RODE Microphones NTG8 User manual

(EMC, LVD)
www.rodemic.com
NTG8
Instruction Manual

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Introduction
Thank you for your purchase of the RØDE NTG8
precision broadcast-grade shotgun microphone.
Based on RØDE’s award winning NTG3, the NTG8
is a broadcast quality RF-bias shotgun microphone
that exhibits increased directionality across a wide
frequency response range. This makes the NTG8
the perfect microphone for film, television, sports
and outdoor broadcasting, live performance, or any
professional distance miking application.
Like the NTG3, the NTG8 features low self noise,
natural sound without colouration both on and off-
axis, and RF bias technology to ensure that it is almost
completely resistant to high humidity environments
which could make other condenser microphones fail.
Please take the time to visit www.rodemic.com and
register your microphone for a free ten year extended
warranty.
While there you can view studio/field tips and
techniques, as well as browse the comprehensive
range of accessories for the NTG8 and other RØDE
microphones and products.
Peter Freedman
RØDE Microphones
Sydney, Australia

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Specifications
Acoustic
Principle:
Line Gradient
Directional
Pattern:
Super-Cardioid
Frequency
Range:
40Hz - 20kHz
(see graph)
Output
Impedence:
25Ω
Sensitivity: -20dB ± 2dB
(97.5mV/Pa)
Equivalent Noise: 8 dBA
Maximum
Output:
8.2dBu
Dynamic Range: 116dB SPL
Maximum SPL: 124dB @ 1kHz
Signal/Noise: 81 dB
Power
Requirement:
P48 phantom
(44-52V min 2.5mA)
Output
Connection:
3-pin XLR
Net Weight: 345gm
Dimensions: Ø19mm x 559mm

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Specifications
Frequency Response
Polar Response
Included Accessories
–
–
–
0˚
90˚ 270˚
180˚
-2.0
-20.0
-10.0
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
Frequency:
500 Hz:
1000 Hz:
4000 Hz:
dB re 1 V/Pa
20
10
0
-10
-20
-30
20Hz 100 1000 10 000 20 000
Shock Mount (SM8)
Wind shield (WSNTG8) Weather resistant aluminium
storage cylinder (RCNTG8)

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Features
• Highly directional polar response
• Natural sounding audio both on and off-axis
• Designed to withstand adverse environmental
conditions
• Extremely low handling noise
• High level of immunity to radio frequency
interference
• True Condenser (external RF biased)
• High Sensitivity
• Superior broadcast sound quality
• Designed and manufactured in Australia
• Free 10 year extended warranty*
Powering the NTG8
• The NTG8 requires phantom power to operate.
This needs to be supplied via a P48V phantom
power supply which is available from most
professional video cameras, mixing consoles or
audio recorders.
• If the camera, console, or wireless transmitter does
not provide phantom power (44-52V min 2.5mA),
then an external phantom power supply will be
required.
*Online product registration required, subject to terms & conditions.
Visit rodemic.com/warranty for full details.

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• We strongly suggest the use of high quality XLR
cables, using the shortest cable length possible
to ensure minimal noise interference between
the microphone output and the camera/recorder
input.
• The NTG8 features a custom designed XLR
connector that is specially designed to reduce
susceptibility to RF interference from devices such
as cell/mobile phones and other transmitters.
• The NTG8 is designed for operation within
demanding environments, where the traditional
condenser microphone would fail. However all due
care should be taken to protect the microphone
body itself from moisture, dust or contaminants.
• Shotgun microphones have a narrow ‘pick-up’
angle or polar response, and so can be used to
great effect with cameras for news gathering,
wedding videos, sporting events or in any situation
where you want to focus on a particular sound
source without having your audio overpowered by
off-axis ambient noise.
• The NTG8 is supplied with a foam windshield.
This windshield should be used whenever
recording outdoors, as even an unexpected slight
breeze can cause unwanted sound interference.
For maximum wind protection a more specialised
wind shield is recommended.
Using the NTG8

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• To mount the NTG8 in the supplied SM8
shockmount, insert the base of the microphone
(with the XLR connector) into the rubber opening
closest to the grey cable management clips and
slide the microphone through all four rubber
mount openings.
Some pressure will need to be applied to insert
the microphone, as the openings must be tight to
secure the microphone.
Mounting the NTG8


NTG8 correctly mounted in SM8 shockmount
(note SM8 orientation)
NTG8 incorrectly mounted in SM8 shockmount

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• When mounting the microphone in the SM8 shock
mount or any mic stand or shock/suspension
mount take care not block any of the slots on the
microphone (as illustrated below).
Obstructing these slots will affect the sound quality
and the polar pattern (directional qualities).
Mounting the NTG8


NTG8 slots unobstructed by the microphone mount
NTG8 slots obstructed in the microphone mount

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• To adjust the SM8 mounting angle simply pull the
quick release handle open while supporting the
microphone.
The SM8 can now be freely adjusted through
approximately 190° (depending on cable XLR
connector and method of mounting.)
Once the required angle is achieved the quick
release handle can be pushed close to lock the
rotation.
If additional tension is required, there is a knob on
the opposite side of the quick release handle that
allows for fine adjustment of the quick release grip.
Mounting the NTG8
Quick-Release handle
Tension adjustment dial

- 10 -
• The SM8 features cable management clips on
either side to minimise noise transfer from cables.
When mounting the cable in the clip, please ensure
that the section of cable going to the microphone
has enough slack to not manipulate the
microphone position, and also to allow adjustment
of the mounting angle without having to reposition
the cable.
• The SM8 features a standard 3/8” thread in
the base, to allow for versatile mounting to a
boompole or microphone stand.
Mounting the NTG8

- 11 -
• While the NTG8 features RF bias technology it is
still recommended to store the microphone in dry
conditions whenever not in use.
• The supplied weather resistant aluminium
storage cylinder is designed to provide extreme
environmental protection for your microphone
during transport and storage.
Please note that the cylinder is not designed
to be completely waterproof. Damage to the
microphone caused by water entering the storage
cylinder is not covered by the warranty.
• When inserting and removing the microphone
from the storage cylinder please use a slow steady
pace to prevent a bulid up of pressure in the
cylinder. Alternatively remove both screw ends of
the cylinder to prevent any pressure build up.
Storing the NTG8

- 12 -
Warranty Information
All RØDE microphones are warranted for one year
from date of purchase. A free ten year extended
warranty is available for the NTG8 if you register it
online at www.rodemic.com/warranty. *
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.
Technical Support
For information and technical support questions
please visit www.rodemic.com/support
*subject to terms & conditions - see rodemic.com/warranty
for full details