NT55 Instruction Manual (EMC, LVD) 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. NT55 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 info@rodemic.com Peter Freedman Sydney, Australia NT55 Specifications Acoustic Principle: Externally polarised 1/2" (13 mm) pressure gradient condenser. Directional Pattern: +5.0 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 NT55 Specifications cont. Output Impedance: 100 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) 146 dB (@ 1% THD into 1 k) - pad -10 156 dB (@ 1% THD into 1 k) - pad -20 270 0 Cardioid -25.0 90 270 dB rel. 1V/Pa 500 Hz 1000 Hz 4000 Hz 180 +5.0 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 0 -25.0 90 dB rel. 1V/Pa 500 Hz 1000 Hz 4000 Hz ­ Sensitivity at 1 kHz into 1 k: -38 dB re 1 Volt/Pascal (16 mV @ 94 dB SPL) +/- 2 dB Maximum output voltage: 8 dBu (@ 1% THD into 1 k) 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 Omni 180 Frequency range: 20 Hz ~ 20 000 Hz selectable HPF @ 75 Hz & 150Hz / 12dB / Octave 20 Cardioid dB re 1 V/Pa 10 0 -10 -20 -30 20 Hz 100 1000 10 000 20 000 20 dB re 1 V/Pa 10 0 -10 -20 -30 20 Hz 100 1000 10 000 20 000 Omni NT55 Specifications cont. Dimensions: NT55 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. Features · 1/2" (externally biased) gold 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) The NT55 will operate satisfactorily into a load impedance as low as 1 k. 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 fig.1 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 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). fig. 2 fig. 3 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. 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). 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 fig. 6 fig. 4 fig. 5 The Pad setting provides a 10 or 20 dB reduction in sensitivity and is commonly referred to NT55 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. NT55 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). 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. fig. 7 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 Accessories has a full line of accessories such as wind shields, boom poles etc., so contact your local dealer or visit the RØDE website for more details - www. rodemic.com. NT55 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: 61 2 9648 2455 USA: P.O. Box 3279 Torrance, CA 90510-3279 Ph: 877 328 7456 (Toll Free Within the US) Ph: 310 328 7456 Fax: 310 328 7180 Technical Support: For information and technical support questions contact: support@rodemic.com In the Unites States and Puerto Rico, contact: support@rodemic.com or call 877 328 7456 toll free or 310 328 7456 In Australia, contact: support@rodemic.com or call: (02) 9648 5855 Anywhere except Australia, the United States and Puerto Rico, contact: support@rodemic.com Australia: 61 2 9648 5855 www.rodemic.com