RODE Microphones NT 3 Manual

NT 3

Instruction Guide

RØDE STUDIO CONDENSER MICROPHONES

RØDE NT 3

Serial Number: ……………………

Checked by: ………………………

Date: ………………………………

This condenser microphone has been proudly

designed and manufactured by RØDE

Microphones in Sydney, Australia. We at RØDE

thank you for investing in our product and with the

appropriate care, it will serve you well for many

years to come.

Please take the time to read the following

information which will help you to achieve the

best possible performance from your NT3.

Peter Freedman

RØDE Microphones

SPECIFICATIONS:

•Capsule: Externally polarised 19mm

(3/4”) condenser

•Active Electronics: J-FET impedance converter

with bipolar output buffer

•Polar Pattern: Hypercardioid

(see graph)

•Frequency Response: 20 Hz –20 kHz

(see graph)

•Output Impedance: 200 ohm

•Sensitivity: -39dB re 1 volt/pascal (12mV

@ 94dB SPL) +/- 2dB

•Equivalent Noise: <16dB SPL (“A” weighted per

IEC268-15)

•Maximum Output: +9.5dBu (@ 1% THD into

1K ohm

•Dynamic Range: >123dB (per IEC268-15)

•Maximum SPL: >140dB SPL (@1% THD into

1K ohm

•Signal/Noise Ratio: >77dB (per IEC268-15)

•Power Requirements: 8mA @ P48 (20-60v)

7mA @ P24 (12-30v)

1.4mA @ P12 (11026v)

1.2mA @9v (Battery)

•Dimensions (Microphone only)

270mm x 130mm x 50mm

•Weight (Microphone without battery): 371g

•Packed Weight: 640

•Packed Dimensions: 270mm x 130mm x 50mm

FEATURES:

•Transformerless output

•Internal capsule shock-mounting

•Heavy-duty cast metal satin nickel body

•High immunity to RF interference

•High-strength welded and heat-treated mesh head

•Premium quality surface-mount components

•True condenser (externally biased)

•Hypercardioid polar response

•Full frequency response

•Battery status indicator

•12 months parts and labour guarantee

Accessories:

•ZP1. Zip Pouch

•WS3. Wind Shield

•RM3. Stand Mount (with 3/8”-5/8” thread adaptor)

THE NT3 is suitable for a wide range of applications.

Recording, stage, and location work are all well within

the capabilities of this hypercardioid condenser

microphone. Its low noise and full frequency response

ensure the sound quality expected by todays

musicians and engineers.

1. You may use either phantom power (see

Specifications) or 9V battery to operate your NT3.

2. Most professional mixing consoles include a 48 volt

phantom power supply; if yours does not, a

separate one may of course be used. Ensure that

whichever power supply you use, it is a professional

unit and is working correctly.

3. If you choose to use battery power, a 9 Volt (PP3)

battery should be fitted into the cavity within the

microphone body ensuring correct polarity (+ to +

and - to -). We recommend that you use a high

quality alkaline battery. To fit the battery, simply un-

screw the lower section of the body and insert the

battery into the cavity (terminals first). Secure the

battery in place with the flexible spring clip and re-

assemble the body, screwing the sections firmly

together.

4. The ON/OFF switch turns the microphone ON or

OFF when powered by either phantom or battery.

When using battery power, the switch should be

switched to OFF when the microphone is not in use. If

left ON, the battery power will be unnecessarily

depleted. We recommend that during long periods of

non-use, the battery should be removed, as it may

leak, and that could damage your NT3.

When the NT3 is switched ON, the red battery status

L.E.D. (light-emitting-diode) gives an indication of

battery power and should always be carefully

observed. When the L.E.D. flashes (illuminates for

about 1 second), the battery power is ‘good’. If the

L.E.D. remains illuminated significantly longer, the

battery should be replaced. Tests have shown a life

expectancy for a high quality alkaline battery used in

the NT3 to be in excess of 400 hours.*

*NOTE: This is equal to 8 hours recording per week for a

year (including 2 weeks holidays!!!)

5. The NT3 may be connected direct to a mixer

(recording or live) and battery power will only

be required if the mixer does not have an in-

built phantom P48 supply. Connection may

also be made direct to a portable DAT or

other tape machine enabling field/location

operation using the 9V battery supply.

6. A stand mount clip (RM-3) is included with

your NT3, and should be used to connect the

NT3 firmly and safely to a stable microphone

stand.

