RODE Microphones NT6 User manual

(EMC, LVD)
NT6
Instruction Manual
www.rodemic.com

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Introduction
We at RØDE would like to thank you and congratulate
you on investing in the RØDE NT6 Compact Condenser
Microphone with Detachable Capsule.
The RØDE NT6 is specifically designed for difficult
mounting applications. Although clearly relevant to
instrument miking, the NT6 is extremely well suited
to any situation where a small and unobtrusive, yet
powerful microphone system is required.
The 1/2” (externally biased) gold sputtered capsule is
designed to attach to a custom made, multi-position
swivel mount allowing it to be independently positioned
with ease. The capsule is connected to the remote
pre-amplifier (body) by a custom 3m (10’) Kevlar®fibre
reinforced cable.
The surface-mount pre-amplifier circuit also
incorporates a two position variable PAD with 0 dB and
-10 dB attenuation, and a two position variable high-
pass filter that enables you to step from a flat response
to 80Hz high pass filter; both conveniently located away
from the capsule, providing additional control without
the need to move the capsule once in position.
The NT6 is intended for film, television, broadcast, live
performance, theatre, surround and environmental
recording applications, or wherever your imagination
takes you.
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 RØDE microphones.
Peter Freedman
Microphones
Sydney, Australia

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Specifications
Acoustic
Principle:
Pressure gradient
Directional
Pattern:
Cardioid (see graph)
Frequency
Range:
40Hz-20kHz, selectable HPF @
80Hz/12dB/octave (see graph)
Output
Impedence:
200
Sensitivity: -37 dB re 1 Volt/Pascal (16 mV @
94 dB SPL) +/- 2 dB @ 1kHz
Equivalent Noise: 19 dB SPL (A - weighted per
IEC651)
Maximum
Output:
+6dBu (@ 1kHz, 1% THD into
1Kload)
Dynamic Range: 119 dB (per IEC651, IEC268-15)
Maximum SPL: 135dB SPL
(@ 1kHz, 1% THD into 1Kload)
(145dB with maximum PAD)
Signal/Noise: 75 dB SPL
(A - weighted per IEC651)
Power
Requirement:
P48 (48V), P24 (24V) phantom
supply
Output
Connection:
3 pin XLR, balanced output
between pin 2(+), pin (-) & pin 1
(ground)
Net Weight: 386gm

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Specifications
Frequency Response
Dimensions
Polar Response
88.5 mm (2 4/8”) Ø 20 mm (13/16”)
Ø 20 mm (13/16”)
188.4 mm (7 3/8”)
64 mm (2 1/2”)
Ø 18 mm
18 mm
Ø 13 mm
12 mm
1/4” x 20 tpi
5/8” x 27 tpi 3/8” x 16 tpi

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Features
• Externally biased condenser
• Gold sputtered 1/2” capsule
• Two position PAD - 0dB and -10dB
• Two position High-Pass Filter - flat and 80Hz
• Convenient two-axis swivel mount and 3m Kevlar®
fibre reinforced cable included
• Heavy-duty satin-nickel plated body
• Surface mount circuitry
• Low noise and full frequency response
• Made in Australia
• 10 year warranty*
Accessories
*Online product registration required.
ZP1 zip pouch
RM5 stand mount
Swivel mount
WS5 windshield

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• The NT6 is supplied with a selection of fittings
and adaptors designed to ease positioning and
mounting. The NT6 head attaches to a 2-axis
swivel-mount that allows it to independently move
and lock in position.
• To further increase the versatility of the NT6, it
comes supplied with 2 threaded adaptors, a 1/4”
to 5/8” and a 1/4” to 3/8” that enable the capsule
assembly to be securely attached to a wide variety
of mic stands, tripods and boompoles.
• The larger Adaptor is the 1/4” to 5/8”. When
screwed into the base of the swivel mount it enable
the capsule assembly to be attached to a standard
5/8” thread found on microphone stands.
• The smaller 1/4” to 3/8” adaptor, when screwed
to the base of the swivel mount enables the head
assembly to be attached to a standard tripod or
boompole.
Mounting the NT6

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Mounting the NT6
• With the capsule securely in position, you are
ready to connect and position the pre-amplifier
(body) as required. Like the head, the pre-amplifier
is designed to be positioned and/or mounted in
several ways.
• The NT6 comes complete with an RM5 Stand
Mount. When connected to a mic stand the RM5
securely holds the pre-amplifier in position. This
allows the head assembly to be directly suspended
from or positioned independently to that of the
pre-amplifier.
• As long as the pre-amplifier is suitably protected
from the elements it can be positioned as required.
• As with any recording set-up it is best to explore
the options you have available and use the product
within these constraints.

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Connecting
the miniature cable
• With the head and pre-amplifier in position and
the XLR cable connected to the back of the
pre-amplifier, it is time to connect the mini-XLR
connectors.
• With the pre-amplifier assembly in one hand and
the mini-XLR in the other, align the key on the
connector to the groove on the back of the pre-
amplifier. Gently insert the connector ensuring you
align the two elements correctly, without applying
excessive force during insertion.
• The same method is to be used when attaching
the min-XLR to the back of the head assembly.
• The miniature connection cable is more than
capable of withstanding the rigours of professional
use, however it is important to understand and
where possible consider the following points:

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Connecting
the miniature cable
– The miniature connection cable is Kevlar®
fibre reinforced and designed to withstand
considerable tensile and compressive forces,
however inside this sheath are three copper
wires.
– Always ensure the connectors are correctly
aligned groove-to-key when connecting the
miniature connector’s and do not use excessive
force when inserting and withdrawing.
Cable runs of no greater than 10 m (30’) are
recommended to maintain signal integrity.

- 10 -
Using the NT6
• The NT6 is a phantom powered microphone. To
operate correctly it requires a 24V or 48V phantom
supply from the mixing console or other source.
• It is recommended that you use a high-quality
microphone lead from the preamp body to the
recording device or mixing console, and keep it
as short as practical for your application. This will
ensure the highest quality sound reproduction.
• Please ensure all cable connections are secure
before applying power to the microphone, and
allow a few moments for the microphone to
stabilise after the power is turned on.
• The pre-amplifier (body) incorporates two switches
for varying both the low end frequency response
(HPF) and sensitivity (PAD).
Flat
80Hz
0 dB
-10 dB

Using the NT6
Storage
- 11 -
• After use the NT6 head should be wiped with a dry,
soft cloth, and both head and body placed in the
protective case.
• Be sure to place the moisture-absorbent crystals
(supplied) at the head of the microphone, 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.
• The PAD settings provide a 10 dB reduction in
sensitivity or commonly referred to as attenuation,
and a two-position variable High-Pass Filter that
enables you to step from a flat response to 80 Hz
high pass filter; both conveniently located away
from the head, providing additional control without
the need to move the head once in position.
• 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.

- 12 -- 12 -
Warranty
All RØDE 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 RØDE 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.
For information and technical support questions
please visit www.rodemic.com/support.