Overview
The RODE NT-USB is a highly versatile side-address microphone that is ideal for recording singing and musical performances in addition to spoken applications such as podcasting and voice-over.
- It is fully compatible with all mainstream recording applications on both Windows and Mac OS based computers, as well as the Apple iPad using RØDE Rec, GarageBand, or any other recording app that accepts an external microphone.
- Use on the Apple iPad requires a suitable USB connection adaptor, such as the Apple Camera Connection Kit.
The body of the NT-USB features a zero-latency stereo headphone monitoring (3.5mm) jack, which allows you to monitor the microphone input in realtime, along with dials to adjust the monitoring level and mix between the computer/iPad audio and the microphone input.
- A premium pop-filter is included, which fits onto the base of the mic, positioning the filter the ideal distance from the capsule to minimise plosives (hard ‘B’, ‘T’ or ‘P’ sounds that produce a harsh sound) during singing or speech.
- Also provided is a high-quality stand mount with industry standard 3/8” thread, desktop tripod stand that allows the NT-USB to sit at a comfortable height on a tabletop, and a pouch for storage of the microphone when not in use.
Features:
- High quality studio microphone with the convenience of USB connectivity
- Pop shield, Tripod desk stand, ring mount, storage pouch and 6m (20’) USB cable included
- 3.5mm stereo headphone jack for zero-latency monitoring
- Direct mix control between mic input and source output
- Compatible with Apple iPad
What's in the Box?
- NT-USB Versatile Studio-Quality USB Microphone
- USB Cable (6m)
- Zip Case
- Pop Filter
- Tripod Stand
- Ring Mount
Mounting the NT-USB
- The NT-USB is supplied with a high quality tripod mount. To assemble simply screw the mounting ring onto the tripod stand (diagram 1). The mounting ring can also be used as a mic clip to attach the NT-USB to a mic or boom stand To install the NT-USB in the mounting ring place the microphone in the mount from above (optionally using the pop filter), and thread into the mounting ring. Once the microphone is facing the correct way, turn the dial at the bottom clockwise until tight (diagram 1).
- To change the microphone position, always be sure to loosen the adjustment lever to ensure that you do not damage the stand.When recording vocals, always use the supplied pop filter, mounted in front of the microphone. The pop filter will prevent plosives (hard ‘P’, ‘B’, ‘T’ and ‘K’ sounds) from overloading the microphone’s capsule.
- The gold dot on the face of the NT-USB indicates the front of the microphone, and the pickup area of the capsule. The microphone (and gold dot) should always be facing towards the sound source that you wish to record. On the side of the NT-USB there are two adjustment knobs.
Monitor mix control
- The Monitor mix control (the top knob) is used to ‘mix’ between the direct microphone signal (your voice for example) and the sound from your audio recording software on your computer / device (the music that you are singing along to). By turning the knob counter-clockwise, you will hear more of the direct microphone signal, and less of the signal coming from the computer / device software. If you turn the knob clockwise, you will hear more of the computer/device signal, and less of the direct microphone signal.
- We recommend always beginning with the knob in the centre position. This will ensure that you are hearing an equal balance of both the direct signal, and the computer / device signal, enabling you to then achieve an ideal balance between the signals.
Headphone volume control
- The headphone volume control (the bottom knob) allows you to control the volume of the playback through headphones connected to the NT-USB via the headphone jack.
Recording vocals
- We strongly recommend using the supplied pop shield for all vocal recording. This aids in minimising plosive sounds (hard ‘P’, ‘B’, ‘T’ and ‘K’ sounds) that produce a sudden jet of air which can cause the capsule to overload and produce a ‘popping’ sound. Any moisture on the microphone capsule can cause problems for a condenser microphone such as the NT-USB, however the use of the pop shield will reduce the risk of this occurring.
- Placement of the microphone and relative to the vocalist may be varied on several factors including room acoustics, the vocal performance, and whether the vocalist has a high or deep voice. An ideal reference is to begin with the NT-USB with the pop shield attached, mounted directly in front of the vocalist, approximately 15cm (6”) away. The pop shield will assist in keeping the performer at a constant minimum distance from the microphone and helps to maintain reasonable recording levels. Moving the vocalist a little closer will make the vocal sound more intimate and full, while moving the vocalist back will give the vocal a little more ‘air’ or room sound, and will reduce the proximity effect (increased bass or low frequency response when the sound source is very close)
- Experimentation should be made with the angle from which the microphone is addressed, as different results can be achieved when the vocalist is ‘off-axis’ to the microphone (and the gold dot).
Microphone Characteristics:
NT-USB Specifications
- Acoustic Principle.............Pressure Gradient
- Active Electronics............JFET impedance converter with bipolar output buffer, A/D converter 16bit 48kHz
- Capsule...........................0.50"
- Polar Pattern...................Cardioid
- Resolution......................16-bit
- Address Type.................Side
- Frequency Range............20Hz - 20kHz
- Maximum SPL...............110dB SPL (@ 1kHz, 1% THD into 1KΩ load)
- Power Options..............USB bus powered
- Weight..........................520gm
- Dimensions...................184mmH x 62mmW x 50mmD
- Output...........................USB Output