RODE Microphones Classic II User manual

(EMC, LVD)
Classic II
Instruction Manual
www.rodemic.com

- 2 -
Introduction
We at would like to thank you and
congratulate you on investing in the Classic II.
This valve microphone represents the finest studio
microphone technology currently available.
We know that it will serve you well for many years
and provide you with a performance you will be
extremely proud of.
The Classic II has been developed from the original
Classic, both of which are the preferred valve
microphone of a huge number of professional
engineers and musicians.
The character of the original Classic has been
retained, but by utilising a revised edge-terminated
diaphragm, and further refining the electronic
circuitry, a new level of performance has been
achieved.
Please take the time to visit www.rodemic.com and
register your microphone for a full ten year warranty.
While there you can view studio tips and techniques,
as well as browse the comprehensive range of
accessories for microphones.
Peter Freedman
Microphones
Sydney, Australia

- 3 -
Specifications
Acoustic
Principle:
Pressure gradient
Directional
Pattern:
Switchable Omnidirectional/
Cardioid / Figure-8 in nine steps
(see graph)
Frequency
Range:
20 Hz-20 kHz
(see graph)
Output
Impedence:
200Ω
Sensitivity: -37dB re 1V/Pa
(14mV @ 94dB SPL) +/-2dB
Equivalent Noise: <18 SPL
(A - weighted per IEC651)
Maximum
Output:
+2dBu
(@ 1kHz, 1% THD into 1KΩ)
Dynamic Range: >113 dB SPL
(A - weighted per IEC651)
Maximum SPL: 131dB SPL
(@ 1kHz, 1% THD into 1KΩ)
Signal/Noise: > 76dB SPL
(A - weighted per IEC651)
Power
Requirement:
Dedicated Power Supply
(110 ~ 120V/220 ~ 240V, 50/60 Hz)
Net Weight: 1440gm
Packed Weight: 9kg

- 4 -
Specifications
Frequency Response
Polar Response
dB re 1 V/Pa
20
10
0
-10
-20
-30
20Hz 100 1000 10 000 20 000
dB re 1 V/Pa
20
10
0
-10
-20
-30
20Hz 100 1000 10 000 20 000
5
-5
-15
-25
-35
-45
-55
-60
-50
-40
-30
-20
-10
0
0
30
60
90
120
150
180
210
240
270
300
330
250 Hz
1 kHz
4 kHz
0
-5
-10
-15
-20
-25
-30
-25
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
0
30
60
90
120
150
180
210
240
270
300
330
250 Hz
1 kHz
4 kHz
Cardioid
Cardioid
Omni
Omni

- 5 -
Features
• Custom spec 1” dual diaphragm capsule
• Vintage twin triode GE JAN-6072 valve
• Nine polar patterns
• Jensen output transformer
• Variable Pad & Filter
• Machined from solid brass
• Hand-polished body
• Double-shielded oxygen-free 9m (30’) cable
• Heavy-duty plugs and sockets
• Aluminum flight case
• Made in Australia
• 10 Year warranty*
Specifications
*Online product registration required.
5
-5
-15
-25
-35
-45
-55
-65
-70
-60
-50
-40
-30
-20
-10
0
0
30
60
90
120
150
180
210
240
270
300
330
250 Hz
1 kHz
4 kHz
Figure 8

- 6 -
Accessories
• Transformer (variable polar/pad/filter)
• SM2 Shock Mount
• Double-shielded, oxygen free
premium cable
• RM2 Stand Mount
• RCCLII flight case

- 7 -
Before Using the Classic II
• Ensure that your Classic II has been set to the
correct voltage, as used in your country. The
Classic II can be used with mains supply voltages
of between either 100-120V 50/60Hz or 220-240V
50/60Hz.
• To select for 100-120V use, set the voltage selector
to 120V and use a 250mA clow blow fuse.
• To select for 220-240V use, set the voltage selector
to 240V and use a 160mA slow blow fuse.
• The back panel of the Classic II power supply has a
microphone output socket, a ground (earth) lift, a
microphone input socket, a voltage selector, and a
mains power socket which also incorporates a fuse.
Fuse & Voltage Selector
Mains Input Socket
Mains Switch

- 8 -
Connecting the Classic II
• Having ensured that the power supply is set to
the correct voltage you can begin to connect the
Classic II to the power supply. Do not connect the
power to the mains or switch on the microphone
before connecting it to the power supply.
• Connect the male multicore plug of the Classic II
cable to the input socket on the rear of the power
supply. The white dot on the cable indicates the
top side, to be facing upwards.
• Place the Classic II into the SM2 shock mount,
ensuring it is firmly connected to a microphone
stand capable of supporting the microphone’s
weight.
• Connect the female multicore plug of the
Classic II cable to the microphone. The white dot
on the cable should align with the front of the
microphone, indicated by its gold dot.
Ensure that both plugs are correctly aligned and
pushed firmly into their respective sockets. By
screwing the threaded locking nut of the cable to
the base of the microphone, the Classic II should
now be seated firmly in the mount.

- 9 -
• Now connect an XLR microphone cable to the
output socket on the rear of the power supply,
taking that output to your mixer/pre-amplifier.
• We suggest the use of a high quality cable,
preferably with gold plated contacts. Use as short
a cable as possible, as long cables can adversely
affect sound quality.
• Now you can connect the power supply to the
mains supply and begin using the Classic II
microphone.
• It is recommended to allow several minutes to
allow the microphone to stabilise. This will also
extend the life of the microphone valve.
Connecting the Classic II

Setting the Polar Pattern
- 10 -
Your Classic II can be adjusted to any of nine polar
patterns from omni, through cardioid to figure of
eight. This flexibility allows recording of most
instruments and/or voices with absolute control.
• Select the preferred polar pattern. This is done
with the middle dial on the front of the Classic II
Power Supply. (The most commonly used pattern
for vocal recording is Cardioid – at the 12 o’clock
position).
• When the cardioid position is selected, the
microphone picks up sound from in front of the
microphone, and rejects sound from the rear.
• When in the omni position (fully anti-clockwise),
the microphone picks up sound from all around
the microphone and there is no proximity effect as
found in cardioid mode.
5
-5
-15
-25
-35
-45
-55
-60
-50
-40
-30
-20
-10
0
0
30
60
90
120
150
180
210
240
270
300
330
250 Hz
1 kHz
4 kHz
Front is picked up
Rear is rejected