NT-USB - Microphone RODE - Free user manual and instructions

Product type	USB Condenser Microphone
Brand	Rode
Model	NT-USB
Polar pattern	Cardioid
Frequency response	20 Hz - 20 kHz
Sampling frequency	48 kHz
Resolution	16-bit
Connectivity	USB (mini-B)
Power supply	Via USB (5V)
Weight	580 g
Dimensions	185 mm x 62 mm (with stand)
Main features	Zero-latency monitoring via headphone jack, mix, volume
Included accessories	Desk stand, pop filter, USB cable
Maintenance and cleaning	Clean with a soft dry cloth. Avoid moisture.
Safety	Do not expose to extreme temperatures. Unplug during storms.
Spare parts	Available through Rode (pop filter, cable, stand)
Repairability	Not user-repairable. Contact customer service.
Warranty	2 years
Compatibility	Windows, macOS, some iOS devices via adapter

Frequently Asked Questions - NT-USB RODE

How to connect the Rode NT-USB to my computer?

Connect the microphone to a USB port on your computer using the supplied USB cable. It is automatically recognized as an audio device.

Can I use the NT-USB with an iPad or iPhone?

Yes, with a Lightning to USB adapter (Camera Connection Kit) for iOS devices.

How to adjust the headphone volume on the microphone?

Turn the volume knob on the side of the microphone to adjust the monitoring level.

Is the NT-USB compatible with recording software?

Yes, it works with all ASIO or Core Audio compatible software, such as Audacity, GarageBand, Logic Pro, etc.

How to avoid breath noise and plosives?

Use the included pop filter and place the microphone about 15-20 cm from your mouth.

Does the microphone require specific drivers?

No, it is plug-and-play. No additional drivers are needed on Windows or macOS.

How to clean the Rode NT-USB?

Use a soft, dry cloth. For the pop filter, hand wash with warm water and mild soap, then let dry.

What to do if the microphone is not recognized?

Check the USB cable, try a different USB port, and restart your computer. Make sure the microphone is selected as the input device in audio settings.

Can I use the NT-USB with a microphone stand?

Yes, the microphone is compatible with most microphone stands thanks to its integrated thread (3/8 and 5/8 inch). The supplied stand can be removed.

What is the polar pattern of the microphone?

The NT-USB is a condenser microphone with a cardioid polar pattern, ideal for capturing sound directly in front of it.

USER MANUAL NT-USB RODE

Black RøDE audio recording device with textured grille and threaded neck (no visible text or symbols on body)

NT-USB

Versatile Studio-Quality USB Microphone

www.rodemic.com/nt-usb

2 Features

• Compatible with Apple iPad®
• Cardioid polar pattern
  • State-of-the-art surface mount electronics

• Designed in Australia
  • Full 2 year guarantee*

• NT-USB microphone

• Tripod mount (stand)
• Pop shield
• USB cable (6m/20")
• Manual
• Microphone pouch
• Mic clip/Mounting ring

4

Specifications

Acoustic Principle	Pressure Gradient
Active Electronics	JFET impedance converter with bipolar output buffer, A/D converter 16bit 48kHz, headphone amplifier
Directional Pattern	Cardiod
Frequency Range	20Hz ~ 20kHz
Dynamic Range	96dB
Maximum SPL	110dB SPL
Power Requirements	USB 5VDC
Output Connection	USB
Net Weight	520g

Polar Response

Frequency Response

6

Warranty

Register your NT-USB now and validate your free 2 year warranty.

Scan the QR code with a smartphone, or visit www.rodemic.com/warranty

The NT-USB is covered by a limited warranty for one (1) year from the date of purchase. This can be extended free of charge to a full two (2) year warranty by registering your microphone online by visiting our website as above.

Power requirements

7

The NT-USB is powered by your device's USB port, meaning that in most instances you can just plug the microphone in and get started right away. For non-standard USB ports, a powered USB hub may be required.

The NT-USB is a “Plug & Play” USB device, compatible with both Windows and Mac computers, as well as the Apple iPad via the USB camera connection kit (available directly from Apple).

The NT-USB features a purple LED inside the microphone cage that indicates when the microphone has power. If the light does not turn on after plugging the microphone in, the computer or device you are using may not provide enough power for the NT-USB. If this is the case, we recommend connecting the NT-USB via a powered USB hub.

