Mic Archive
RØDE M3
Photo: RØDE, from its spec sheet, p. 2.

RØDE

RØDE M3

End-address 1/2-inch electret condenser, cardioid; runs on a 9 V battery or phantom power, with an 80 Hz high-pass filter and a -10/-20 dB pad

Type
Condenser (electret)
Pattern
Cardioid
Sensitivity
−40 dBV/Pa
Self-noise
21 dB(A)
Max SPL
142 dB SPL
Impedance
200 Ω
Rated range
40 – 20k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the manual, p. 4. Titled "Frequency Response"; axis "dB re 1 V/Pa" from +20 to -30 dB, but 0 dB at 1 kHz, so relative. Distance, room and smoothing not stated. Solid red line.

Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.

Polar pattern

Polar pattern: from the spec sheet, p. 2. Titled "Polar Pattern"; 500 Hz, 1 KHz and 4 KHz; rings every 2 dB, scale "dB rel. 1V/Pa" from +5 to -25. Measuring conditions and filter setting not stated.

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All specs

From the manual
Self-noise21 dB(A), A-weighted per IEC 651. "21dBA SPL (A - weighted per IEC651)"; the 2023 datasheet gives "21dBA (A-weighted)".p. 3
Max SPL142 dB SPL, 1 kHz, 1% THD into 1 kohm load. "142dB (@ 1kHz, 1% THD into 1kΩ load)"; the 2023 datasheet gives "142dB SPL". Max SPL with the pad is not stated.
Signal-to-noise ratio73 dB, 1 kHz, re 1 Pa. "73dB SPL (@ 1kHz, rel 1Pa)".
Dynamic range121 dB, per IEC 651
Current draw6.5 mA, P48; 1.6 mA on battery. "1.6mA - battery, 6.5mA - 48V Phantom Power".
Pad−10 dB; also −20 dB. "A choice between 0dB, -10dB and -20dB settings can be selected"; a recessed slide switch inside the body, reached by unscrewing the lower section.p. 10
ConnectorXLR-3, latching. Pin 1 earth, pin 2 +, pin 3 -; the cable "clicks" into place and has a release latch.p. 6
Weight390 g, without battery. "390g (no battery)"; shipping weight 1285 g. The 2023 datasheet gives 390.p. 3
Dimensions33 × 225 mm. Diameter × length: "Length - 225mm (8 3/4”), Diameter - Ø33mm (1 5/16”)". The 2023 datasheet gives "Height: 120, Width: 33, Depthr: 33" and draws 120 mm, which does not fit its own drawing's proportions (about 7:1, as 225 × 33).
Maximum output+9.22 dBu (1% THD into 1 kΩ)
Battery lifeMore than 200 hours (9 V PP3, alkaline recommended)
Power/filter switchThree positions: battery power off and mic mute; flat; high-pass filterp. 9
Battery indicatorLED flashes once at switch-on when the battery is good; stays on when it is lowp. 10
From the spec sheet
Capsule1/2-inch, internally shock-mounted. "Featuring an internally shock-mounted 1/2-inch condenser capsule"; "Capsule: 0.50”".p. 1
Sensitivity−40 dBV/Pa (6.3 mV/Pa), 1 kHz, ±2 dB; also −40 dBV/Pa, 1 kHz, ±3 dB (2009 manual). "-40.0dB re 1 Volt/Pascal (6.30mV @ 94 dB SPL) +/- 2 dB @ 1kHz". The 2009 manual: "-40dB ±3dB re 1V/Pa @ 1kHz (6.3mV/Pa @ 94dB SPL)".
Output impedance200 ohm. "Output Impedance: 200Ω"; the manual gives the same.
Rated frequency range40 Hz to 20 kHz. "40Hz - 20kHz (selectable high-pass filter @ 80Hz)". The manual gives the same range but also says (p. 14) "The low frequency of the M3 extends to below 20Hz".
Powering9 V battery, or phantom P24 or P48. "Power Requirements: 9V battery, P24 or P48". With phantom power a fitted battery is not used (manual p. 5).
Low cutoff, 80 Hz; 80 Hz; 12 dB/octave. "Switched high pass filter @ 80Hz-12dB/Oct". On the three-position switch on the body (manual p. 9: battery off / mic mute, flat, high-pass filter).
Supplied accessoriesRM1 mic clip; windshield; ZP1 zip pouch. "1 x RM1, 1 x Windshield, 1 x ZP1". The 2009 manual lists the WSM3 windshield, RM3 stand mount and ZP1 pouch.p. 2
Active electronicsJFET impedance converter with bipolar output bufferp. 1
BuildHeavy duty metal body, black; heat-treated high-strength mesh head; low handling noise; high RF rejection
Compatible accessoriesBoompole Pro, DS1p. 2

Documents

Copies kept by Mic Archive, because manufacturers move and drop their documents. Each is © RØDE, unchanged, with its original address.

Product page on rode.comRecording Hacks

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