7. Always use a good quality microphone cable

and ensure that it is wired Pin1 Screen,

Pin 2+, Pin 3-.

You may of course use XLR-XLR, XLR-jack, or

XLR-mini jack plugs depending on your relevant

input socket.

We recommend that all connections made to the

mixer or recorder are made with the attenuation

(gain) set to OFF.

8. When first switching the mixer ON and

phantom power is applied to the NT3, or when

the microphone battery power is switched ON,

several seconds should be allowed for the

microphone to stabilize.

Note: When using phantom power, a battery

may be in or out; it is ineffective in that

situation.

9. To ensure the lowest noise/distortion, your

mixer input gain control should be set so that

the Peak Program Indicator (P.P.I.) L.E.D.

flashes ON during peaks (high levels) of the

program source (Voice/Instrument). If there is

no P.P.I., adjust the input gain while listening

for distortion of the sound. As distortion is

heard, reduce the gain gradually until the

sound is undistorted (clean).

10. Sound quality is of course subjective and

‘your sound’ will be achieved by you with

experimentation. We suggest that you begin

with EQ set FLAT/OFF (no boost or cut).

Remember the EQ cannot change the

acoustic properties of a room. In a recording

situation, you should try placing absorbent or

reflective panels/material in various positions

within the vicinity of the sound source and

microphone. The positioning of the

microphone can also have a dramatic effect

on the sound quality.

The best way to assess your recording

environment, is to listen to the sound you

wish to record acoustically first. Remember

that no amount of EQ can correct a ‘bad’

recording environment. Any further desired

modification of sound can then be

undertaken with the EQ and effects.

11. Live/Stage Use. As a live vocal mic, the NT3

offers studio-quality sound on stage, which is

not achievable with a dynamic microphone.

A characteristic of most dynamic vocal

microphones is that their ‘full frequency

response’ is only evident when they are used

very close to the sound source (within the

proximity effect area).

The low frequency of the NT3 extends to

below 20Hz which is an attractive quality for

most recording situations.

For live performance however, you may wish

to reduce these frequencies when using the

NT3 as a vocal microphone. If you have a

high pass filter/bass roll-off, switch it in.

Alternatively, try moving the microphone

away from the sound source (out of the

proximity effect). This basic microphone

control/technique should be practiced, to

ensure that the best possible results are

achieved.

12. Like all condenser microphones, the NT3

should be kept dry at all times. These

microphones do not like moisture! The

capsule will be potentially subject to

moisture during vocal use, and we strongly

recommend the use of the WS3 foam

windscreen (supplied with your NT3) during

all vocal applications. This screen will also

minimise plosives (the high sound pressure

levels of pronounced B’s and P’s which can

bottom-out the capsule.

13. The NT3 is a precision transducer and you

should be careful not to drop or knock it as

this could cause serious damage.

After use, the NT3 should be wiped clean

with a soft cloth, and stored in its protective

zip pouch together with the pack of moisture

absorbent crystals (silica gel/dessicant).

These crystals should be blue. If they have

turned to pink they are no longer active. To

reactivate them, place the pack in an oven

set between 100-150 degrees C until they

become blue again.

Note: There are no user serviceable parts

inside this microphone so there will never be

reason for you to dismantle it (except to replace

the battery). Any service which may require

dismantling must be performed by an

authorised RØDE Service Agent.

Warranty Service:

All RØDE products are warranted for one year

from date of purchase and the warranty card

should be used to register that purchase.

The warranty covers parts and labour that may be

required to repair the microphone during the

warranty period. The warranty excludes defects

caused by normal wear and tear, modification,

shipping damage, or failure to use the

microphone as per the instruction guide.

If you experience any problem, or have any

questions regarding your RØDE microphone,

first contact the Dealer who sold it to you, If the

microphone requires Factory authorised service,

return will be organised by that Dealer. We have

an extensive Distributor/Dealer network, but if

you have difficulty getting the advice or

assistance you require, do not hesitate to contact

us directly.

International: Tel: 61 -2 8765 9333

Fax: 61 -2 8765 9444

Australia: Tel: (02) 8765 9333

Fax: (02) 8765 9444

USA: Tel: 310-328-7456

Fax: 310-328-7180

e-mail information: [email protected]

www.rodemicrophones.com

or contact your local RØDE Distributor

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