RODE Microphones M5 User manual

1
www.rodemic.com/m5
M5
ENGLISHINSTRUCTION MANUAL
Compact 1/2”
Cardioid Condenser
Microphones
M5_multilingual_manual.indb 1M5_multilingual_manual.indb 1 2/09/2013 6:59:47 PM2/09/2013 6:59:47 PM

2
The M5 is a studio quality half-inch condenser microphone,
designed for highly detailed sound reproduction. It features a
cardioid polar pattern and end address design, meaning that it will
pick up sound directed into the end of the microphone, and reject
sound from the rear of the mic.
This pickup pattern allows for recording of the desired sound
source while reducing the level of other surrounding instruments,
noises or sound sources.
The M5 is not only ideal for recording music, but is a fantastic
microphone for environmental recordings and indoor dialogue on
film sets.
The enclosed pair has been hand-picked by RØDE’s audio
engineering team to be acoustically matched to ensure perfect
compatibility when used in stereo configurations.
Introduction
M5_multilingual_manual.indb 2M5_multilingual_manual.indb 2 2/09/2013 7:00:05 PM2/09/2013 7:00:05 PM

3
Features
• ½” capsule with gold-plated membrane
• Cardioid polar pattern
• All metal body
• Ultra-low noise transformerless circuitry
• State-of-the-art surface mount electronics
• Heavy-duty matte black finish
• Gold plated output connectors
• Designed & manufactured in Australia
• Free 10 year extended warranty when you register online at
www.rodemic.com/warranty
M5_multilingual_manual.indb 3M5_multilingual_manual.indb 3 2/09/2013 7:00:05 PM2/09/2013 7:00:05 PM

4
The M5 is covered by a limited warranty for one (1) year from the
date of purchase. This can be extended free of charge to a full
ten (10) year warranty by registering your microphone online at
visiting our website as below.
Warranty
Register your M5 pair now and
validate your free 10 year warranty.
Scan the QR code with a smartphone,
or visit www.rodemic.com/warranty
M5_multilingual_manual.indb 4M5_multilingual_manual.indb 4 2/09/2013 7:00:05 PM2/09/2013 7:00:05 PM

5
Specifications
Polar Response
Frequency
Response
0˚
90˚ 270˚
180˚
-2.0
-20.0
-10.0
0.0
-2.0
-4.0
-6.0
-8.0
-10.0
-12.0
-14.0
-16.0
-18.0
-20.0
-22.0
-24.0 -25.0
dB rel. 1V/Pa
+5.0
Frequency:
500 Hz:
1000 Hz:
4000 Hz:
M5_multilingual_manual.indb 5M5_multilingual_manual.indb 5 2/09/2013 7:00:05 PM2/09/2013 7:00:05 PM

6
Acoustic Principle Pressure Gradient
Active Electronics JFET impedance converter with bipolar
output buffer
Directional Pattern Cardioid
Frequency Range 20Hz ~ 20kHz
Output Impedence 200Ω
Equivalent Noise 19 dBA SPL (as per IEC651)
Maximum Output +13.5 dBu (1KHz, 1% THD into 1K Ω load)
Sensitivity -34 dB re 1V/Pa
(10.46mV @ 94dB SPL)
± 2dB @ 1kHz
Dynamic Range 121 dB SPL
Specifications
M5_multilingual_manual.indb 6M5_multilingual_manual.indb 6 2/09/2013 7:00:05 PM2/09/2013 7:00:05 PM

7
Maximum SPL 140 dB SPL
Signal / Noise 75 dBA SPL (as per IEC651)
Power Requirements 24V phantom power
48V phantom power
Output Connection 3 Pin XLR
Balanced output between pin 2 (+),
pin 3 (-) and pin 1 (ground)
Net Weight 80g
Accessories RM5 mic clip (x2)
WS5 windshield (x2)
M5_multilingual_manual.indb 7M5_multilingual_manual.indb 7 2/09/2013 7:00:06 PM2/09/2013 7:00:06 PM

8Powering the M5
Connect all cables before supplying phantom power to the
microphone(s) and never remove the microphone cable while the
power is connected.
The M5 requires 48V DC (P48) or 24V DC (P24) phantom power.
If the mixer or preamp does not contain this phantom power
requirement, then an external phantom power supply is needed.
Some phantom power supplies do not supply the voltage at
which they are rated. If the required voltage is not supplied, the
dynamic range and general performance of the microphone will
be reduced.
We strongly suggest the use of a reputable high quality power
supply. Damage caused by a faulty power supply is not covered
under warranty.
M5_multilingual_manual.indb 8M5_multilingual_manual.indb 8 2/09/2013 7:00:06 PM2/09/2013 7:00:06 PM

What is Phantom Power?
All condenser microphones require a power source to operate the
internal circuitry of the microphone.
Phantom power is a DC voltage, supplied to the microphone
through the XLR cable, providing the microphone circuit with the
power it requires to operate, without the need for an external
microphone power supply.
Most mixing desks, audio interfaces, and preamp units have a
phantom power switch inbuilt. If your equipment doesn’t have a
phantom power supply, an external one can be purchased and
used in-line between the preamp and the M5. Be sure to check
that your phantom power supply is either P48 (48V DC) or P24 (24V
DC) to operate the correctly.
M5_multilingual_manual.indb 9M5_multilingual_manual.indb 9 2/09/2013 7:00:06 PM2/09/2013 7:00:06 PM

