RODE Microphones NT 2 Manual

NT 2
Instruction Guide
RØDE STUDIO CONDENSER MICROPHONES

RØDE NT2
Serial Number: ……………………
Checked by: ………………………
Date: ………………………………
Thank you for purchasing a RØDE NT 2. This
precision microphone will, if you follow the basic
operational/storage information, give you years of high
performance, trouble free service.
RØDE is part of the Freedman Group of Companies
which was founded by the late Henry Freedman. Henry
was born in London England, emigrating to Stockholm
Sweden in the early 50’s where his career as an
Electronics Engineer began. In 1966 he moved his
family to Australia and established Freedman
Electronics, a pioneer in the Professional Audio Industry.
The Company Headquarters are in Sydney Australia,
home of the 2000 Olympic games. There are divisions
that import and distribute professional audio products,
and others that design and manufacture speaker
systems, amplifiers and associated electronics.
The NT 2 is part of a growing family of microphones and
accessories backed by over forty years of experience in
Professional Audio, and is the result of a two year
research and development program. Each microphone
is hand assembled in Australia using imported and
locally produced parts. The electronic components used
were selected not only for their reliability and technical
specification, but extensive listening tests were also
carried out to gauge their sonic qualities before being
included.
All wiring and solder is of Hi-Fi Industry grade and all
connecting points are Gold plated as well as being
treated with Deoxidizing Solution. The PCB’s are
sprayed with a Conformal, and the above procedures
assure long term immunity to signal degrading
corrosion.
Each microphone is ‘soak tested’ for 24 hours prior to its
final test.
We are proud of this microphone, and hope that you
are, and remain fully satisfied with your purchase.
Peter Freedman
RØDE Australia

SPECIFICATIONS:
Capsule: Dual pressure gradient
transducers.
Frequency Response: 20 - 20,000 Hz
Noise: 17dB-A SPL
Sensitivity: 16 mV/Pa
Max SPL: 135dB – 145 with pad.
Output Impedance: 200W
Power Requirement: 48V D.C.
Current Consumption: 3.5ma.
Weight: 530 gm
Features:
•Large Capsule with gold plated membrane.
•Low-Noise, transformerless circuitry.
•Omni and Cardioid polar patterns.
•High Pass Filter.
•-10db Pad.
•Full Frequency Response.
•Gold Plated Output Connector and internal
head pins.
•Designed and Manufactured in Australia.
The NT2 comes complete with:
•Flight Case.
•Shock Mount (SM-1).
•Windshield (WS-2).
•2 Spare SM-1 Rubber Bands.
•Guarantee and Instruction Guide.
•Pack of Moisture-Absorbing Crystals.
The NT2-NC comes complete with:
•Zip Pouch (ZP-1)
•Shock Mount (SM-1).
•2 Spare SM-1 Rubber Bands.
•Guarantee and Instruction Guide.
•Pack of Moisture-Absorbing Crystals.

When you open the storage box for the first time,
check that you have all the accessories listed.
•Before connecting and using the NT2 please
take a few minutes to read these instructions.
1. You will need a power supply to operate the
NT 2. For optimum results, this should be a
48V D.C. supply.
Most professional mixing consoles have an
internal 48V supply, or you can purchase
a separate supply. Make sure the power
supply you use is a professional unit that is
operating correctly. Damage due to
connection of the NT 2 to a faulty power
supply is not covered by the guarantee.
2. Set the polar pattern switch to your desired
setting either omni or cardioid.
Set the response switch to your desired
setting either flat response or low frequency
cut.
This switch also allows for a 10 db pad to be
inserted into the signal path which allows for
very high SPL operation.
3. The NT 2 comes complete with a shock
mount suspension device (SM 1). Connect
the shock mount to a stable microphone
stand (studio mic’s do not like to be dropped!).
The shock mount pivot screw should be
tightened (by hand) when you have
positioned it at the appropriate angle. To fit
the NT 2, grasp the two levers located
centrally and push them inwards, this will
open up the suspension and the NT 2 can be
placed in the mount.
4. When first connecting the NT 2 to a mixing
console we suggest that you have the gain
control adjusted to full attenuation.
5. Please make all cable connections before
applying power to the microphone. Never
remove the microphone cable while the power
is connected.
6. Check that you have the NT 2 correctly
connected. You can connect the microphone
directly into the mixer without an external
supply if 48V is available on the mixer.
Always use a balanced (3 pin XLR style)
microphone cable. Note: Ensure that the
cable is a wired pin 1 screen, pin 2+ pin 3-.

