RODE NTG5 Completely Unusable, Major Quality Control Issue With Constant RF Interference 

Sounds like a quality control issue. I haven't had this issue with my copy. Hope you found a mic which suits you.

Wish I'd seen this a week ago! I bought an NTG5 a few days ago from Guitar Center. Went to record today. Crackle. Crackle. Crackle. I changed the cable. Still the Crackle. I put my old ATT 4040 on the line. Clean sound. So I'm shipping the NTG5 back to Guitar Center. And based on your and other people's reactions/experiences I'm going to buy a Sennheiser 416 instead. Thanks for the information.

It's now late April 2021. Can you give us an update with this troubling issue? Thank you! I hope you've found a satisfactory solution.

Crazy to see so many people with the same issues as me with the NTG5. I have used Rode products for so long when I noticed this high noise floor I called Sony about a problem with my UWP set. Then after testing my other micrphones they were all clean in the Sony. Then I changed cables, plugged the NTG5 into my Zoom, turned it up 1/3 of the way and there was the sound. Then tested on my pre-amp and same constant hiss.

Hi there, I had the same issue straight out of the box. And now I am experiencing a similar issue with my second one, after about a year+ of daily use. It's wonderful when it works as it should, however. Going to ask for another replacement. Wild to see that it's a wider issue.

Rode have way too good a reputation that like Apple is based more on an agressive marketing campaign than actually making a fantastic product at a decent price.I borrowed the cheapish Rode video mic before I bought my first video mic and kept it long enough to compare it with the Takstar I eventually bought,and to my ears the £20 Takstar certainly didn't sound any worse than the Rode,in fact for some stuff I thought it sounded better. With no disrespect to you,a lot of people buy Rode as a fashion accessory.But I would expect any £450 microphone to be 100% without compromise.The best product in the world is worthless without the sort of after sales service you deserve and expect when you've spent that much money. The noise you're hearing isn't RF or radio,if it was you wouldn't be able to hear it.The chirping sound to me sounds like a heterodyne,which is the result of mixing two slightly different signals together,what you hear is the difference between the two.I would guess that this mic has some sort of processor built into it,if only for the phantom power if it has this feature.This sound is almost certainly generated inside the mic itself,and could even be caused by something as simple as missing signal ground which in turn could be caused by a dry solder joint.

We’re having this issue too, it was actually fine for a couple of months and then started making this sound intermittently. Still under warranty so will try and get it refunded or replaced.

I just experienced the exact same thing. I bought the mic twice however from 2 different retailers and both mics were faulty and unusable. At this point I'll just go Sennheiser

I’ve been having RF issues with the VideoMic NTG as well which to no surprise shares the same design as the NTG5.

I received this unit May 2nd, but only this morning (May 10th, ~1100 UTC) I had this similar sound coming through my headphones. The sound is gone again, but the fact is that it happened. I was outside getting ambience (I live far from the city, so interference is much less a problem) when it "popped" and clipped the recording, and this noise started. I did the usual turning it off and back on, changing cables, so on. It was gone for a few seconds after powering back up, then came back. Powered back off, and back on, it wasn't there, but the noise floor was much higher than I remember. Then it popped again, and it hasn't done it since. The only thing I can imagine that happened between the time I got it and now is that I was in 40F, very humid weather. But that's all I have to go on. As for why so many reviewers haven't had the issue, my guess is they only reviewed it for the duration of their video and don't use it full time since they probably already have many other mics for production work. It is a bummer, too. I bought it hoping statistics was in my favor (only two "NTG5 problems" videos on all of RU-vid, and I'm half way across the world). Guess it's inherent to the model. :/

Same problem on 2 different rode NTG 5, the only way I manage to get rid of the interference on the Zoom F6 was to run 24v phantom instead 48v, but then you need to raise the gain, raising room noise.

Good to see I'm not alone.....after days of wasted time trying to track down poss. studio elec interference sources.......2nd new RODE NTG5 on 2 different interfaces (SSL2+ & FocusRite Solo) returning same electrical interference sounds as gain is turned up. Side-by-side comparison with Sennheiser MK4 connected in same chain, gives no hint of elec. interference at highest gain levels. This mic was highly recommended by respected VO audio gurus and has become a sad disappointment.

I just fought through this exact issue myself- and for me the fix was updating the firmware on my F6! No idea why that caused a problem for one and only one mic- but for anyone else experiencing this, make sure your Zoom F6 firmware version is at least v1.60.

I got the NTG-5 2 weeks ago and there are problems. Randomly I will get interference with audio. In one instance it was perfect for 22 mins and then the interference started,. It will sound like someone tuning a cb radio over the audio and completely unworkable. This happens in different locations so it was not interference from some piece of equipment. If you drop the phantom power down to -24v from -48v it cures it but then the rode is not as sensitive ( and you are supposed to use -48v power) and you might aswell use the ntg-2. I am using it with the zoom h4n and it is not the recorder as I have tested it own mics and no issue. Now I see the problem I am seeing issues about this. It is a big disappointment and I think I will have to return. I am not sure a replacement will work given what I see here.

