ICON NOVA3 User manual

User manual
Beautiful Design. Beautiful Sound.
Out of this world versatility. This Space Series multi-pattern
microphone fuses vintage sounding clarity and warmth with bold
intergalactic design and ultimate exibility.

Important Safety Instructions
1. Read this manual thoroughly before using this unit.
2. Keep this manual for future reference.
3. Take notice of and comply with all warnings included in the user's manual or indicated on the
appliance.
4. Follow all instructions included in this manual.
5. Do not expose this unit to rain or moisture. Avoid having water or other liquids spilled on this
unit.
6. Do not block any ventilation openings or interfere with the proper ventilation of this unit. Install
in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
7. Do not use or store near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other heat-
producing appliances.
8. To avoid the risk of electrical shock, do not touch any exposed wiring while the unit is in
operation.
9. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
10. Unplug this unit and all connected electrical equipment during lightning storms or when left
unused a long period of time.
11. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the appliance has
been damaged in any way or fails to operate normally.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this unit to rain or moisture

Introduction...............................................................................................4
What’s in the package? ............................................................................4
Register your ICON ProAudio product to your personal account.............5
Features ...................................................................................................6
Operating the Nova3 ................................................................................7
Specications .........................................................................................10
Services..................................................................................................12
Contents

4
Introduction
What’s in the package?
●Nova3 Studio condenser microphone
●Shock Mount
●Pop shield
●Metal Case
Firstly, congratulations on your purchase of the ICON Pro Audio Nova3 Studio
condenser microphone! In these pages, you'll nd a detailed description of the
features of the Nova3 Studio condenser microphone and a full list of specications.
Please register the product on our website at the link below
www. iconproaudio.com/registration:
As with most electronic devices, we strongly recommend you retain the original
packaging. In the unlikely event that the product is returned for servicing, the original
packaging (or reasonable equivalent) is required. With proper care and adequate
air circulation, your Nova3 Studio condenser microphone will operate awlessly for
many years to come.
We trust that this product will provide years of excellent service and in the unlikely
event that your product does not perform to the highest standard, every e󰀨ort will be
made to address the issue.

5
Register your ICON ProAudio product to your
personal account
1. Check serial number of your device
Please go to http:// iconproaudio.com/registration or scan the QR code
below.

Input your device’s serial number and the other information on the screen. Click
“Submit”.

A message will pop up showing your device information such as model name
and its serial number - Click “Register this device to my account” or if you see
any other message, please contact our after-sales service team

2. Log in to your personal account page for existing user or
sign up for new user
Existing user: Please log into your personal user page by inputing your
user name and password.

New user: Please click “Sign Up” and ll in all the information.

3. Download all useful materials
All your registered devices under your account will show on the page. Each
product will be listed along with all its available les such as drivers, rmware,
user manual in di󰀨erent languages and bundled software etc. for download.
Please make sure you have download the necessary les such as driver before
you begin device installation.

6
Features
The Nova3 large diaphragm condenser microphone is perfect for vocal performance,
broadcast, acoustic instruments and ampliers. It's stylish and a󰀨ordable as well
as o󰀨ering a high degree of versatility. Switch between polar patterns, cut o󰀨
unnecessary low frequency rumble at the source with the low cut switch and use the
pad to tame high volume sounds, such as a drum kits,
loud vocalists or an electric guitar cabinet.
Using extremely high end components like Wima capacitors and Fairchild resistors,
the Nova3 combines a beautiful, slick appearance with top grade performance and
ultimate versatility.
●High degree of clarity for any voice or instrument applications
●Professional hand-build double sided 34mm large-diaphragm capsule for full,
open-sound and unsurpassed audio quality and exibility
●Switchable polar patterns – gure 8, omni-directional and cardioid
●– 10 dB switchable pad
●Low cut lte
●Ideal as a primary or support microphone for a variety of recording situations
●Pressure-gradient transducer with shock-mounted capsule
●Perfect for vocals and acoustic instruments
●Ultra-rugged construction with electroplated nish
●Top-quality components including a Wima capacitor and Fairchild resistors
●Suspension shock mount and innovative zero-hassle magnetic slip-on pop lter
included
●Metal storage carry case

