RODE Microphones NT55 User manual

(
EMC, LVD
)
NT55
Instruction Manual

NT55
NT55
NT55
NT55
I want to thank you for purchasing a
NT55.
Please take the time to read this manual
as it contains information that will help
you achieve the best results from your
microphone, as well as help you get
many years of reliable service from
your investment.
Although clearly relevant to instrument
mic’ing, the NT55 is extremely well suited
to situations where a small ‘unobtrusive’
but 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 low noise balanced
output microphone, exhibiting a wide
dynamic range and full frequency
response.
The NT55 circuit incorporates a
3-position variable pad: 0, -10 or 20dB
attenuation, and a 3 -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 2 different
condenser microphone heads to provide
a wide variety of polar patterns.
The NT55 is complemented with a
diverse range of accessories to better
facilitate positioning and attachment. For
more details of these accessories and any
additions to the range visit our website:
www.rodemic.com
If you have any questions or comments,
please don’t hesitate to contact us direct
at
[email protected]
Peter Freedman
Sydney, Australia

NT55
NT55
NT55
NT55
Specifi
cat
ions
Acousti
c Principle
:
Externally polarised 1/2” (13 mm)
pressure gradient condenser.
Directional Pattern:
Frequency range:
20 Hz ~ 20 000 Hz selectable HPF
@ 75 Hz & 150Hz / 12dB / Octave
Specifications
cont.
Output Impedance:
100
Ω
Signal/Noise ratio DIN/IEC 651:
79 dB (1 kHz rel 1 Pa; per IEC651,
IEC268-15)
Equivalent Noise:
15 dB SPL (per IEC651,
IEC268 -15)
Maximum SPL:
136 dB (@ 1% THD into 1 k
Ω
)
146 dB (@ 1% THD into 1 k
Ω
)
- pad -10
156 dB (@ 1% THD into 1 k
Ω
)
- pad -20
Sensitivity at 1 kHz into 1 k
Ω
:
-38 dB re 1 Volt/Pascal
(16 mV @ 94 dB SPL) +/- 2 dB
Maximum output voltage:
8 dBu (@ 1% THD into 1 k
Ω
)
Dynamic Range
- DIN/IEC 651:
121 dB (per IEC651, IEC268-15)
Power
(Supply voltage):
48 Volts (P48), 24 Volts (P24)
phantom
Output Connection:
3 pin XLR, balanced output
between pin 2(+), pin 3(-) & pin
1 (ground).
Weight:
110 grm. (4 oz.) Mic only
dB re 1 V/Pa
20
10
0
-10
-20
-30
20 Hz 100 1000 10 000 20 000
0
90 270
180
500 Hz
1000 Hz
4000 Hz
0.0
-2.0
-4.0
-6.0
-8.0
-10.0
-12.0
-14.0
-16.0
-18.0
-20.0
-22.0
-24.0 -25.0
dB rel. 1V/Pa
+5.0
0
90 270
180
500 Hz
1000 Hz
4000 Hz
–
0.0
-2.0
-4.0
-6.0
-8.0
-10.0
-12.0
-14.0
-16.0
-18.0
-20.0
-22.0
-24.0 -25.0
dB rel. 1V/Pa
+5.0 �
�
dB re 1 V/Pa
20
10
0
-10
-20
-30
20 Hz 100 1000 10 000 20 000
Omni
Cardioid
Omni
Cardioid

NT55
NT55
NT55
NT55
fig.1
Specifications
cont.
Dimensions:
Features
•
1/2”
(externally biased) g
old
sputtered
true condenser
capsule
• Heavy duty satin-nickel-plated
body
• 3-position variable pad: 0 dB,-10
and -20dB
• 3-position variable high-pass
filter: flat, 75 and 150 Hz
•
Low noise
Surface mount
technology
• Wide dynamic range
• Full frequency response
• Designed & manufactured in
Australia
• Cardioid & Omni capsules
• Special edition metal case
• RM5 Clip
• Full 10 year guarantee
(Conditions Apply)
Powering your NT55
The
NT55
is designed to operate
from phantom power to the P48
standard,
between 44 V and 52
V and P24 standard, between 20
V and 28 V, applied with positive
polarity to pin 2 and pin 3 of the
output XLR connector.
The
NT55
will operate
satisfactorily into a load
impedance as low as 1 k
Ω
. If a
load below this is used, the output
signal level will be reduced.
The
NT55
output is balanced between
pin 2 (hot) and pin 3 (cold). Pin 1
is ground.
Mounting your NT55
The NT55 comes complete with
an
RM5 Stand Mount (see fig. 1).
When connected to a mic stand
the RM5 securely holds
the mic in position. As
long as the NT55 is
suitably protected from
the elements it can be
positioned as required.
Before placing the
NT55 into the RM5
stand mount, remove all
cables and connectors
to eliminate the possibility of
damaging the connectors.
Place the NT55 into the RM5 by
pushing the mic in on an angle
(see figs. 2 & 3).