Guess I'm getting a used NTG3 or Audio Technica BP4073 over the NTG5. Glad to see videos like this. I'm getting tired of seeing great reviews from people who gives almost everything that isn't complete crap 5 stars and then never talk about the mic again. Seeing all the comments saying they get the same issue has made me decide against getting this mic.

I bought mine in February and run it into a zoom f6. I’ve gotten great results with no issues ever until today. So frustrating

Thank you for sharing. I have the same issue with my NTG5.

Hello friends On my F6 zoom, after connecting two additional phantom microphones, the problem disappeared. It has been working for 3 hours and there are no disturbances. If I turn off the two additional microphones the problem returns :(. Sorry for my bad English :)

You're not alone! I am returning my SECOND RODE NTG 5 because of the exact same warbling electronic noise/sound....it would be interesting to know what is making the noise...bad resistor, solder joint....??

I'm having the exact same issue. I hear a tone like yours, and can see clear intermodulation distortion in the spectrogram.

Returning my second NTG 5

Happens with 48V Phantom - with 24V Phantom it is ok! However - for less money you get excellent Mic's from Sennheiser that work just perfect and sound incredible!

THIS IS THE NOISE IM GETTING TOO!!! i was just searching if it was the zoom f6. since i bought them together

Hopefully, Rode sees this and reassesses their customer service.

Mine also have some issue before, sounds similar but not as loud as yours in video. I thought it is because of bad cable shielding, but maybe i shall check it again.

Having this issue. Sent the mic to Thomann and it returned with the same problem! Any workarounds?

Crap, looks like I got the same problem. Went with the NTG5 because of the great reviews and it sounded real nice in the mic comparisons. Bought it in June 2020 and using it with a Dr60mkII. The noise has been high every time with that weird electrical sound too.

This is such a frustrating problem, I just finished testing the mic before using it on a shoot and it had the same problem. It is a shame, I want it to be good but now I can no longer trust this model. I am frustrated and at a loss. Just hope I can get my money back.

Shame, when this model comes without fault, it is such a good sounding mic.....I just ordered one, and if it comes like this, it will go back.....immediately, without passing GO!

This has been going on over a year and nobody knows what it is, really? I'm looking to pick one up and it's still being sold like this? All dealers should not be selling it.Ok, read further and it's an internal board problem due to a faulty component?

I have such an issue as well now. I've had it for a few months without any issues. But now the curse has been on me !

As someone suggested I dropped the ft to 24 and there is no noise at all. But someone in the comments said that the mic will not be as sensitive as it should be. Anyone has any update ?

Bought one in 2021. Started making noise after a few weeks. Promptly got a warranty replacement. Second mic made its first squeal today. Using with MixPre-3 ii.

... happened to me as well but now it has just STOPPED working... come on Rode!

Exactly the same problem is happening to me, even i normally film outside...

Add me to the list of people this has happened to. Bought the NTG5 about 2 years ago. It was plugged into my Tascam. It was happening intermittently in my last shoot. It sounds (no pun) like Rode’s support details need to be included in the video’s description.

Mine is doing the same thing has been for a couple of months now- I’ve wasted so much time/energy and reliability- I can’t seem to find that little O ring- anyone know what it’s called- I’m willing to buy a new one if it will work

Sent mine back today. Bought it in late 2020. Got first interference in the signal couple of months ago when connected to Amek CIB. Tested with 3 different Amek units. Same interference every time. When connected to MixPre3ii I never had any issues with this mic. It sounds really great and performs great in any environment. I love the sound. Recently I got myself zoom F3 and got that same interference in the signal. Then I decided to do all the tests with everything I have. It turned out it’s the NTG5 that is producing this interference. For some reason it always works when connected to MixPre. No issues at all. It might be something with how phantom power is delivered to the mic. I wonder if this is still happening with new ntg5 units and if anyone found the reason for this interference yet? @connor - how did you resolve your mic situation?

Had the same squealing noise problem with my NTG5. Sent it back to Rode and they sent me a new one that's been working fine.

Alright man, incredibly weird but, I put that little blue rubber gasket that the mic came with down in the XLR connection, which to my understanding is just to help with the fit of the XLR connection. But since putting that in there I haven't been able to recreate the problem. I've independently troubleshot every piece of the system, the recorder -> the XLR cable -> the boom pole -> the shock mount -> the mic and I literally can't recreate the interference issue. Like I said, not a scientific diagnosis quite yet, but I just wanted to share my findings with you in case it's the same problem

Happened to me 5 minutes after testing it. At first it was fine. Didn't change anything and all of a sudden it started producing this extremey annoying sound. How is this so common for a brand like Røde?

I'd expect to hear those kinds of noises from a modular synth, or even better a Bleep Labs Thingamagoop... Not a microphone. Rode's the first (reasonably priced) microphone company that records audio close enough to how I hear my own voice, and I love my NT1, even if I don't show it anywhere near the affection it should get (aka it sits on the boom arm, not being used 99% of the time).