10 Mounting the M5
The M5 matched pair is supplied with a pair of RM5 stand mounts.
These feature a standard 5/8” thread in the base and a 3/8” thread
adaptor is supplied to provide even greater versatility in mounting.
To mount the M5 in the RM5 place the base of the microphone
at the back of the mount and firmly push down towards the front
until the microphone clicks into the mount.
The tension of the RM5 can be adjusted using the lever on the side
of the mount.
M5_multilingual_manual.indb 10M5_multilingual_manual.indb 10 2/09/2013 7:00:06 PM2/09/2013 7:00:06 PM

11
The M5 is an ‘end-address’ microphone, and so the mesh head
should always be facing towards the sound source that you wish
to record.
When recording any sound source, whether it be vocals,
instruments or anything else, always spend time experimenting
with mic placement to ensure you are picking up the best possible
sound. Adjust the microphone position as many times as you need
to achieve this, rather than attempting to compensate with EQ and
other processing tools later on.
If you are recording through an interface, channel strip or mixing
desk with an inbuilt EQ section, always begin by setting the EQ
flat (no cut or boost) or turn it off if possible. Once the preferred
sound has been achieved through mic placement, any processing
such as EQ, compression, reverb and other effects can be added
to enhance the sound of your recording.
EQ is always best used sparingly, and when attempting to change
the sound of a recording in any way you should always start by
‘cutting’ any unwanted frequencies, rather than boosting the other
frequencies.
General Operation
M5_multilingual_manual.indb 11M5_multilingual_manual.indb 11 2/09/2013 7:00:06 PM2/09/2013 7:00:06 PM

12 General Operation
As with other aspects of the recording process, finding the right
sound is always a matter of experimentation, and you should
always go with whatever sounds best to you. Listen with your ears,
not with your eyes!
M5_multilingual_manual.indb 12M5_multilingual_manual.indb 12 2/09/2013 7:00:06 PM2/09/2013 7:00:06 PM

13
Whether using them as a single microphone or stereo pair,
there are no set rules when it comes to placement for your
M5 microphones, but the tips below are a great starting point
to achieve great results in most scenarios. Don’t be afraid to
experiment with your own mic placements to produce the sound
that you’d like to pick up with your M5.
Microphone Placement
Scan the code with your
smartphone or visit
rockro.de/m5stereo to
watch a video showing stereo
applications for the M5
M5_multilingual_manual.indb 13M5_multilingual_manual.indb 13 2/09/2013 7:00:06 PM2/09/2013 7:00:06 PM

14
Stereo spaced pair
To mount your M5 microphones in a spaced pair configuration,
you’ll need to place your microphones on two separate
microphone stands. It is best to experiment with the exact
positioning and direction of the microphones while listening to the
signal, to ensure phase compatibility.
The Spaced pair is ideal for recording sound sources
or instruments that cover a wider area, or require more
than one point-source to pick up a true representation
of the sound.
It will generally produce a very wide stereo image, and
is great for recording sound sources such as choirs and
ensembles, but can also produce incredible results on
individual instruments when used correctly.
Microphone Placement
M5_multilingual_manual.indb 14M5_multilingual_manual.indb 14 2/09/2013 7:00:06 PM2/09/2013 7:00:06 PM

15
Sound Source
M5_multilingual_manual.indb 15M5_multilingual_manual.indb 15 2/09/2013 7:00:06 PM2/09/2013 7:00:06 PM

16
Stereo X-Y
To mount your M5 pair in X/Y configuration, place the microphones
either on a stereo bar, or on two separate microphone stands. The
microphones should be placed at 90º to one another (right angle)
with the capsules stacked above each other vertically.
X/Y configuration is a coincident stereo technique that can
be used to pick up sound sources in stereo with maximum
phase coherency, meaning that the sounds you record will
not only sound great in stereo, but they will also sound
great when played back in mono.
This is achieved by having the capsules placed right above
one another, as close as possible on the vertical axis,
so that sound reaches both capsules at the same time.
While X/Y configuration is great for mono compatibility and
ease of use, the stereo image will not be as wide as other
techniques such as ORTF or a spaced pair configuration.
Microphone Placement
M5_multilingual_manual.indb 16M5_multilingual_manual.indb 16 2/09/2013 7:00:06 PM2/09/2013 7:00:06 PM

17
90°
Sound Source
M5_multilingual_manual.indb 17M5_multilingual_manual.indb 17 2/09/2013 7:00:06 PM2/09/2013 7:00:06 PM

18
Stereo ORTF
To mount your M5 pair in ORTF configuration, place the
microphones either on a stereo bar, or on two separate
microphone stands. The microphones should be placed at 110º to
one another with the capsules 17cm apart and facing outward.
The ORTF technique was devised around 1960 by a French
broadcast station, the Office de Radiodiffusion Télévision
Française, and was originally designed to mimic the
response of human hearing.
The increased distance between the capsules will produce
a wider stereo image than coincident stereo miking
techniques like X/Y or Mid-side.
Microphone Placement
M5_multilingual_manual.indb 18M5_multilingual_manual.indb 18 2/09/2013 7:00:06 PM2/09/2013 7:00:06 PM

19
17cm
110°
Sound Source
M5_multilingual_manual.indb 19M5_multilingual_manual.indb 19 2/09/2013 7:00:06 PM2/09/2013 7:00:06 PM

20
After use the M5(s) should be removed from its mount, wiped with
a dry, soft cloth and placed into storage.
Be sure to place the moisture-absorbent crystals (supplied) at
the head of the microphone when in storage, 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.
Safety and maintenance
M5_multilingual_manual.indb 20M5_multilingual_manual.indb 20 2/09/2013 7:00:06 PM2/09/2013 7:00:06 PM