C451E's within the price range. This NT-SF1 would complement the NT1's (which was a consideration). So my initial response is that 'it ... MoreThis might seem a bit esoteric to most conventional applications, it does make hq atmos very easy (along with other applications Rode cites). The software (download) provided, directly integrates with my DAW. I imagine it can configure to suit most application requirements via the 4 discrete XLR fan out outputs. I have a particular interest in experimenting with an eight channel spherical sound stage, so I am interested in its potential 'point source' application within that field, so my application isn't likely to be of interest to many. I am a keen fan of the NT1's they are the only substitute I'm happy with, to replace my old C451E's within the price range. This NT-SF1 would complement the NT1's (which was a consideration). So my initial response is that 'it ticks all the boxes' I was looking for. The software is more than I was expecting, seems well thought out and the effortless 'auto install' into PT a plus. Like a lot of these things, its the next stage of seeing how the NT-SF1 performs in application, which is the most important and interesting, so the 5 stars is for my initial reaction, on first inspection.

I did a lot of research before purchasing, comparing to Sennheiser, Zoom, etc., and was still (and continuously) impressed!I primarily wanted this for feature film sound effects, and audio drama work, for both of which it will serve you perfectly. It could be utilized for studio music also, especially orchestral -- really anything. I'd bet it would be great for drum overheads, and acoustic guitar (will try that soon!)The free VST plugin is fantastic, but read the compatibility list first!The kit which comes with the mic is great, including shockmount, spherical blimp, and fur! Oh, and a truly magnificent box!Educate yourself about Soundfield/ambisonic and delivery options before getting frustrated! Yes, with one press of the record button you can make ambi, ... MoreI did a lot of research before purchasing, comparing to Sennheiser, Zoom, etc., and was still (and continuously) impressed!I primarily wanted this for feature film sound effects, and audio drama work, for both of which it will serve you perfectly. It could be utilized for studio music also, especially orchestral -- really anything. I'd bet it would be great for drum overheads, and acoustic guitar (will try that soon!)The free VST plugin is fantastic, but read the compatibility list first!The kit which comes with the mic is great, including shockmount, spherical blimp, and fur! Oh, and a truly magnificent box!Educate yourself about Soundfield/ambisonic and delivery options before getting frustrated! Yes, with one press of the record button you can make ambi, theater surround, stereo, or mono, or anything in between. And at least using Reaper, it will generate a 5.1 or 7.1 (with proper sub and centre designations too) far easier than I thought. Play with that up/down for some truly impressive stuff too! Planes, train automobiles, and people, insects, bodily functions, you name it!Also, now I can record Foley in surround, and then choose either that, or use the software to change it as if I'd used a nicely focused hyper-cardioid -- all from the same take. Fantastic for myriad reasons! (It's not the same as collapsing a multi-channel field, you can bring things "closer" by actually changing pickup patterns in post!)Very neutral sound. Perfect imagery with no voids. Some have called it "muffled" but I completely disagree (yes, other mics are brighter, but that isn't "better") -- The NT-SF1 is smooth, indeed accurate. Very transparent. Monitoring on my 5.1 system with KEF LS50s (treated monitor room) it is truly stunningly realistic. It isn't hyped in any range, but if you want to effect it to do such, there's enough low-noise signal to do so many fold. I prefer things that way, rather than working with a coloured mic you never quite know is a correct starting point. This just gets out of its own way and you can get to work being creative.Indeed, my girlfriend of 3 years (not an artistic professional) made the comment, when listening back to our first tests of everything from thundering downtown traffic to isolated fields with distant river, geese, ducks, "Wow, it's like really being there" as she sat with eyes closed, almost meditating (I think she's a keeper!) -- yet with all my other setups she had never made such a definitive comment. I'll keep the mic too!NOTE: Although on set for dialog we still will use the shotguns, hypers, lavs, etc., I will be using this for SFX (sometimes on set or post Foley) where we might later choose to be centre-designated, or full surround in post, but that decision hasn't been made yet (or may change). That's not to say you couldn't use this for dialog either. My workflow has become far more efficient. It's like a whole box of mics and setups in one small package!

Amazing Microphone

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.

Exactly what I expect

Its a great Microphone

Excellent Field Mic

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

Fantastic

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.

Great for music recording and experimenting

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 ... MoreMy 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-binauralhttps://soundcloud.com/user-6045912/brahms-op-117-no-2-b-flat-minorbinaural29212) 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.

Very very good

I have had no possibility to compare it directly against its peers, which are all more expensive. The sound quality it's very good, still I have to fully understand recording tricks when converting to binaural.