Stereo Arrays: RØDE NTR (Spaced) vs M5 (ORTF)

Acclaimed pianist and composer Barney McAll visits RØDE HQ to play the RØDE custom-made Stuart & Sons Concert Grand Piano.

Using the NTR ribbon microphones and M5 condenser microphones Ryan captures the audio and demonstrates spaced pair and ORTF stereo mic techniques.

Products used:

[GHohn]

The pair of NTRs is stunning. The balance is remarkable-- just bright enough, just warm enough, with a rich full bottom .

[oscardcuestas]

Hey guys! Remember to flip the mics. That means the one closer or focused on the high register of the piano panned to the right and the closer or focused on the low register, to the left. As a pianist, it gives a more natural and pleasing sound to have the high notes on it's spot! :) Thanks for the video! Nice sound!

[juanrossi]

Well recorded piano, very outrageous good job!

[mervynjack]

Both sound great. I liked the NTR the best when listening in headphones, but I can imagine wanting the ORTF setup for a different type of mix.

[marctrainor]

Boy, the M5 is a lot of bang for the buck. I'd certainly pick the Rode NTR's if I had the money. I think they're more robust, but still very clear, but I'm amazed at how well the M5's sound here. By the way I love the way this man plays piano. Great player! Marc.

[smartbizwebmedia]

Are we listening to the RAW tracks straight from these mics? (or did you apply some processing - EQ, compression?)

[dcavaz]

I love NTR, also these microphones seem great.

[mandohat]

Literally all I want now is two NTR mics

[Kryseik]

Hmm, it will be nice to hear mix from all mics.

[GrantPmusic]

In the video... I liked the warm bottom of the NTR's but didn't feel they were bright enough on top. I liked the brightness of the M5's but could have used a little more full bottom. Since there is a $600 difference and the M5's seem good enough for my Yamaha Baby Grand, I'm thinking I'll just boost the EQ a little on the bottom end mic. Seems like that'll work?

[TiqueO]

As always, a good recording on ribbons brings out not only a natural balance of frequencies but the "Shape!" and character of the sounds. I emphasize "shape " because I've come to realize that condensers tend to flatten the dynamics as compared to ribbons and ribbons are much closer to live performance, sitting right in the "sweet-spot" as it gets for me.
The condensers in the recording are not too bright which is a plus as far as I'm concerned, but, I'd be curious, would condensers in figure of 8 have better dynamics as well?

[GuitarMastrLP]

Great video Ryan, you're always cool! I think I'd choose the M5s because they Sound a Little harder and more for Jazz or other Modern Music. The NTRs are more for Classic. But I think that's also because of the placement. By the way, could you make a comparison between the M5s and the NT5s? That would be really cool.

[josephgriffiths]

Both mic sets capture the sound really well... I think for recording solo piano, or a fairly sparse piano-centric mix, the NTR's would be better as they have a fuller and more natural sound. But in a busier arrangement the M5 set might be better as the extra brightness would help the piano cut through the mix.

[playonkorg]

What a differense, the M5 compressed (less dynamic) and has a specific color but is a great mic. For records I use the NTR on guitar amp, female vocal and trompet (in combi with a Sennheiser mic). Sometimes its almost boring to work with a NTR

[skakdosmer]

I prefer the M5s. Probably because of the ORTF and microphone placements as much as anything else. At my normal microphone pusher the price of a pair of NTRs are 7.4 times the price of the M5 matched pair, and they’re not 7.4 times better in my opinion, so easy choice for me.

[ogsamosa]

Looking forward to getting a pair of NTR's!
Do they have a Jensen transformer in them? I love the sound of the Jensen in my Classic II.

[daniannaci]

I listened both on a pair of Quad electrostatic speakers and my trusty, musty Sony MDR 7506 headphones. The NTRs have a much more natural, fluid, human sound, eating up the dynamics of the piano like a kitten with a bowl of cream and a purr in the bass like that same kitty when she’s done. The NT5 pair were slightly bright and clangy sounding by comparison, a bit strained when the pianist was hitting hard. All distractions from the man’s music not heard with the ribbon mikes.

[FlorianScharnofske]

The NTRs sound great. Totally my taste. Can you please write the measures of the NTR setup? Distance between the mics and distance to the piano? Where did you aim them?

[TheMichiyoFir]

Do you have any comments on the NTR pair vs NT2000 for piano recording? We have the M5 and NT5 pairs but looking for an upgrade that picks up the bass better with a less pingy high as our piano is already on the brighter side.

[MegaBalanel]

You have a technical problem with the M5's. Around minute 2:40 you have a click.
Is this the normal behavior of M5, or is just a defective pair?