7
Operating the Nova3
Powering the Nova3 (48V)
The Nova3 is a condenser microphone and therefore needs to be operated by
connecting a phantom power supply. Phantom power is standard on most quality
mixers, outboard mic pre-amps (MIC pres), and hard disk recorders. If necessary
an external phantom power supply can also be used. The Nova3 receives the
phantom power directly from a microphone cable when connected to a mixer or other
microphone input that includes a phantom supply. The power is actually sent OUT of
the microphone INPUT, riding silently along with the audio signal. Most mixers have
a switch to engage the phantom power so be sure to check that the phantom power
is on.
Setting up the signal level
When connecting the Nova3 to a mixer or recorder input, be sure that the input is at
a suitable level. Also, be sure that the 48V phantom power is engaged as explained
above. Most mixers and recorders of reasonable quality will o󰀨er a microphone
input with MIC trim (usually called Trim or Gain) control. The purpose of the MIC trim
control is to optimize the amount of good signal to any noise associated with the
mixers electronics. A good MIC pre with trim also will have a Peak or Clip LED. To
set a good level on the MIC, set the Nova3 up in front of the desired sound source
and slowly raise the MIC trim control until you see the Peak LED light up. Then, turn
the mix trim control down until the LED does not light any more. On most mixers, the
ideal setting is that the trim control is turned up as much as possible without lighting
the Peak LED.
Microphone Placement
In order to maximize the sound quality, please pay careful attention to the placement
of your Nova3 and how it is positioned for the instrument or vocalist that you are
miking. All microphones, especially unidirectional or cardioids microphones, exhibit
a phenomenon know as the “proximity e󰀨ect”. Very simply put, proximity e󰀨ect is a
resulting change in the frequency response of a microphone based on the position of
the MIC capsule relative to the sound source. Specically, when you point a cardioid
MIC directly at the sound source (on-axis) you will get the best frequency response,
however, when you start pointing the microphone slightly away (o󰀨-axis) you will
notice the low frequency dropping o󰀨 and the microphone will start to sound thinner.
For most vocal applications you’ll want to position the microphone directly in front
of the artist with the Nova3 in cardioid position. The same may be true for miking
instruments. However, you can make some pretty amazing equalization adjustments
by slightly changing the angle of the capsule to the sound source. This can be a very

8
useful technique in capturing the optimum sound of drum set, acoustic guitar, piano
or other instruments in a live room or sound stage. Experimentation and experience
are the best teachers in getting good sounds, so plug in!
"P"- Popping
P-Poping is that annoying pop that you can get when the microphone diaphragm
gets a blast of air from a vocalist pronouncing words with the letter “P” included.
(because it is a "plosive" syllable). The Nova3 has a built-in a pop lter which sits
inside the net basket (or cradle) to minimize the pop e󰀨ect.
Simply drop it in - a magnet will secure it's xture.
Mounting the Nova3
Mount your Nova3 into the provided suspension mount and secure using the screws
on the underside. Secure your pop-shield into the special magnetised connector.
1
2
3
Secure the Nova
to the cradle with
the two screws
screws
Secure the pop-shield
to the cradle using the
magnetised connector

9
The pattern switch (reverse)
The Omnidirectional pattern is sensitive to sound sources from all directions. Try
using this pattern when recording the sound of a room, such as when you want to
use the Nova3 as a ‘drum room mic’ or when recording a wide sound source – such
as an orchestra or choir. It is also great when recording a moveable source, such as
an instrumentalist who moves around as part of their performance.
The Figure 8 pattern is sensitive to sound sources at the back and front of the
microphone – ignoring sounds to the side of the microphone. Try using this pattern
when recording a duet, a face-to-face interview, or recording a source when you
need to isolate sounds in close proximity and reject sounds to the sides of the
microphone – experiment with mic placement to achieve this..
The Cardioid pattern records what the front of the microphone is pointed at, ignoring
everything else. It is ideal for vocals and can be used for a wide range of sources
including drums, acoustic instruments and guitar cabinets.
Low cut switch (left)
Cuts low frequency content below 100 Hz. Useful for voices and instruments to
reduce low frequency rumble. Think of this as your rst EQ move, at the source.
Pad switch (right)
The pad switch reduces the signal from the microphone by -10 dB. This is useful for
high volume sources such as guitar cabinets, loud singers or a drum kit. This should
be your rst choice if you can hear distortion.

10
Specications
Nova3
20 50 100 200 500 1K 2K 5K 10K 20K
-80
-70
-60
-50
-40
-30
0DB
20 50 100 200 500 1K 2K 5K 10K 20K
-80
-70
-60
-50
-40
-30
cardioid
20 50 100 200 500 1K 2K 5K 10K 20K
-80
-70
-60
-50
-40
-30
Figure 8 pointing
20 50 100 200 500 1K 2K 5K 10K 20K
-80
-70
-60
-50
-40
-30
Omnidirectional
0°
30°
60°
90°
120°
150°
180°
210°
240°
270°
300°
330°
−30
−20
−10
0
10
0°
30°
60°
90°
120°
150°
180°
210°
240°
270°
300°
330°
−30
−20
−10
0
10
Nova3
20 50 100 200 500 1K 2K 5K 10K 20K
-80
-70
-60
-50
-40
-30
0DB
20 50 100 200 500 1K 2K 5K 10K 20K
-80
-70
-60
-50
-40
-30
cardioid
20 50 100 200 500 1K 2K 5K 10K 20K
-80
-70
-60
-50
-40
-30
Figure 8 pointing
20 50 100 200 500 1K 2K 5K 10K 20K
-80
-70
-60
-50
-40
-30
Omnidirectional
0°
30°
60°
90°
120°
150°
180°
210°
240°
270°
300°
330°
−30
−20
−10
0
10
0°
30°
60°
90°
120°
150°
180°
210°
240°
270°
300°
330°
−30
−20
−10
0
10
Nova3
20 50 100 200 500 1K 2K 5K 10K 20K
-80
-70
-60
-50
-40
-30
0DB
20 50 100 200 500 1K 2K 5K 10K 20K
-80
-70
-60
-50
-40
-30
cardioid
20 50 100 200 500 1K 2K 5K 10K 20K
-80
-70
-60
-50
-40
-30
Figure 8 pointing
20 50 100 200 500 1K 2K 5K 10K 20K
-80
-70
-60
-50
-40
-30
Omnidirectional
0°
30°
60°
90°
120°
150°
180°
210°
240°
270°
300°
330°
−30
−20
−10
0
10
0°
30°
60°
90°
120°
150°
180°
210°
240°
270°
300°
330°
−30
−20
−10
0
10
Frequency response-vary axis
0DB and cardioid
Low cut and cardioid
Figure 8 pointing

