Rode NT1-A vs Warm Audio WA-87 R2
A side-by-side look at Rode NT1-A and Warm Audio WA-87 R2 for podcasters: pricing, features, and where each one wins.
Rode NT1-A
One of the quietest studio condensers ever built, at an honest price
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Warm Audio WA-87 R2
U87-style FET condenser with three polar patterns at a fraction of the price
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Check price on AmazonAt a glance
| Rode NT1-A | Warm Audio WA-87 R2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | See site | See site |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Best for | Podcasters in treated rooms who want pristine, low-noise recordings with excellent clarity | Studio-focused podcasters who want professional multi-pattern condenser flexibility without spending on a Neumann |
Key features
Rode NT1-A
- 10-year warranty from RODE
- Frequency response 20 Hz to 20 kHz
- Cardioid condenser XLR, requires 48V phantom power
- Self-noise 5 dB(A) - ultra-low noise floor
- 1-inch gold-sputtered capsule
- Shockmount, pop filter, and dust bag included
Warm Audio WA-87 R2
- Frequency response 20 Hz to 20 kHz
- Switchable 80 Hz high-pass filter and -10 dB pad
- Large-diaphragm FET condenser XLR, requires 48V phantom power
- Three polar patterns: cardioid, omni, and figure-8
- NOS Fairchild transistor and Cinemag USA output transformer
- Maximum SPL 125 dB (132 dB with pad engaged)
Pros and cons
Rode NT1-A
Pros
- 5 dB(A) self-noise is exceptional at any price point
- Generous included accessories - usable out of the box
- Warm, present vocal sound with controlled low-end
- RODE 10-year warranty
Cons
- Requires a treated room - captures ambient noise with equal fidelity
- Requires 48V phantom power
- Presence boost can be harsh on bright or sibilant voices
Warm Audio WA-87 R2
Pros
- Three polar patterns enable cardioid, omni, and figure-8 recording configurations
- Premium passive components (Fairchild NOS transistor, Cinemag transformer) at accessible price
- U87-inspired voicing with full, present character
- High SPL ceiling handles a wide range of sources
Cons
- Condenser sensitivity demands acoustic treatment
- Requires 48V phantom power
- Multi-pattern capability is underutilized in basic solo podcast setups
The verdict
Choose Rode NT1-A if
Podcasters in treated rooms who want pristine, low-noise recordings with excellent clarity.
The 5 dB(A) self-noise is the headline spec and it is legitimately impressive - you can hear the floor of digital silence rather than the microphone. The NT1-A rewards good rooms: it picks up everything, so reflections and noise will…
Choose Warm Audio WA-87 R2 if
Studio-focused podcasters who want professional multi-pattern condenser flexibility without spending on a Neumann.
The WA-87 R2 is the most honest U87 homage on the market - Warm Audio builds it with premium passive components and does not hide what they are doing. The cardioid pattern sounds full and detailed, with the characteristic presence…