NT55

Instruction Manual

www.rodemic.com
(EMC, LVD)

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 Introduction
Thank you for investing in the NT55 studio
condenser microphone.
Whether you’ve purchased this mic on its own, or as a
part of a matched pair set, I’m confident that you will
find the NT55 is a masterpiece of small-diaphragm
cardioid-condenser microphone design.
Although clearly relevant to instrument miking, the
NT55 is extremely well suited to situations where a
small ‘unobtrusive’ yet 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 three position variable
PAD with 0, -10 or 20dB attenuation, and a three
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 two different condenser
microphone heads to provide a wide variety of polar
patterns.
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 the NT55 and other microphones.

Peter Freedman
Microphones
Sydney, Australia

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 Specifications

Acoustic Pressure gradient

Principle:

Directional Cardioid
Pattern: (see graph)

Frequency 20Hz ~ 20,000Hz

Range: (see graph)

Output 100Ω
Impedence:

Sensitivity: -38dB re 1V/Pa @ 1kHz

(12.6mV/Pa @ 94dB SPL)
±2dB @ 1kHz

Equivalent Noise: 15dBA SPL

(per IEC651)

Maximum +8dBu
Output: (@ 1kHz, 1% THD into 1kΩ)

Dynamic Range: >121dB (per IEC651)

Maximum SPL: 136dB (146/156dB using PAD)

(@ 1kHz, 1% THD into 1kΩ)

Signal/Noise: 79dB SPL

(@ 1kHz, rel 1Pa per IEC651)

Power Phantom P48

Requirement:

Output 3-pin XLR

Connection:

Net Weight: 100g

Dimensions: 145 x 20 x 20mm

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 Specifications

Frequency Response

Cardioid

HPF @ 75Hz (12dB/Octave)

HPF @ 150Hz (12dB/Octave)

Omni

Polar Response
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Frequency:
500 Hz:

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1000 Hz:
4000 Hz: 180˚

Omni capsule

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 Features

• Full (externally biased) Condenser

• Gold sputtered ½” capsule

• Heavy-duty satin nickel-plated body

• Three position PAD (0/-10/-20dB)

• Three position High-Pass Filter (0/75/150Hz)

• Cardioid or Omni polar pattern

(using interchangeable capsule)

• Full frequency response

• Designed & manufactured in Australia

• Full 10 year guarantee*

Accessories
Single

RM5 NT45-O Custom case

stand mount Omni capsule

Matched Pair

2 x RM5 2 x NT45-O RC5

stand mount Omni capsule Hard case

*Online product registration required.

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 Changing the capsules

• The NT45 capsules are designed to be user-

friendly, making the interchanging of capsules a
simple procedure.

• Ensure 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.

• 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.

Cardioid (NT45-C) and Omni (NT45-O)

capsules are also available separately,
and are compatible with RØDE NT4,
NT5, NT55 and NT6 microphones.

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 Powering the NT55

• For optimum performance the NT55 requires a

“P48” phantom power supply (48 Volt DC).

• Most professional mixing consoles have an

internal 48 V supply; alternatively you can
purchase a separate supply. Ensure that the
power supply you use is a professional unit that is
operating correctly.

• Damage resulting from the connection of the

NT55 to a faulty power supply is not covered by
the warranty.

Storage

• After use the NT55 should be removed from its

stand mount, wiped with a dry, soft cloth and
placed in its protective case with the supplied
moisture-absorbent crystals.

• Be sure to place the moisture-absorbent crystals

(supplied) at the head of the microphone(s), 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.

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 Warranty

All 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 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.

Microphones
International
107 Carnarvon Street
Silverwater NSW 2128 Australia
Ph: +61 2 9648 5855
Fax: +61 2 9648 2455

USA
P.O. Box 4189
Santa Barbara, CA 93140-4189
Ph: 805 566 7777
Fax: 805 566 0071

Technical Support
For information and technical support questions contact:
support@rodemic.com

In the Unites States and Puerto Rico, contact

usasupport@rodemic.com or call 425 398-1910

In Australia, contact ozsupport@rodemic.com or call (02) 9648 5855

Anywhere except Australia, the United States and Puerto Rico,

contact support@rodemic.com or call +61 2 9648 5855

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