RODE Microphones NT1 Manual

NT 1
Instruction Guide
RØDE STUDIO CONDENSER MICROPHONES

RØDE NT1
Serial Number: ……………………
Checked by: ………………………
Date: ………………………………
Thank you for purchasing a RØDE NT 1.
To achieve the best performance, and to obtain a
lifetime of service, we urge you to spend a few
minutes reading this manual.
When we started the NT 1 design project, our
goal was to produce a professional recording
microphone that was equal to the worlds best; a
microphone that had the magic ‘RØDE sound’
made famous by the NT 2 and Classic. That goal
has been achieved.
You have joined thousands of other satisfied
customers world-wide who choose and
recommend RØDE above any other make,
regardless of price.
As a RØDE customer, you are very important to
us. We have a world-wide distributor and dealer
network. If however, you cannot get the
assistance or advice you need, please do not
hesitate to contact me directly.
Company History
RØDE is the main manufacturing division of
Freedman Electronics. Freedman Electronics was
founded by Henry and Astrid Freedman in 1966
after emigrating from Sweden where Henry’s long
and illustrious audio career began.
The company is based in Sydney Australia, home
of the 2000 Olympic games. Electronics design,
testing and manufacturing is performed at this
facility. The Engineering of the metal work is
performed at a dedicated C.N.C. facility located
250 km from the city.
We hope you are and will continue to be satisfied
with your purchase.
Peter Freedman
RØDE Australia

SPECIFICATIONS:
Capsule: 1” Pressure Gradient Transducer
Frequency Response: 20 Hz –20 kHz
Noise: 17dB
Sensitivity: 18 mV/Pa
Max SPL: 135db
Output Impedance: 200 ohm
Power Requirement: 48V D.C.
Current Consumption: 3.5 mA
Weight: 320 gm
Features:
•Large Capsule with Gold-Plated
Membrane.
•Ultra Low-Noise Transformerless Circuitry
•Cardioid Polar Pattern
•Full Frequency Response
•Gold Plated Output Connector
Accessories:
Stand Mount (RM 1)
Custom Zip Pouch

1. You will need a power supply to operate the
NT1. 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 1 to a faulty power supply is not covered
by the guarantee.
2. The NT1 comes complete with a Microphone
Stand Clip. This must be used to attach the
NT 1 to a ‘stable’ microphone stand. (Studio
Microphones do not like to be dropped!)
3. When first connecting the NT 1 to a mixing
console, we suggest that you have the Gain
control adjusted to FULL attenuation.
4. Please make all cable connections before
applying power to the microphone. Never
remove the microphone cable while the power
is connected.
5. Check that you have the NT 1 correctly
connected. You can connect the microphone
directly to the mixer (without an external
supply) if 48V is available on the mixer.
Always use a balanced (3 pin XLR style)
microphone cable. Note: Be sure that the
cable is a wired Pin 1 screen, Pin 2+ Pin 3-.
We suggest you purchase a cable with gold
plated plugs, as contact resistance due to
corrosion is a major cause of problems in all
sound systems.
6. Switch on the Power Supply/Mixer. The
microphone will take about six seconds to
stabilize. Adjust the mixer gain so that the
Peak light ‘flashes’ on the peaks of the
program source to be recorded
(Voice/Instrument). You are now ready to use
the NT 1.
7. 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 want 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 cannot change a
room’s acoustic properties with EQ).
When you have the best sound quality
achievable with this approach, then equalization
and effects such as reverb or indeed any
other signal-processing can be used for
enhancement, but should be used sparingly.
Some tips that may be helpful:
1. Condenser microphones do not like moisture!
NT 1, 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
strongly suggest the use of a ‘Pop-Stop’ type
screen be used for all vocal application.
IMPORTANT
The Mesh/Grille of the NT 1 is very open, to
allow for the ultimate in natural/open sound
recording. While the benefits of this design
are obvious, problems can occur when
recording vocals as plosives may bottom-out
the capsule. For this reason we strongly
recommend a Pop Stop device be used in all
vocal applications.
2. This microphone is a precision transducer
and should be cared for as such. Dropping or
knocking the microphone can damage it and
so please take care. Fix the microphone
securely to a dedicated microphone stand
using either the Mount RM1 supplied, or the
Shock Mount (Optional) SM1.
*After every use, the NT 1 should be removed
from its stand, wiped down with a dry soft cloth,
and placed in its case. Be sure to place the
moisture-absorbent crystals (small pouch) at the
head of the microphone. The crystals will absorb
any moisture present. Eventually, this pack needs
to be dried. When the crystals have turned pink,
the pack should be placed in an oven set to
between 100-150oC. They will be activated when
they turn blue.
Note: There are no user serviceable parts inside
this microphone, and so there will never be a
reason for you to dismantle it. All service that
requires dismantling must be performed by a
qualified RØDE service agent to protect your
warranty.

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, 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 authorized service,
return will be organized by that Dealer.
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