Rode NT4 [8/12] Using the nt4

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• The NT4 is an easy to use, precision stereo

condenser microphone. Choirs, orchestras, drum

over-heads, solo or ensemble instruments, and

many other situations may all be recorded with

the ambience and ‘space’ that only a true stereo

microphone like the NT4 can capture.

• The two capsules used in the NT4 measure 1/2” in

diameter and have a cardioid polar pattern. The

cardioid patterns pick-up sound from in front of

the microphone and reject sound from the rear.

This helps with reducing unwanted sound such as

reverberation and audience sound from the rear of

the capsules.

• It is crucial when stereo recording to have the

capsules closely matched, as in the NT4. The

polar frequency response of each capsule must

be matched because much of the sound in an XY

stereo arrangement is picked up off-axis by each

capsule. The tone can be varied by rotating the

NT4 on its axis, so that the capsules are pointing

towards different areas of the sound source. It is

recommended that you experiment with subtle

position changes to help you achieve your desired

results. The matched capsules of the NT4 allow

for an accurate response when recording a wide

variety of sources in various locations.

• To ensure the lowest noise/distortion, your mixer

input gain control should be set so that the Peak

Program Indicator (PPI) LED ﬂ ashes ON during

peaks (high levels) of the program source (Voice/

Instrument). If there is no PPI, adjust the input

gain while listening for distortion of the sound. As

distortion is heard, reduce the gain gradually until

the sound is undistorted (clean).

Using the NT4