RODE Microphones NT 3 Manual

NT 3
Instruction Guide
RØDE STUDIO CONDENSER MICROPHONES

RØDE NT 3
Serial Number: ……………………
Checked by: ………………………
Date: ………………………………
This condenser microphone has been proudly
designed and manufactured by RØDE
Microphones in Sydney, Australia. We at RØDE
thank you for investing in our product and with the
appropriate care, it will serve you well for many
years to come.
Please take the time to read the following
information which will help you to achieve the
best possible performance from your NT3.
Peter Freedman
RØDE Microphones

SPECIFICATIONS:
•Capsule: Externally polarised 19mm
(3/4”) condenser
•Active Electronics: J-FET impedance converter
with bipolar output buffer
•Polar Pattern: Hypercardioid
(see graph)
•Frequency Response: 20 Hz –20 kHz
(see graph)
•Output Impedance: 200 ohm
•Sensitivity: -39dB re 1 volt/pascal (12mV
@ 94dB SPL) +/- 2dB
•Equivalent Noise: <16dB SPL (“A” weighted per
IEC268-15)
•Maximum Output: +9.5dBu (@ 1% THD into
1K ohm
•Dynamic Range: >123dB (per IEC268-15)
•Maximum SPL: >140dB SPL (@1% THD into
1K ohm
•Signal/Noise Ratio: >77dB (per IEC268-15)
•Power Requirements: 8mA @ P48 (20-60v)
7mA @ P24 (12-30v)
1.4mA @ P12 (11026v)
1.2mA @9v (Battery)
•Dimensions (Microphone only)
270mm x 130mm x 50mm
•Weight (Microphone without battery): 371g
•Packed Weight: 640
•Packed Dimensions: 270mm x 130mm x 50mm

FEATURES:
•Transformerless output
•Internal capsule shock-mounting
•Heavy-duty cast metal satin nickel body
•High immunity to RF interference
•High-strength welded and heat-treated mesh head
•Premium quality surface-mount components
•True condenser (externally biased)
•Hypercardioid polar response
•Full frequency response
•Battery status indicator
•12 months parts and labour guarantee
Accessories:
•ZP1. Zip Pouch
•WS3. Wind Shield
•RM3. Stand Mount (with 3/8”-5/8” thread adaptor)
THE NT3 is suitable for a wide range of applications.
Recording, stage, and location work are all well within
the capabilities of this hypercardioid condenser
microphone. Its low noise and full frequency response
ensure the sound quality expected by todays
musicians and engineers.
1. You may use either phantom power (see
Specifications) or 9V battery to operate your NT3.
2. Most professional mixing consoles include a 48 volt
phantom power supply; if yours does not, a
separate one may of course be used. Ensure that
whichever power supply you use, it is a professional
unit and is working correctly.

3. If you choose to use battery power, a 9 Volt (PP3)
battery should be fitted into the cavity within the
microphone body ensuring correct polarity (+ to +
and - to -). We recommend that you use a high
quality alkaline battery. To fit the battery, simply un-
screw the lower section of the body and insert the
battery into the cavity (terminals first). Secure the
battery in place with the flexible spring clip and re-
assemble the body, screwing the sections firmly
together.
4. The ON/OFF switch turns the microphone ON or
OFF when powered by either phantom or battery.
When using battery power, the switch should be
switched to OFF when the microphone is not in use. If
left ON, the battery power will be unnecessarily
depleted. We recommend that during long periods of
non-use, the battery should be removed, as it may
leak, and that could damage your NT3.
When the NT3 is switched ON, the red battery status
L.E.D. (light-emitting-diode) gives an indication of
battery power and should always be carefully
observed. When the L.E.D. flashes (illuminates for
about 1 second), the battery power is ‘good’. If the
L.E.D. remains illuminated significantly longer, the
battery should be replaced. Tests have shown a life
expectancy for a high quality alkaline battery used in
the NT3 to be in excess of 400 hours.*
*NOTE: This is equal to 8 hours recording per week for a
year (including 2 weeks holidays!!!)
5. The NT3 may be connected direct to a mixer
(recording or live) and battery power will only
be required if the mixer does not have an in-
built phantom P48 supply. Connection may
also be made direct to a portable DAT or
other tape machine enabling field/location
operation using the 9V battery supply.

