Rode NT5 matched pair... gain not matched!

[c_h_music]

Hi folks, I bought a matched pair of NT5 mics about 7 months ago, primarily for miking piano. I am finding that I always have to set the gain of one of them on my audio interface (Focusrite Scarlett 18i20) a little higher than the other. Is this to be expected in a matched pair? I have tried changing cables, tried swapping inputs, positioned them in exactly the same orientation side by side, even tried a different interface, etc. the same mic always needs more gain to match the other one. To be frank, once the gain is matched, I cannot detect any spectrum difference so that's not a problem.

Weirdly I have found once or twice in those months that the gain matched fine, but only for a session and then next time I took them out it was back to old tricks.

I contacted Rode tech support but never heard back from them. Is there a problem with the mic, and do you think i should return it after all this time, or do I just live with it?

[Wonks]

I'd try contacting Rode again. You should be able to put them up as stereo pair, set the input gain of the mic pres in your audio interface to the same value and expect a balanced result.

It sounds like the capsules may well be matched, but the body electronics aren't.

[Mike Stranks]

If you bought these new then there's definitely something not right.

I presume you registered for the 10-year warranty, but even if you didn't you're still within the usual 1-year warranty. Go back to your retailer. As they've sold you something that's not as advertised (matched pair) then it's up to them to sort it.

[Wonks]

^^^^ Indeed.

[c_h_music]

thanks folks, have put in a warranty request, hope they swap them!

[Hugh Robjohns]

Hi folks, I bought a matched pair of NT5 mics about 7 months ago, primarily for miking piano. I am finding that I always have to set the gain of one of them on my audio interface (Focusrite Scarlett 18i20) a little higher than the other. Is this to be expected in a matched pair?

No. The clue is in the name... they are supposed to have matched on-axis sensitivity, matched frequency responses (both on- and off-axis), and matched polar patterns.

If that's not the case, return them for a pair that is properly matched.

I have tried changing cables, tried swapping inputs, positioned them in exactly the same orientation side by side, even tried a different interface, etc. the same mic always needs more gain to match the other one.

All good, sensible checks that points to a faulty mic.

Weirdly I have found once or twice in those months that the gain matched fine, but only for a session and then next time I took them out it was back to old tricks.

Thats annoying... intermittent faults are always more difficult, but as they are unmatched more than matched I'd still return them for replacements.