The NT1 5th Generation features both USB-C and XLR outputs, allowing it to be used as either a digital USB microphone or a traditional XLR condenser microphone.
In a controlled test, both outputs are designed to capture the same microphone signal. However, differences in your equipment and settings can cause the audio to sound different depending on which connection method you use.
USB-C vs XLR Signal Path
| Connection Type | Signal Path |
| USB-C | Uses the NT1 5th Generation's built-in Revolution Preamp™ and analogue-to-digital converter. |
| XLR | Uses the microphone with an external audio interface or mixer preamp. |
Because the USB-C connection uses the microphone's internal circuitry and the XLR connection relies on external equipment, the final sound may vary depending on the audio interface, preamp, and processing being used.
Check for DSP Processing
If the USB-C output sounds noticeably different from the XLR output, check whether any digital signal processing (DSP) features have been enabled.
DSP settings can be configured through:
Features such as compression, noise gate, APHEX® processing, or EQ can alter the sound of the USB output.
Why XLR Can Sound Different
When using the NT1 5th Generation via XLR, the microphone's sound is influenced by the external preamp or audio interface being used.
Different interfaces can produce different results:
- A transparent interface such as the AI-1 aims to reproduce the microphone signal accurately.
- Some premium or vintage-style preamps intentionally colour the audio with additional warmth, saturation, or character.
As a result, it is normal for the XLR output to sound slightly different between recording setups.
- Windows users must install the NT1 5th Generation ASIO Driver.
- Your DAW must support both ASIO and 32-bit float recording.
- Some applications, such as GarageBand, do not support 32-bit float recording.
- Some software, such as Audacity, does not support ASIO drivers.
For a list of supported software, please refer to the NT1 5th Generation User Guide .
For more information about the NT1 5th Gen, please see our NT1 5th Gen User Guide.