6. A stand mount clip (RM-3) is included with
your NT3, and should be used to connect the
NT3 firmly and safely to a stable microphone
stand.
7. Always use a good quality microphone cable
and ensure that it is wired Pin1 Screen,
Pin 2+, Pin 3-.
You may of course use XLR-XLR, XLR-jack, or
XLR-mini jack plugs depending on your relevant
input socket.
We recommend that all connections made to the
mixer or recorder are made with the attenuation
(gain) set to OFF.
8. When first switching the mixer ON and
phantom power is applied to the NT3, or when
the microphone battery power is switched ON,
several seconds should be allowed for the
microphone to stabilize.
Note: When using phantom power, a battery
may be in or out; it is ineffective in that
situation.
9. To ensure the lowest noise/distortion, your
mixer input gain control should be set so that
the Peak Program Indicator (P.P.I.) L.E.D.
flashes ON during peaks (high levels) of the
program source (Voice/Instrument). If there is
no P.P.I., adjust the input gain while listening
for distortion of the sound. As distortion is
heard, reduce the gain gradually until the
sound is undistorted (clean).
10. Sound quality is of course subjective and
‘your sound’ will be achieved by you with
experimentation. We suggest that you begin
with EQ set FLAT/OFF (no boost or cut).
Remember the EQ cannot change the
acoustic properties of a room. In a recording
situation, you should try placing absorbent or
reflective panels/material in various positions
within the vicinity of the sound source and
microphone. The positioning of the
microphone can also have a dramatic effect
on the sound quality.

The best way to assess your recording
environment, is to listen to the sound you
wish to record acoustically first. Remember
that no amount of EQ can correct a ‘bad’
recording environment. Any further desired
modification of sound can then be
undertaken with the EQ and effects.
11. Live/Stage Use. As a live vocal mic, the NT3
offers studio-quality sound on stage, which is
not achievable with a dynamic microphone.
A characteristic of most dynamic vocal
microphones is that their ‘full frequency
response’ is only evident when they are used
very close to the sound source (within the
proximity effect area).
The low frequency of the NT3 extends to
below 20Hz which is an attractive quality for
most recording situations.
For live performance however, you may wish
to reduce these frequencies when using the
NT3 as a vocal microphone. If you have a
high pass filter/bass roll-off, switch it in.
Alternatively, try moving the microphone
away from the sound source (out of the
proximity effect). This basic microphone
control/technique should be practiced, to
ensure that the best possible results are
achieved.
12. Like all condenser microphones, the NT3
should be kept dry at all times. These
microphones do not like moisture! The
capsule will be potentially subject to
moisture during vocal use, and we strongly
recommend the use of the WS3 foam
windscreen (supplied with your NT3) during
all vocal applications. This screen will also
minimise plosives (the high sound pressure
levels of pronounced B’s and P’s which can
bottom-out the capsule.
13. The NT3 is a precision transducer and you
should be careful not to drop or knock it as
this could cause serious damage.
After use, the NT3 should be wiped clean
with a soft cloth, and stored in its protective
zip pouch together with the pack of moisture
absorbent crystals (silica gel/dessicant).
These crystals should be blue. If they have
turned to pink they are no longer active. To
reactivate them, place the pack in an oven
set between 100-150 degrees C until they
become blue again.

Note: There are no user serviceable parts
inside this microphone so there will never be
reason for you to dismantle it (except to replace
the battery). Any service which may require
dismantling must be performed by an
authorised RØDE Service Agent.
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
microphone 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.
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