Stage/performance microphone RØDE NT55, cardioid, wired XLR-3, -38 dB sensitivity, 100 Ω, silver

The RØDE NT55 is a compact stage and performance microphone with a cardioid pickup pattern and wired XLR-3 balanced output. Designed for live vocals and instrument miking, it offers focused sound capture with a sensitivity of -38 dB and a 100 Ω output impedance. The microphone’s small-diaphragm true-condenser 1/2" capsule, satin nickel finish and pencil-style form factor (approximately 145 x 20 x 20 mm) make it suitable for close placement on stands or booms in live and recording environments.

Advantages

The NT55 combines a tight cardioid polar pattern with a high-quality J-FET impedance converter and bipolar output buffer to deliver clear, detailed capture of vocals and instruments. Integrated controls include a three-position pad (0, -10 dB, -20 dB) and a three-stage high-pass filter (Off, 75 Hz, 150 Hz), providing flexibility for handling high sound pressure levels and managing low-frequency rumble. An interchangeable omnidirectional capsule is included for additional tonal options. The rugged satin nickel finish and compact size support reliable on-stage use and easy placement.

Suitable for

• Live vocal reinforcement and monitoring
• Close-miking acoustic guitars, strings and woodwinds
• Drum overheads and cymbal capture
• On-stage instrument amplification and reinforcement
• Indoor dialogue capture for film or broadcast on stands or booms

Key specifications

• Transducer type: small-diaphragm true-condenser, 1/2" capsule
• Polar pattern: cardioid (interchangeable omnidirectional capsule included)
• Sensitivity: -38 dB
• Output impedance: 100 Ω
• Connectivity: wired XLR-3 balanced output
• Built-in controls: 3-position pad (0, -10 dB, -20 dB); 3-position high-pass filter (Off, 75 Hz, 150 Hz)
• Form factor: pencil-style; dimensions approximately 145 x 20 x 20 mm
• Finish: satin nickel

How to use

Connect the NT55 to a mixing console, preamp or audio interface using a balanced XLR cable and ensure phantom power is supplied if required by your system. Position the microphone according to the source: for vocals and close-miked instruments place the capsule 5–20 cm from the sound source depending on desired proximity and presence; for drum overheads and cymbals position above the kit at a suitable distance to achieve a balanced stereo image when used in pairs. Use the pad to prevent clipping on loud sources and engage the high-pass filter to reduce handling noise or low-frequency room rumble. Swap to the included omnidirectional capsule when a more open, ambient capture is desired.

Recommendations

Use a quality shock mount or clip and a windscreen when performing on stage to reduce handling noise and plosives. When miking instruments with strong low-frequency content, start with the 75 Hz high-pass setting and increase to 150 Hz only if further attenuation is required. For critical stereo overhead work, match capsule placement and orientation to maintain a coherent stereo field.