RODE Microphones NT55 User manual

(EMC, LVD)
NT55
Instruction Manual
www.rodemic.com

- 2 -
Introduction
Thank you for investing in the NT55 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 NT55 is a masterpiece of small-diaphragm
cardioid-condenser microphone design.
Although clearly relevant to instrument miking, the
NT55 is extremely well suited to situations where a
small ‘unobtrusive’ yet powerful microphone system is
required.
The NT55 utilises the 1/2” (externally biased) gold
sputtered true condenser transducer used in the
internationally renowned RØDE NT5. The NT55, is a
state-of-the-art lownoisebalancedoutputmicrophone,
exhibiting a wide dynamic range and full frequency
response.
The NT55 circuit incorporates a three position variable
PAD with 0, -10 or 20dB attenuation, and a three position
variable high-pass filter that enables you to step from a
flat response to 75 or 150 Hz high pass filter.
The NT55 is intended for film, television, broadcast,
live performance, theatre, surround and environmental
recording applications or wherever your imagination
takes you.
The NT55 comes with two different condenser
microphone heads to provide a wide variety of polar
patterns.
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 NT55 and other microphones.
Peter Freedman
Microphones
Sydney, Australia

- 3 -
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
(12.6mV/Pa @ 94dB SPL)
±2dB @ 1kHz
Equivalent Noise: 15dBA SPL
(per IEC651)
Maximum
Output:
+8dBu
(@ 1kHz, 1% THD into 1kΩ)
Dynamic Range: >121dB ( per IEC 6 51)
Maximum SPL: 136dB (146/156dB using PAD)
(@ 1kHz, 1% THD into 1kΩ)
Signal/Noise: 79dB SPL
(@ 1kHz, rel 1Pa per IEC651)
Power
Requirement:
Phantom P48
Output
Connection:
3-pin XLR
Net Weight: 100g
Dimensions: 145 x 20 x 20mm

- 4 -
Specifications
Frequency Response
Polar Response
Cardioid capsule
Omni capsule
HPF @ 75Hz (12dB/Octave)
HPF @ 150Hz (12dB/Octave)
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Frequency:
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- 5 -
Features
• Full (externally biased) Condenser
• Gold sputtered ½” capsule
• Heavy-duty satin nickel-plated body
• Three position PAD (0/-10/-20dB)
• Three position High-Pass Filter (0/75/150Hz)
• Cardioid or Omni polar pattern
(using interchangeable capsule)
• Full frequency response
• Designed & manufactured in Australia
• Full 10 year guarantee*
Accessories
*Online product registration required.
Single
Matched Pair
RM5
stand mount
2 x RM5
stand mount
NT45-O
Omni capsule
2 x NT45-O
Omni capsule
Custom case
RC5
Hard case

- 6 -
• The NT45 capsules are designed to be user-
friendly, making the interchanging of capsules a
simple procedure.
• Ensure that the mic is disconnected from all power
by removing the XLR. Once this is done the capsule
can be easily unscrewed from the NT55 body.
• Take extra care with the body and capsule when
they are apart and avoid exposure to any moisture
and dust. Always store all components in the case
provided.
• Replace the desired capsule onto the body by
screwing it into position.
Changing the capsules
Cardioid (NT45-C) and Omni (NT45-O)
capsules are also available separately,
and are compatible with RØDE NT4,
NT5, NT55 and NT6 microphones.

- 7 -
• After use the NT55 should be removed from its
stand mount, wiped with a dry, soft cloth and
placed in its protective 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
Powering the NT55
• For optimum performance the NT55 requires a
“P48” phantom power supply (48 Volt DC).
• 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 resulting from the connection of the NT55
to a faulty power supply is not covered by the
warranty.

- 8 -
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]