NT55
NT55
NT55
NT55
fig. 4
fig. 6
fig. 2
fig. 3




fig. 5
You will notice the holder is quite
firm. This is intended to stop the
mic from coming loose. Ensure
you leave the high-pass filter and
Pad controls facing upwards to
enable quick access (see fig. 3).
As with any recording set-up it
is best to explore the options
you have available and use the
product within these constraints.
Connecting your XLR cable
The NT55 offers a balanced
microphone level output and is
wired as follows: Pin 1 “earth”, Pin
2 “+” and Pin 3 “-”.
Make sure you use a high quality
low loss XLR cable that is as short
as practical to avoid losses and
distortion.
To connect the XLR to the back
of the NT55, align the slot on
the XLR connector to the groove
on the inside of NT55 body and
insert (see fig 4). Ensure that the
connector can not be removed
without depressing the release
button.
(See fig. 5).
NT55 Controls
Now that you have the NT55
securely fastened to a mic stand
or tripod etc., and the audio
output XLR connected, you are
ready to fine tune your setup.
The NT55
incorporates 2
3-position switches for varying
both the low end frequency
response (HPF) and sensitivity
(Pad) (see fig. 6)
.
The Pad setting provides a 10
or 20 dB reduction in sensitivity
and is commonly referred to

NT55
NT55
NT55
NT55
fig. 7
fig. 8
as attenuation. The 3-position
variable High-Pass Filter enables
you to step from a flat response to
75 or 150 Hz cut.
Use the high pass filter when you
wish to remove low frequency
noise that is not part of your
intended sound source.
Remember however the tonal
characteristics will be affected
by this, so it is important that
you listen to the sound with and
without the HPF in circuit before
deciding if it is appropriate for the
source.
A small screwdriver or pen can be
used to alter the switch positions
as required.
Interchangeable capsules
To further enhance the versatility
of the NT55,
has a range
of interchangeable capsules that
enable the response pattern to be
tailored for specific applications.
Designed and manufactured in
Australia, these capsules offer low
noise and low distortion as well as
high SPL capabilities.
Changing capsules
The NT55 capsules are designed
to be user friendly and switching
between capsules is easy.
First make sure 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
(See fig. 7).
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 (See fig 8).
NT55 Applications
The NT55 is intended for Film,
Television, Broadcast, Live
Performance, Theatre, Surround
and Environmental recording
applications; or wherever your
imagination takes you.

NT55
NT55
NT55
NT55
Accessories
has a full line of
accessories such as wind shields,
boom poles etc., so c
ontact your
local dealer or visit the RØDE
website for more details - www.
rodemic.com.
Warranty Service
*
The
NT55 is warranted
for 1 year from the date of
purchase. You can extend that to a
full ten years if you can register on
line 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,
conforming to mandatory
standards or failure to use the
microphone as per the instruction
guide.
If you experience any problems or
have any questions regarding your
microphone, first, contact
the dealer who sold it to you. If
the microphone requires factory
authorized service, that dealer will
organise return.
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:
Microphones.
Unit 2/107 Carnarvon Street
Silverwater NSW 2128 Australia
Ph: 61 2 9648 5855
Fax: [phone]
USA:
P.O. Box 3279
Torrance, CA 90510-3279
Ph: 877 328 7456 (Toll Free Within the US)
Ph: 310 328 7456
Fax: [phone]
Technical Support:
For information and technical support
questions contact:
[email protected]
In the Unites States and Puerto Rico, contact:
[email protected]
or call 877 328 7456 toll free
or 310 328 7456
In Australia, contact:
[email protected]
or call: [phone]
Anywhere except Australia, the United States
and Puerto Rico, contact:
[email protected]
Australia: 61 2 9648 5855
www.rodemic.com