RODE Microphones NT2-A User manual

(EMC, LVD)

NT2-A

Instruction Manual

www.rodemic.com

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Introduction

We at would like to thank you for investing in

the NT2-A Multi-Pattern Large Diaphragm

Condenser Microphone.

The NT2-A carries on the tradition forged by the

legendary NT2. It was recognised as the World’s Best

Studio Microphone by the MIPA in 2006, in addition

to being awarded the Electronic Musician Editor’s

Choice.

The NT2-A’s ability to evoke the silky smooth

character of the legendary microphones of the 50’s

and 60’s combined with its ﬂexibility and superlative

audio characteristics make it one of the most

versatile condenser mics available.

We’ve titled this the ‘NT2-A Studio Solution’ as

we’ve included everything you need to get truly

professional vocal recordings - The world’s best

studio microphone, a studio grade pop shield and

shock mount, premium cable, dust cover and of

course ’s industry leading ten year warranty.

Not to mention, you also receive a free DVD exclusive

to this Studio Solution package, with Grammy™

nominated producer John Merchant showing you

how to get the best recordings from your NT2-A.

Please take the time to visit www.rodemic.com and

Peter Freedman

Microphones

Sydney, Australia

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Speciﬁcations

Acoustic

Principle:

Pressure, Pressure gradient

Directional

Pattern:

Three position variable - Omni,

Cardioid or Figure 8 (see graph)

Frequency

Range:

20 Hz - 20 kHz

(see graph)

Output

Impedence:

200Ω

Sensitivity: -36 dB re 1 Volt/Pascal

(16 mV @ 94 dB SPL)

+/- 2 dB @ 1kHz

Equivalent Noise: 7dBA SPL

(per IEC651)

Maximum

Output:

+16dBu

(@ 1kHz, 1% THD into 1KΩload)

Dynamic Range: 140 dB

(per IEC651, IEC268-15)

Maximum SPL: 147dB SPL

(@ 1kHz, 1% THD into 1KΩload)

(157dB with PAD at maximum)

Signal/Noise: 87 dB SPL

(A - weighted per IEC651)

Power

Requirement:

P48 (48V) phantom supply

Net Weight: 860gm

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Speciﬁcations

Frequency Response

Polar Response

dB re 1 V/Pa

-10

-20

-30

20Hz 100 1000 10 000 20 000

dB re 1 V/Pa

-10

-20

-30

20Hz 100 1000 10 000 20 000

Cardioid

Omni

Cardioid

Figure 8

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Accessories

Features

• Large 1” gold sputtered capsule

• On-body control of polar pattern, HPF and PAD

• Three position variable polar pattern -

Omni, Cardioid or Figure 8

• Three position variable High-Pass Filter -

Flat, 40Hz or 80Hz

• Three position PAD - 0dB, -5dB or -10dB

• Ultra low noise, transformerless surface mount

circuitry

• Wide dynamic range

• Internal capsule shock mounting

• Made in Australia

• Full 10 Year warranty*

*Online product registration required.

SM6 Shock mount

(including studio grade pop shield)

Premium XLR Cable

Microphone sleeve/

dustcover

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Using the NT2-A

• The NT2-A is a phantom powered microphone. To

operate correctly it requires a 48V phantom supply

from the mixing console or other source.

• Please ensure all cable connections are secure

before applying power to the microphone, and

allow a few moments for the microphone to

stabilise after the power is turned on.

• The gold dot on the face of the NT2-A indicates

the front of the microphone, and the pick-up area

of the cardioid pattern. Please be sure to have the

side with the dot facing the sound source you wish

to record.

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Using the NT2-A

• Microphone technique, or how to get the sound

you want, requires experimentation.

We suggest that you start with the channel EQ

set to ‘OFF’ or ‘FLAT’ (no boost or cut). Try to get

the sound you want by placing either reﬂective or

absorbent panels at various angles adjacent to the

source being recorded.

• Changing the acoustic properties of the space

around the microphone is our recommended initial

approach for obtaining best sound quality.

Remember you cannot change a room’s acoustic

properties with EQ.

• When the preferred sound has been achieved

(as above) then EQ and effects such as reverb

or indeed any signal processing can be used for

enhancement, but should be used sparingly.

• It is worth mentioning that sometimes ‘cutting’ a

particular frequency (sound) may be preferable

to ‘boosting’ another. Of course ‘boosting’ can

increase noise level and so should be done

minimally.

• As with many other aspects of the recording

process, ﬁnding the preferred ‘sound’ is a matter of

experimentation.

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Setting the Polar Pattern

The NT2-A polar pattern can be adjusted to either

omni, through cardioid or ﬁgure of eight. This

ﬂexibility allows for more versatile recording of

vocals, instruments and sound sources. After making

a selection change, allow a few moments for the

microphone to stabilise.

• Select the polar pattern via the top selector switch

on the NT2-A body.

• When the cardioid position is selected (center), the

microphone picks up sound from in front of the

microphone, and rejects sound from the rear.

Selector Switch

Front is picked up

Rear is rejected

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Setting the Polar Pattern

• When in the omni position (lower position), the

microphone picks up sound from all around the

microphone and there is less proximity effect than

in cardioid mode. (Proximity Effect is an increase

in lower (bass) frequencies when the sound source

is ‘close’ to the microphone). The omni pattern is

commonly used for room (ambient) miking or to

record a more natural sound when close miking

instruments.

• When in the ﬁgure 8 position (upper position),

the microphone picks up sound from in front and

behind, and rejects sound from the other two

sides. This pattern is commonly used for interviews

(Two people with the microphone between them)

or in conjunction with a cardioid microphone to use

the MS (mid-side) stereo recording technique.

Rear and sides are picked up

Front is picked up

Rear is picked up

Sides are rejected

Front is picked up

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Setting the

High-Pass Filter

Setting the PAD

Storage

The High-Pass Filter setting can be used to reduce

the microphone’s sensitivity to low frequency sounds,

and is useful when you wish to avoid additional noise

and vibration from outside trafﬁc, air conditioning and

machinery, foot tapping etc.

The middle selector switch on the front of the NT2-A can

be used to set the High-Pass Filter to 0Hz/Flat (center

position), 40Hz (lower position) or 80Hz (upper position).

The PAD setting can be used to attenuate the output

level of the microphone so that it does not exceed the

maximum input level of your recording device. This is

useful when recording high SPL sources such as guitar

ampliﬁers or percussion.

The bottom selector switch on the front of the NT2-A can

be used to set the PAD at 0 (center position), -5dB (lower

position) or -10dB (upper position).

• After use the NT2-A should be removed from its

mount, wiped with a dry, soft cloth and placed in the

provided microphone sleeve/dust cover.

• Be sure to place the moisture-absorbent crystals

(supplied) at the head of the microphone, so as to

absorb any moisture present.

• Eventually this pack of crystals will need to be dried.

This is indicated by the crystals turning pink in colour.

They can easily be re-used by placing them in an oven

at 100 - 150 degrees celsius for approximately ten

minutes. The crystals will operate effectively again

once they have turned blue.

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