RODE Microphones NT5 User manual

(EMC, LVD)
NT5
Instruction Manual
www.rodemic.com

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Introduction
Thank you for investing in the NT5 studio
condenser microphone.
Whether you’ve purchased this mic on its own, or as
a part of a matched pair set, I’m confident that you
will find the NT5 is a masterpiece of small-diaphragm
cardioid-condenser microphone design.
Please take the time to visit www.rodemic.com and
register your microphone for a full ten year warranty.
While there you can view studio tips and techniques, as
well as browse the comprehensive range of accessories
for the NT5 and other microphones.
Peter Freedman
Microphones
Sydney, Australia

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Specifications
Acoustic
Principle:
Pressure gradient
Directional
Pattern:
Cardioid
(see graph)
Frequency
Range:
20Hz ~ 20,000Hz
(see graph)
Output
Impedence:
100Ω
Sensitivity: -38dB re 1V/Pa @ 1kHz
(12mV/Pa @ 94dB SPL)
±2dB @ 1kHz
Equivalent Noise: <16dBA SPL
(per IEC651)
Maximum
Output:
+13.9dBu
(@ 1kHz, 1% THD into 1kΩ)
Dynamic Range: >128dB (p er IEC651)
Maximum SPL: 143dB
(@ 1kHz, 1% THD into 1kΩ)
Signal/Noise: 78dB SPL
(@ 1kHz, rel 1Pa per IEC651)
Power
Requirement:
Phantom P48, P24
Output
Connection:
3-pin XLR
Net Weight: 100g
Dimensions: 118 x 20 x 20mm

- 4 -
Specifications
Frequency Response
Polar Response
Accessories
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Single
Matched Pair
stand mount
2 x stand mounts
windshield
2 x windshields
zip pouch
hard case

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Features
• Full (externally biased) Condenser
• Gold sputtered ½” capsule
• Heavy-duty satin nickel-plated body
• Surface mount technology
• Low noise
• Full frequency response
• Designed & manufactured in Australia
• Full 10 year guarantee*
Using the NT5
• The NT5 requires a power supply which for
optimum results should be a ‘P48’ standard,
48 Volt DC Supply.
Most professional mixing consoles have an internal
48 V supply; alternatively you can purchase a
separate supply. Ensure that the power supply you
use is a professional unit that is operating correctly.
Damage due to connection of the NT5 to a faulty
power supply is not covered by the warranty.
• The NT5 comes complete with a microphone
stand-mount (RM5). This should be used to attach
the microphone to a good quality stand.
The stand-mount includes a thread adaptor
allowing connection to either 3/8” or 5/8”
stand thread.
• Always use a high quality microphone cable and
ensure that it is wired Pin 1 screen, Pin 2 (+), Pin 3 (-).
You may of course use XLR-XLR, XLR-jack or XLR-
mini-jack depending on your input socket.
*Online product registration required.

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• We recommend that any connections made to the
mixer or recorder are made with the attenuation
(gain) set to OFF.
• When first switching the mixer on and phantom
power has been applied to the NT5, or when the
battery power has just been switched on, you
should allow several seconds for the microphone to
stabilize.
• To ensure the lowest noise/distortion your mixer
input gain control should be set so that the Peak
Program Indicator (PPI) LED flashes ON during
peaks of the source (voice/instrument).
If there is no PPI, adjust the input gain while
listening for distortion of the sound. If distortion is
heard, gradually reduce the gain until it is no longer
present.
• 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
around the microphone is our recommended initial
approach for obtaining best sound quality.
Remember you cannot change a room’s acoustic
properties with EQ.
When the preferred sound has been achieved
(as above) then EQ and effects such as reverb
or indeed any signal processing can be used for
enhancement, but should be used sparingly.

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• Please note that whether using NT5s in mono,
stereo, as overheads or for close miking
of instruments, there is no substitute for
experimentation in achieving optimum positioning.
Move the NT5, adjust the gain, and ensure that the
sound you are monitoring is the sound you prefer.
If it is not, make adjustments.
The NT5’s frequency response and SPL handling
enable it to respond well to most musical
instruments and with correct use, we are confident
of your satisfaction.
It is important that you listen to the sound source
naturally before you begin mic set up for recording
(ears only). If you don’t like what you hear, you won’t
like what you record!
• After use the NT5 should be removed from its
stand mount, wiped with a dry, soft cloth and
placed in its protective zip pouch or case with the
supplied moisture-absorbent crystals.
• Be sure to place the moisture-absorbent crystals
(supplied) at the head of the microphone(s), 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.
Storage

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Warranty
All microphones are warranted for one year
from date of purchase. You can extend that to a full
ten years if you register online at www.rodemic.com.
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 microphone, first contact the
dealer who sold it to you. If the microphone requires a
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.
Microphones
International
107 Carnarvon Street
Silverwater NSW 2128 Australia
Ph: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
USA
P.O. Box 4189
Santa Barbara, CA 93140-4189
Ph: 805 566 7777
Fax: [phone]
Technical Support
For information and technical support questions contact:
[e-mail]
In the Unites States and Puerto Rico, contact
[e-mail] or call 805 566 7777
In Australia, contact [e-mail] or call [phone]
Anywhere except Australia, the United States and Puerto Rico,
contact [e-mail] or call [phone]