8

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).

Diagram of a desktop microphone with a speaker and tripod base, showing sound waves and a downward arrow (no text or symbols)

Diagram 1 - Mounting the NT-USB in the supplied tripod stand

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.

Illustration of a handheld device with a curved arm and control panel, no visible text or symbols

Diagram 2 - Adjusting the microphone position

10

General operation

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.

Top-down view of a handheld device with circular control buttons and a keyhole (no text or symbols visible)

Diagram 3 - Monitor mix control and headphone volume control

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.

General operation cont.

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).

Diagram 4 - Positioning the NT-USB for vocals

14

General operation cont.

Setting your input level:

The NT-USB has been set to an ideal internal gain setting, without the need for physical level adjustments on the microphone body. Any necessary level adjustments to set the ideal recording level can be made from within your recording program, or via your computer's system preferences.

To adjust your input level from within your recording software, refer to the manual provided by the software developer.

To manually adjust your input level via your computer's system preferences, use the following instructions relevant to your device platform/operating system.

Adjusting the input level on a Mac OS computer:

1. Click on the Apple symbol at the top left of your screen, and select System Preferences.

System Preferences

About This Mac

Software Update...

App Store...

System Preferences...

Dock

Location

Recent Items

Force Quit System Preferences

Sleep

Restart...

Shut Down...

Diagram 5 - Accessing Mac OS System Preferences

16

General operation cont.

1. Click on 'Sound' to open the sound options

Diagram 6 - Opening 'Sound' options

1. Open the 'Input tab'.
2. From here, select the 'R∅DE NT-USB' from the list of devices, and adjust the input level using the slider.

Diagram 7 - Adjusting NT-USB input level

18

General operation cont.

Adjusting the input level on a Windows computer:

1. Open the Start menu and click on 'Control Panel'

Diagram 8 - Accessing Windows Control Panel

1. Open the 'Sound' preferences from within the Control Panel folder.

Diagram 9 - Opening 'Sound' options

20

General operation cont.

1. Open the 'Recording' tab and double click on 'R∅DE NT-USB' from the list of devices.

Diagram 10 - Selecting the NT-USB input device

1. Adjust the input level using the slider.

Diagram 11 - Adjusting NT-USB input level

Using the NT-USB with your Apple iPad®

The NT-USB can be used to record with an Apple iPad using the USB Camera Connection Kit applicable to your iPad version (available as an accessory from most Apple retailers).

To record with the NT-USB on an iPad, simply connect the microphone to your iPad via the Camera Connection Kit, and the NT-USB will automatically replace the iPad's internal audio circuitry as the input and output source.

From there, you can record the NT-USB using your preferred application. We recommend using 'R∅DE Rec' (R∅DE's dedicated audio app), Apple's 'GarageBand' app, or Imageline's 'FL Studio Mobile' app.

Safety & maintenance

After use the NT-USB should be removed from its tripod mount, wiped with a dry, soft cloth and placed in the supplied protective pouch.

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.

24

Support

If you experience any problem, or have any questions regarding your R∅DE 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, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.

Alternatively please visit www.rodemic.com/support for contact details and a list of Frequently Asked Questions.

Importers & distributors

For a full list of international importers and distributors, visit our website at www.rodemic.com/distributors.

Contact R∅DE

International

107 Carnarvon Street

Silverwater NSW 2128 Australia

USA

2745 N Raymond Ave

Signal Hill CA 90755

USA

P0 Box 91028

Long Beach CA 90809-1028

USA

Black RøDE audio recording device with textured grille and threaded neck (no visible text or symbols on body)

NT-USB

www.rodemic.com/nt-usb

28

Merkmale

www.rodemic.com/warranty

Diagram of a desktop microphone with a speaker and tripod base, showing a downward arrow indicating sound pressure (no text or symbols present)

Illustration of a handheld device with a curved arm and a small green circular symbol (no text or symbols present)

Top-down view of a handheld device with circular control knobs and indicator lights (no text or symbols visible)

Black RøDE audio recording device with textured grille and threaded neck (no visible text or symbols on body)

NT-USB

www.rodemic.com/nt-usb

54

Caractéristiques

www.rodemic.com/warranty

Diagram of a desktop microphone with a tripod base and a downward arrow indicating compression or disassembly (no text or symbols present)

