Rode TF-5 Review / Test

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