Zoom H5 Handy Recorder

132 Guitarist November 2014
QUICK TEST
MISCELLANEOUS
Rode NT-USB £129
Plug-in-and-play desktop condenser mic
CONTACT: Source Distribution PHONE: [phone] WEB: www.rodemic.com
A microphone
with built-in
USB interface to sit next to your
computer is a no-brainer if you
want to capture and collate
musical ideas on the fly. Still,
sometimes that’s as far as this
type of mic will go: some of the
desktop ‘podcasting’ type of
mics don’t really cut it when it
comes to recording classy-
sounding vocals, acoustic guitar
and more. Rode hopes to change
that with its new NT-USB,
which offers a condenser mic,
closer to the size of those found
in studios, with USB connection
and coming with a pop-shield
plus a tripod mount, as well as
normal mic stand connectivity.
In Use
The mic plugs straight into
Windows and Mac OS-based
computers and can connect to
an iPad using an Apple Camera
Connection Kit. Two knobs set
the level from its headphone
GUITARIST RATING
Guitarist says: An ideal package
for acoustic recordings on
computer or iPad
output and the balance
between the source sound and
that coming back from your
computer. The pop-shield
attaches to the mic at an ideal
distance, letting you record
vocals with no unwanted pops
or other artifacts. The mic also
does a fine job recording
acoustic guitar, and offers a
clarity and sound across the
frequency range. The amount
of bottom-end depth and
top-end sheen belies its price,
considering it includes a
preamp/headphone amp and
digital conversion.
Verdict
Quality sounds with ease of use
at a bargain price.
[TC]
Nicely presented with black
livery, silver grille cloth and
neat metal corners, the Rumble
200 weighs so little that it’s
hard to believe it’s actually a
bass amp! Even more
surprising is just how forceful a
sound it produces. The control
panel features both input and
master volumes, three preset
tone buttons, an overdrive
section and a four-band EQ that
includes a semi-parametric
mid section. Loaded with a
robust 15-inch Eminence
speaker and a switchable horn,
this compact unit also features
front porting so all of the sound
is projected forwards. Rear
sockets include auxiliary input,
headphones, DI connection
and effects send and return:
this solid-state combo looks
equipped for all your practice
and standalone small gig needs.
Sounds
Set the tone controls flat to
experience the three tonal
presets for a good indication of
what can be achieved here.
Bright adds some extra bite and
growl; Contour, some bass
boost; and Vintage takes us back
to those classic Fender bass amp
sounds of the 60s.
After shaping your sound, you
can use the main tone controls
to enhance further, or create
your own sound from scratch.
For some added colour, try the
overdrive section with drive
and level controls that allow you
to create your perfect blend
between distorted and clean.
From subtle to downright nasty,
this can deliver them all.
Verdict
The quality and sound
projection from something this
easy to transport is what makes
this combo so impressive. If you
crave portability, yet still want
lush and distinctive tones, this
will do the job really well.
[RN]
GUITARIST RATING
Guitarist says: A serious
contender when the ratio
between weight/delivery is key
Light and portable but still ready to rumble
CONTACT: Fender GBI PHONE: [phone] WEB: www.fender.com
Fender Rumble 200
Bass Combo
£490
GIT387.rev_quick.indd 132 10/2/14 10:53 AM