Illustration of a handheld device with a curved arm and control panel, no visible text or symbols

Close-up of a gray electronic device casing with control knobs and buttons (no readable text or symbols)

Signal Hill CA 90755

États-Unis

P0 Box 91028

Long Beach CA 90809-1028

États-Unis

Black RøDE audio recording device with textured grille and threaded neck (no visible text or symbols on body)

NT-USB

www.rodemic.com/nt-usb

80

Características

Diagram of a mechanical device with a downward arrow indicating compression or disassembly (no text or symbols present)

Illustration of a handheld device with a curved arm and a small green circular symbol (no text or symbols present)

Close-up of a gray electronic device casing with control knobs and buttons (no readable text or symbols)

Diagrama 8 - Acceder al panel de control de Windows

Signal Hill CA 90755

EE.UU.

PO Box 91028

Long Beach CA 90809-1028

EE.UU.

Black RøDE audio recording device with textured grille and threaded neck (no visible text or symbols on body)

NT-USB

www.rodemic.com/nt-usb

106

Caratteristiche

www.rodemic.com/warranty

Diagram of a mechanical device with a downward arrow indicating compression or disassembly (no text or symbols present)

Illustration of a handheld device with a curved arm and a small green circular symbol (no text or symbols present)

Close-up of a gray electronic device casing with control buttons and a gold ring, no visible text or symbols.

Signal Hill CA 90755

USA

P0 Box 91028

Long Beach CA 90809-1028

USA

130

说明书 中文

Black RøDE audio recording device with textured grille and threaded neck (no visible text or symbols on body)

NT-USB

多功能录音棚质量USB话筒

www.rodemic.com/nt-usb

132

特点

Illustration of a desktop microphone with a speaker and tripod base, showing sound waves and a downward arrow (no text or symbols)

Illustration of a handheld device with a curved arm and a small green circular symbol (no text or symbols present)

图2-调整话筒位置

140

一般操作

Close-up of a gray electronic device casing with control buttons and a gold ring, no visible text or symbols.

图3 - 监听混音控制和耳机音量控制

监听混音控制

图5 - 访问Mac OS系统偏好设置

146

一般操作（续）

1. 点击 “声音” 打开声音选项。

图6 - 打开“声音”选项

图7 - 调整NT-USB的输入电平

148

一般操作（续）

调整Windows电脑上的输入电平：

1. 打开开始菜单，然后单击“控制面板”。

图8 - 访问Windows控制面板

1. 从控制面板文件夹中打开“声音”偏好。

图9 - 打开“声音”选项

150

一般操作（续）

图10 - 选择NT-USB输入设备

1. 用滑块调整输入电平。

图11 - 调整NT-USB的输入电平

Signal Hill CA 90755

美国

PO Box 91028

Long Beach CA 90809-1028

美国

Black RøDE audio recording device with textured grille and threaded neck (no visible text or symbols on body)

NT-USB

www.rodemic.com/nt-usb

158

特徵

Diagram of a desktop microphone with a tripod base and a downward arrow indicating compression or disassembly (no text or symbols present)

Illustration of a handheld device with a curved arm and a small green circular symbol (no text or symbols present)

図 2 - マイクの位置を調節する

操作方法

Close-up of a gray electronic device casing with control buttons and a gold ring, no visible text or symbols.

Signal Hill CA 90755

USA

PO Box 91028

Long Beach CA 90809-1028

USA

Black RøDE audio recording device with textured grille and threaded neck (no visible text or symbols beyond brand name)

NT-USB

www.rodemic.com/nt-usb

184

특징

Diagram of a mechanical device with a downward arrow indicating compression or disassembly (no text or symbols present)

Illustration of a handheld device with a curved arm and a small green circular symbol (no text or symbols present)

그림 2-마이크 위치 조절하기

일반 작동법

Close-up of a mechanical device's top panel showing dial indicators and control buttons (no readable text or symbols)

그림 5 시스템 설정으로 들어가기

198

일반 작동 및 제어

그림 6 - '소리' 옵션 열기

그림 9 - '소리' 옵션 열기

202

일반 작동 및 제어

Signal Hill CA 90755

미국

PO Box 91028

Long Beach CA 90809-1028

미국

208