We suggest you purchase a lead with gold
plated plugs, as contact resistance due to
corrosion is a major cause of problems in all
sound systems. Note: All contact points on
the NT 2 are gold plated.
7. Switch the power supply/mixer on. The
microphone will take about six seconds to
stabilise. Adjust the mixer gain so that the
Peak light flashes on the peaks of the program
source to be recorded (Voice or Instrument).
You are now ready to use the microphone.
8. 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 are after by changing the
mic’s position using either the omni or
cardioid selection (depends on application),
and/or by placing either reflective or
absorbent panels at various angles adjacent
to the source being recorded. Changing the
acoustic properties of the space the
microphone is in, is our recommended initial
approach for obtaining the best sound quality.
(Remember you can not change a room’s
acoustic properties with EQ.) After you have
the best sound quality achievable with this
approach, then equalisation and effects such
as reverb or indeed any other signal
processing can be used for enhancement,
but should be used sparingly! We have
designed the NT 2 to exhibit a rising
response centered around 12K. This
characteristic is found in many of the 50’s
classics, and is a very desirable quality in
vocal and other applications. Because of this
inherent ‘presence’, high frequency
equalisation, with its signal degrading
consequences, is not usually required to
restore clarity lost in the recording/mixing
process.
Some tips that may be helpful:
1. Condenser microphones do not like moisture!
Never take the NT 2 into the shower, never
sing in the rain or go swimming with one.
Seriously, the NT 2, like all studio mics,
should be kept dry at all times. The capsule
will be subjected to a lot of moisture in vocal
applications, and we suggest the Windscreen
be used for all vocal work.

2. Never subject the NT 2 to mechanical shock
by hitting or dropping the mic as this can
cause it to be severely damaged and is not
covered by your warranty.
3. After every use, the NT 2 should be removed
from its suspension, wiped down with a dry
soft cloth, and placed in its case. Be sure to
place the moisture absorbent crystals (white
pouch) at the head end of the mic. The
crystals will absorb any moisture present.
Eventually, this pack needs to be dried out.
When the crystals have turned pink, the pack
should be placed in an oven set to between
100 to 150oC. They will be activated when
they turn blue.
4. The body of the NT 2 is finished in a matt nickel
plating over brass. To clean the body, carefully
unscrew the bottom angled end piece, remove
the end piece, the barrel will now be able to be
removed. Place the mic back in its case while
you are cleaning the barrel.
Use a non abrasive ‘kitchen style’ solution to
clean the barrel, rinse with clean water and
then fully dry before replacing the barrel.
There is a pin guide on the end of the main
mic body that locates the barrel in the correct
position. Replace the end piece and tighten
until the barrel does not move. Be sure not to
over-tighten as this may damage the
microphone.
5. Never remove the cage that surrounds the
capsule!!! The temptation to touch the
delicate membrane will be too much to bear
and you will have ruined your microphone.
If you are rich and have ‘a few roo’s loose in
the top paddock’, and really want to do this,
go ahead, we can replace the capsule at
great cost, which of course includes renewing
your warranty that you made void by sticking
your fingers where they don’t belong.
6. Never be tempted to let the local electronics
‘genius’ modify the microphones’ electronic
circuit! Even if they guarantee to achieve
what he/she may call a ‘great improvement’
in sonic quality. At best this will void your
warranty, and at worst???
7. Never use the NT 2 as a hammer or
football.
8. Never lend the NT 2 to anyone! Tell them to
buy one of their own.

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 micro-
phone 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.
The warranty excludes defects caused by normal
wear, modification, shipping damage or failure to
use the microphone as per the instruction guide.
If you experience any problems, or have any
questions regarding your RØDE microphone, first
contact the dealer who sold it to you. If your
microphone requires factory authorised repair,
you will be given a return authorisation number
and an address where to send the unit. Please
include all accessories, your name, address and
contact number.
Except to the extent precluded by applicable
state law, the manufacturer of this product
will have no liability for any consequential,
incidental or special damages; any warranty
of merchantability or fitness for particular
purpose expires when this warranty expires.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and
you may have other rights which vary from state
to state.
International Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Australia Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
USA: Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
e-mail information: [email protected]
www.rodemicrophones.com
or contact your local RØDE Distributor