Mic Archive
RØDE NT3
Photo: RØDE, from its spec sheet, p. 1.

RØDE

RØDE NT3

End-address 3/4-inch condenser (externally polarised), cardioid; runs on a 9 V battery or phantom power

Type
Condenser
Pattern
Cardioid
Sensitivity
−39 dBV/Pa
Self-noise
16 dB(A)
Max SPL
140 dB SPL
Impedance
200 Ω
Rated range
20 – 20k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the spec sheet, p. 2. Titled "Frequency Response"; axis "dB re 1 V/Pa", but 0 dB at 1 kHz, so relative. Distance, room and smoothing not stated.

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, 1000 Hz and 4000 Hz; rings every 2 dB, scale "dB rel. 1V/Pa" from +5 to -25. Measuring conditions not stated.

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All specs

From the manual
Capsule3/4-inch (19 mm), externally biased, internally shock-mounted. "Externally polarised 19mm (¾”) condenser"; "Internal capsule shock mounting" (p. 5). The 2023 datasheet: "Capsule: 0.75”Cardioid".p. 3
Self-noise16 dB(A), less than; per IEC 651. "Equivalent Noise: <16dBA SPL (per IEC651)"; the 2023 datasheet gives "16dBA".
Max SPL140 dB SPL, more than; 1 kHz, 1% THD into 1 kohm. ">140dB (@ 1kHz, 1% THD into 1kΩ)". Not in the 2023 datasheet.
Signal-to-noise ratio77 dB, more than; 1 kHz, re 1 Pa, per IEC 651. ">77dB SPL (@ 1kHz, rel 1Pa per IEC651)".
Dynamic range123 dB, more than; per IEC 651
Current draw8 mA, P48 (20-60 V); 7 mA on P24, 1.4 mA on P12, 1.2 mA on battery. "8mA @ P48 (20-60v), 7mA @ P24 (12-30v), 1.4mA @ P12 (11-26v), 1.2mA @ 9V (battery)".
Maximum output+9.5 dBu (1 kHz, 1% THD into 1 kΩ)
Battery lifeIn excess of 400 hours with a high quality alkaline 9 V (PP3) batteryp. 5
Battery indicatorLED flashes once at switch-on when the battery is good; stays on when it is lowp. 6
Power switchOn/off switch on the body
From the spec sheet
Sensitivity−39 dBV/Pa (12 mV/Pa), 1 kHz, ±2 dB. "-39.0dB re 1 Volt/Pascal (12.00mV @ 94 dB SPL) +/- 2 dB @ 1kHz"; the manual gives the same.p. 1
Output impedance200 ohm. "Output Impedance: 200Ω"; the manual gives the same.
Rated frequency range20 Hz to 20 kHz. "Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz"; p. 10 of the manual: "The low frequency of the NT3 extends to below 20Hz".
Powering9 V battery, or phantom P12, P24 or P48. "9v battery, P12, P24 or P48". With phantom power the battery is not used (manual p. 6).
ConnectorXLR-3. "3 pin XLR, balanced output between Pin 2 (+), Pin 3 (-) and Pin 1 (ground)".
Weight371 g, net. The 2009 datasheet adds shipping weight 640 g.p. 2
Supplied accessoriesRM3 stand mount; ZP1 zip pouch; WS3 windshield. The stand mount has a 3/8" to 5/8" thread adaptor (manual p. 4).
Active electronicsJFET impedance converter with bipolar output buffer; transformerless, surface-mountp. 1
BuildCast metal body with satin-nickel finish; high RF rejection
From the spec sheet (Recording Hacks copy)
Dimensions32 × 206 mm. Diameter × length: "Length - 206mm (8.1102”), Diameter - 32mm (1.2598”)". The 2023 datasheet prints "Height: 32, Width: 206, Height: 32" and draws 206 × 32 mm. The manual's "270 x 130 x 50mm" looks like the box.p. 1

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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