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Slender matte-black pencil microphone with interchangeable capsule and clip

RODE Microphone

RODE Microphone NT55-S Studio Condenser Microphone

SKU CH-02H4-4CFAB

Small-diaphragm condenser microphone with switchable cardioid and omnidirectional capsules, three-position pad and high-pass filter

  • Product typeMicrophone
  • True-condenser cardioid capsule captures detailed acoustic sources
  • Three-position pad (0, -10dB, -20dB) handles loud instruments cleanly
  • Three-stage high-pass filter (75Hz, 150Hz) reduces low-frequency rumble
  • Interchangeable omnidirectional capsule adds versatile polar-pattern options
  • Compact pencil design suits overhead, boom and stand mounting

Compact Cardioid Condenser

The Rode NT55-S is a small-diaphragm true-condenser microphone with a fixed cardioid pattern. It is designed for engineers recording acoustic instruments, drum overheads, cymbals or indoor dialogue on a stand or boom. The 1/2-inch gold-sputtered capsule and active J-FET impedance converter deliver low-noise capture for studio and location work. An omnidirectional capsule is also supplied for alternative polar response.

Switchable Pad and Filter

A three-position pad offers 0, -10dB and -20dB attenuation to handle high sound-pressure sources without distortion. A three-stage high-pass filter provides flat, 75Hz and 150Hz settings to reduce low-frequency rumble or proximity effect. Surface-mount circuitry and the externally biased design keep self-noise low during quiet passages. No power-draw or thermal figures are published for this condenser microphone.

Interchangeable Capsule System

The included NT45-O omnidirectional capsule threads onto the same preamp body, letting you switch between cardioid and omni patterns without buying a second microphone. A microphone clip is supplied for stand mounting. Buyers who need a matched stereo pair or a dedicated figure-8 pattern should look elsewhere.

How it compares

Measured against everything we stock in Studio, Stage & Lavalier Microphones, at today’s prices. Recalculated every night.

Price $291.99
Pricier than about 90% of the 638 comparable items (median $58.99).

Specifications

Product
Brand nameRode
Product typeMicrophone

Questions about this item

How do I switch between the cardioid and omnidirectional capsules, and which step do people often miss?

Unscrew the installed capsule, attach the NT45-O omnidirectional capsule, and ensure it seats firmly so the gold-sputtered 1/2" diaphragm aligns with the J-FET impedance converter; the step users miss is confirming the capsule clicks fully into place.

What maintenance or replacement will the NT55-S need over time?

The interchangeable capsules are the only user-serviceable parts; keep the gold-sputtered diaphragms clean and store the mic in its clip to avoid damaging the externally biased condenser element.

At what sound-pressure level does the pad become necessary to avoid clipping?

Engage the -10dB or -20dB pad when sources exceed the mic's clean headroom — loud drums, cymbals, or close-miked amplifiers will trigger limiting first without the pad engaged.

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