Rode NT2-A Studio Solution Instruction Manual

: June 13, 2024
: Rode

Table of Contents

Rode NT2-A Studio Solution
Product Usage Instructions
Introduction
Specifications
Features
Accessories
Using the NT2-A
Setting the Polar Pattern
Settings
Storage
Settings Reminder
Support
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

Rode NT2-A Studio Solution

Rode-NT2-A-Studio-Solution-product

Product Usage Instructions

Setting the Polar Pattern

The NT2-A microphone allows you to adjust the polar pattern to either omni, cardioid, or figure of eight. This flexibility enables versatile recording of vocals, instruments, and sound sources. To set the polar pattern:

Locate the selector switch on the microphone.
To select the omni pattern, position the switch towards the front of the microphone.
To select the cardioid pattern, position the switch in the middle.
To select the figure of eight pattern, position the switch towards the rear of the microphone.
After making a selection, allow a few moments for the microphone to stabilize.

Note: The front of the microphone is where sound is picked up, while the rear is where sound is rejected.

Introduction

We at would like to thank you for investing in the NT2-A Multi-Pattern Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone. The NT2-A carries on the tradition forged by the legendary NT2. It was recognised as the World’s Best Studio Microphone by the MIPA in 2006, in addition to being awarded the Electronic Musician Editor’s Choice.

The NT2-A’s ability to evoke the silky smooth character of the legendary microphones of the 50’s and 60’s combined with its fl exibility and superlative audio characteristics make it one of the most versatile condenser mics available. We’ve titled this the ‘NT2-A Studio Solution’ as we’ve included everything you need to get truly professional vocal recordings – The world’s best studio microphone, a studio grade pop shield and shock mount, premium cable, dust cover and of course ’s industry leading ten year warranty.

Not to mention, you also receive a free DVD exclusive to this Studio Solution package, with Grammy™ nominated producer John Merchant showing you how to get the best recordings from your NT2-A. Please take the time to visit www.rodemic.com and register your microphone for a full ten year warranty.

Peter Freedman
Microphones
Sydney, Australia

Specifications

Acoustic Principle: Pressure, Pressure gradient
Directional Pattern: Three position variable – Omni, Cardioid or Figure 8 (see graph)
Frequency Range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (see graph)
Output Impedence: 200Ω
Sensitivity: -36 dB re 1 Volt/Pascal
- (16 mV @ 94 dB SPL)
- +/- 2 dB @ 1kHz
Equivalent Noise: 7dBA SPL
- (per IEC651)
Maximum Output: +16dBu
- (@ 1kHz, 1% THD into 1KΩ load)
Dynamic Range: 140 dB
- (per IEC651, IEC268-15)
Maximum SPL: 147dB SPL
- (@ 1kHz, 1% THD into 1KΩ load)
- (157dB with PAD at maximum)
Signal/Noise: 87 dB SPL
- (A – weighted per IEC651)
Power Requirement: P48 (48V) phantom supply
Net Weight: 860gm

Frequency Response

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Polar Response

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Features

Large 1” gold sputtered capsule
On-body control of polar pattern, HPF and PAD
Three position variable polar pattern – Omni, Cardioid or Figure 8
Three position variable High-Pass Filter – Flat, 40Hz or 80Hz
Three position PAD – 0dB, -5dB or -10dB
Ultra low noise, transformerless surface mount circuitry
Wide dynamic range
Internal capsule shock mounting
Made in Australia
Full 10 Year warranty*

Accessories

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Using the NT2-A

The NT2-A is a phantom powered microphone. To operate correctly it requires a 48V phantom supply from the mixing console or other source.
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 gold dot on the face of the NT2-A indicates the front of the microphone, and the pick-up area of the cardioid pattern. Please be sure to have the side with the dot facing the sound source you wish to record.
Microphone technique, or how to get the sound you want, requires experimentation. We suggest that you start with the channel EQ set to ‘OFF’ or ‘FLAT’ (no boost or cut). Try to get the sound you want by placing either refl ective or absorbent panels at various angles adjacent to the source being recorded.
Changing the acoustic properties of the space around the microphone is our recommended initial approach for obtaining best sound quality. Remember you cannot change a room’s acoustic properties with EQ.
When the preferred sound has been achieved (as above) then EQ and effects such as reverb or indeed any signal processing can be used for enhancement, but should be used sparingly.
It is worth mentioning that sometimes ‘cutting’ a particular frequency (sound) may be preferable to ‘boosting’ another. Of course ‘boosting’ can increase noise level and so should be done minimally.
As with many other aspects of the recording process, fi nding the preferred ‘sound’ is a matter of experimentation.

Setting the Polar Pattern

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The NT2-A polar pattern can be adjusted to either omni, through cardioid or fi gure of eight. This flexibility allows for more versatile recording of vocals, instruments and sound sources. After making a selection change, allow a few moments for the microphone to stabilise.

Select the polar pattern via the top selector switch on the NT2-A body.
When the cardioid position is selected (center), the microphone picks up sound from in front of the microphone, and rejects sound from the rear.
When in the omni position (lower position), the microphone picks up sound from all around the microphone and there is less proximity effect than in cardioid mode. (Proximity Effect is an increase in lower (bass) frequencies when the sound source is ‘close’ to the microphone). The omni pattern is commonly used for room (ambient) miking or to record a more natural sound when close miking instruments.
When in the figure 8 position (upper position), the microphone picks up sound from in front and behind, and rejects sound from the other two sides. This pattern is commonly used for interviews (Two people with the microphone between them) or in conjunction with a cardioid microphone to use the MS (mid-side) stereo recording technique.

Settings

Setting the High-Pass Filter

The High-Pass Filter setting can be used to reduce the microphone’s sensitivity to low frequency sounds, and is useful when you wish to avoid additional noise and vibration from outside traffic, air conditioning and machinery, foot tapping etc. The middle selector switch on the front of the NT2-A can be used to set the High-Pass Filter to 0Hz/Flat (center position), 40Hz (lower position) or 80Hz (upper position).

Setting the PAD

The PAD setting can be used to attenuate the output level of the microphone so that it does not exceed the maximum input level of your recording device. This is useful when recording high SPL sources such as guitar amplifi ers or percussion. The bottom selector switch on the front of the NT2-A can be used to set the PAD at 0 (center position), -5dB (lower position) or -10dB (upper position).

Storage

After use the NT2-A should be removed from its mount, wiped with a dry, soft cloth and placed in the provided microphone sleeve/dust cover.
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.

Settings Reminder

You may wish to keep a record of the settings you have made during a recording. Should you wish to recreate a section of a recording, or to capture the same “sound quality”, you can refer to the manual and easily retrieve the mic’s previous settings.

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-Studio-Solution-fig-13

Support

If you experience any problem, or have questions regarding your microphone, first contact the dealer who sold it to you. We have an extensive dealer network to assist you. If you have diffi culty getting the advice or assistance you require from the dealer, do not hesitate to contact us directly via the details below.

International