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.