I have got the same Problem. My first NTG5 has been replaced, the second one got the same issues. But in Addition: If you move the Camera, there are some kind of Distortion going on. It could be the plug or something else. I have never any Problems with NTG3 oder NT5. Very disappointing...

I have been having this problem for several weeks now and thought it was where I was recording some field audio but it has persisted and I can no longer use this mic. I really want to use it but I can't get anything out of it. Any updates from Rode on this?

Im curious what recorder you are using with the Rode NTG5? as I have heard these tested with SD MixPre 3 and 6 and recorders by Tascam and Zoom and they all seem to work with this mic and sound fantastic I am actually amazed that if its the mic itself it passed QC, as Rode is all built in house and there better gear to even tighter standards usually, and I myself own a bunch of dif Rode Mics and never had any issues.

I’m debating buying an NTG5, but concerned about these issues. Did you ever get a good version from Rode?

I’ve got the same problem, purchased it with a MixPre ii. Was concerned it was the mix pre until I tested it with my ntg1 with no issues.

NOOOOOOO... I have been totally settled on this microphone after looking around for a long time and now I hear about THIS issue :-( Well, glad I learned about it now and not after I bought it! This sucks though. What to get now and instead?!? I need a good (but not super expensive) shotgun!?!? IS THERE AN UPDATE ON ALL OF THIS?

Just got one and had the same issue. Returning it for a refund. :(

It doesn’t sound like RF. have you tried connecting the XLR plug straight into the back of the mic? I had issues with that little connector that goes through the handle. Plug was loose and crackling and with the blue ring, too tight! I was getting crackles, but that weird squealing you got sounds like the phantom power is connecting and disconnecting sk the calacitor inside is charging up and down. Could it be a bad connection on that little lead on the power to the mic?

This mic has completely wrecked my workflow because of this problem

I have the same problem with this mic. I think rode have to work on their quality control!!!

any update

I have the same issue with deity D3 pro shotgun mic. Super annoying, but I’m doing research on it now.

that's weird and a bummer to be honest, i've heard its such a good mic but it turns out that not so much, i don't know what could be the issue but glad you'll get your money back at least, i'm using a 20$ shotgun mic, the takstar sgc-598, it's surprisingly good, can't complaint to be honest. take care of yourself and hi ! all the way up from Honduras :D !

Any update on this issue? I was considering getting this mic. Is it indeed the mic itself? I wonder if those who are having the issue, did you try bypassing the cable that's included with the shock mount? Did that make any difference? It's interesting that people are having different experiences with the mic. I wonder if it's quality control with the hardware, or if it's location based. Maybe not just the room and equipment you are around, but where you are geographically?

Okay, so now I know this is not Zoom F6 issue. thanks

Have you attempted using a Ferrite core?

Same issue here ..

Have you tried updating the software?

Same problem happened with me

OMG, I found this video because I was trying to find out why the heck I was getting so much interference -- mine is unusable too! I just contacted their support, what the heck!! $500 mic shouldn't have this issue!! I am actually reaching out to Musician's Friend, where I purchased it to see if I can just return it at this point - it's only been about a month and a half that I have had it. I was really looking forward to this mic :(

Happened to my Videomic Go back in the day as well. Had me stumped too...

SAME!!!! Please tell me you have a solution ?

have you ever tried it far from your location, like a few miles?, I know other mics arent doing it, but maybe your near a high power transmitter?

Not cool man, really not cool.

Did you somehow solve ypur problem ?

Literally just started having this exact problem with my NTG5 today. I’m freaking out a little bit trying to figure out how to resolve it

I have a pair of Rode m5 condenser mic since 2014. I used it mainly to amplify classical guitar concerts, and it done great. But since I started my home studio when I use this mic it is making a lot of noises. Analysing the spectral graphics it shows a lot of very narrow peaks in 1000hz and multiples. I think it is a Telecom carrier signal coming from a large cell phone tower. It's getting worse. Maybe they are installing more 📡. I was desperate until I tested an akg p120 and it didn't got any interference. Has anyone using m5 had this issue too?

You'd think they would be keen to figure out your issue 🤔 maybe they have, uhm, other things on their mind 😗 the world is, as you noted, a bit crazy right now.

I bought Rode wireless Go ii and they did not work right out of the box I was distressed I think Rode has quality issues man seeing this video is another confirmation stay away from Rode

I have the same damn issue with you and I don't even know how to fixed it. hmm, it cost me a lot of money :(

Looks ultra sensitive to electronics, I've got one, if it comes near my radio receiver it gets a little weird not this bad though.

Everyone buys Rode but I've never owned one. I bought the Azden SMX30 a few years ago and it's excellent :)

Sad

It sounds as if it has a virus 🦠 oh no get it a mask 😷 Glad you can get a refund...

Mine works great!