11
Nova3
20 50 100 200 500 1K 2K 5K 10K 20K
-80
-70
-60
-50
-40
-30
0DB
20 50 100 200 500 1K 2K 5K 10K 20K
-80
-70
-60
-50
-40
-30
cardioid
20 50 100 200 500 1K 2K 5K 10K 20K
-80
-70
-60
-50
-40
-30
Figure 8 pointing
20 50 100 200 500 1K 2K 5K 10K 20K
-80
-70
-60
-50
-40
-30
Omnidirectional
0°
30°
60°
90°
120°
150°
180°
210°
240°
270°
300°
330°
−30
−20
−10
0
10
0°
30°
60°
90°
120°
150°
180°
210°
240°
270°
300°
330°
−30
−20
−10
0
10
Transducer type..........................................................................electrostatic
Operating principle.....................................................................presure gradient
The diaphragms active diameter................................................34mm
Frequency range........................................................................20 Hz to 20 kHz
Polar pattern...............................................................................cardioid, Figure 8
....................................................................................................pointing, Omnidirectional
Sensitivity (dB re iV/Pa)..............................................................(-37dBV/Pa)(-40dBV/Pa)
....................................................................................................(-38dBV/Pa)
Sensitivity at 1 kHz into 1000 Ω load..........................................(-14,10,12.5)mV/Pa
Output impedance......................................................................50 Ω
Rated load impedance...............................................................1000 Ω
Suggested load impedance........................................................>500 Ω
Maximum SPL for 0,5% THD at 1000 Ω load.............................144 dB/ 147dB/ 147dB
S/N Ratio DIN/IEC 651 A-weighten.............................................78dB/ 75dB/ 75dB
Dynamic range of the microphone preamplier..........................128 dB
Phantom powering voltage on pin 2&3 of XLR ......................+48V (+/-4V)
Current consumption ...............................................................≤4 mA
Output connector.......................................................................3-pin XLR male
Dimension.................................................................................63mmX60mmX154mm
Weight.......................................................................................0.394kg
Omnidirectional

12
Services
If your Nova3 needs servicing, follow these instructions.
Check our online Help Center at http://support.iconproaudio.com, for information,
knowledge, and downloads such as:
1. FAQ
2. Download
3. Product Registration
4. Video Tutorials
Very often you will nd solutions on these pages. If you don’t nd a solution, create
a support ticket at our online Help Center at the link below, and our technical support
team will assist you as soon as we can.
Navigate to http://support.iconproaudio.com and then sign in to submit a ticket.
Once you have submitted an inquiry ticket, our support team will assist you to
resolve the problem with your ICON ProAudio device as soon as possible.
To send defective products for service:
1. Ensure the problem is not related to operation error or external system devices.
2. Keep this owner's manual. We don't need it to repair the unit.
3. Pack the unit in its original packaging including end card and box. This is very
important. If you have lost the packaging, please make sure you have packed
the unit properly. ICON is not responsible for any damage that occurs due to
non-factory packing.
4. Ship to the ICON tech support center or the local return authorization. See our
service centers and distributor service points at the link below:

If you are located in US
Send the product to:
North America
Mixware, LLC – U.S. Distributor
3086 W. POST RD.
LAS VEGAS NV 89118
Tel.: [phone]
Contact: www.mixware.net/help

If you are located in Europe
Send the product to:
Sound Service GmbH
European Headquarter Moriz-
Seeler-Straße3 D-12489 Berlin
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-Mail: [email protected]
If you are located in Hong Kong
Send the product to:
ASIA OFFICE:
Unit F, 15/F., Fu Cheung Centre,
No. 5-7 Wong Chuk Yueng Street,
Fotan,
Sha Tin, N.T., Hong Kong.
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]

5. For additional update information please visit our website at:
www.iconproaudio.com

13
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