Rode TF-5 Review / Test

MicrophoneReview
Written By Bandrew Scott

Today i review the Rode TF-5, a premium small diaphragm condenser from Rode. This offers a pretty healthy bass response, clear and open mids which sound less forward than much of it's competition, and a nice amount of detail and articulation in the upper frequencies. The only downside I hear is the slightly higher self noise which sounds like it may be a bit above the advertised 14dBA.

RECORDING SETTINGS:

  • Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen

  • Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz

  • Gain: ~12:00

  • Boosted in Post: +9dB

SPECS:

  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid

  • Freq Response : 30Hz - 20khz

  • Sensitivity: -29dBV

  • Self Noise: 14dBA

  • Max SPL: 135dB

  • Impedance: 63 Ohms

  • Phantom power: +48V

Buy the Rode TF-5 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/rodetf5
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/tf5
Thomann: https://www.thomannmusic.com/rode_tf_5.htm?offid=1&affid=2060

Buy the Focusrite 2i2 (3rd Gen)- Same Performance as 18i20 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon:  https://geni.us/2i32rd
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/k6g4d
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/42lcWDF
Thomann: https://www.thomann.de/intl/focusrite_scarlett_2i2_3rd_gen.htm?offid=1&affid=2060

NOTE (FULL DISCLOSURE): As an associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info check my FAQ page links below.

00:00 - Intro / Setup
00:30 - What’s in the Box
00:54 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:19 - Specifications
01:46 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:06 - Plosive Test
02:28 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:50 - Background Noise Test 
03:07 - Untreated Room Test
03:26 - Underboom & Overhead Booming Test
03:58 - Shock Rejection Test
04:15 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
04:30 - Windscreen Tone Test
05:09 - Self Noise Test
06:28 - ASMR Test
07:00 - Intro to Comparison
07:29 - Rode M5 Comparison
08:06 - Earthworks SR117 Comparison
08:46 - Lewitt LCT140 Air Comparison
09:21 - Sennheiser E614 Comparison
09:56 - sE Electronics sE8 Comparison
10:29 - Shure KSM141 Comparison
11:05 - Beyerdynamic MC930 Comparison
11:44 - Neumann KM184 Comparison
12:23 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
13:04 - Music Test
14:57 - Pros & Cons
17:06 - Overall Thoughts
19:10 - Recommendation

Bandrew Scott

Bandrew Scott is the founder and host of the youtube channel Podcastage, where he posts reviews of audio gear, and shares tips and tricks to improve the audio of your Podcast, YouTube Channel, or Live Stream.

He also founded the Geeks Rising podcast network, which is home to amazing education, wellness, and pop culture podcasts such as Tourette’s Podcast, Sunshine & Powercuts, and On The Subject.

Bandrew also runs his own show titled the Bandrew Says Podcast. On this show he analyzes the latest news to determine how it affects the content creation ecosystem, and shares that to help creates remain aware of how the platform they use is changing. 

https://www.bandrewscott.com/
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