RØDE
RØDE TF-5
Small-diaphragm condenser, cardioid, sold as a matched pair with a stereo bar; designed with the classical recording engineer Tony Faulkner
Power Phantom 48 V.
- Type
- Condenser
- Pattern
- Cardioid
- Sensitivity
- −29 dBV/Pa
- Among 204 condensers: more output than 95%
- Among 311 mics: more output than 96%
- Self-noise
- 14 dB(A)
- Among 258 condensers: quieter than 59%
- Among 272 mics: quieter than 60%
- Max SPL
- 135 dB SPL
- Among 277 condensers: takes louder sound than 40%
- Among 343 mics: takes louder sound than 36%
- Rated range
- 20 – 20k Hz
vs 75 end-address condensers
More output than 92% of 75 end-address condensers.
Each stripe is one end-address condenser with a published sensitivity, and each bar counts them; further right means more output. This mic is in blue.
vs 104 end-address condensers
Quieter than 71% of 104 end-address condensers.
Each stripe is one end-address condenser with a published self-noise, and each bar counts them; further right means quieter. This mic is in blue.
vs 110 end-address condensers
Takes louder sound than 38% of 110 end-address condensers.
Each stripe is one end-address condenser with a published max SPL, and each bar counts them; further right means it takes louder sound. This mic is in blue.
Instruments sources recommend it for most
Proximity effect: the bass it gains up close
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
From the spec sheet, p. 2.
Titled "Polar Pattern"; 125, 1000 and 4000 Hz; rings every 2 dB, scale "dB rel. 1V/Pa" from +5 to -25. Measuring conditions not stated.
In practice
All specs
| From the spec sheet | ||
|---|---|---|
| Capsule | small diaphragm"Small diaphragm cardioid microphone"; the size is not given. | p. 1 |
| Sensitivity | −29 dBV/Pa (35 mV/Pa)1 kHz, or better. "-29 dB re. 1 Volt/Pascal Or Better (35 mV @ 94dB SPL @ 1kHz)". | |
| Self-noise | 14 dB(A)A-weighted, as per IEC651. "Equivalent Noise: 14 dB SPL (A-weighted, as per IEC651)". | |
| Max SPL | 135 dB SPL1 kHz, 1% THD, 600 ohm load. "Input SPL @ 1%THD: 135 dB SPL (1kHz @ 1% THD, 600Ω load)". | |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 80 dB"Signal to noise Ratio: 80 dB"; reference not stated. | |
| Dynamic range | 112.6 dB1 kHz at max SPL. "112.6 dB (1kHz @ Max SPL)". | |
| Output impedance | 63 ohm"Output Impedance: 63Ω". | |
| Rated frequency range | 20 Hz to 20 kHzalso [30, 20000], ±3 dB; also [20, 20000], ±4 dB. "Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz"; "Frequency Range: 30 Hz - 20 kHz ±3dB // 20 Hz - 20 kHz ±4dB". The printed graph does not keep to these tolerances at the low end (see status). | |
| Powering | phantom 48 V"Power Requirements: 7mA @ 48V phantom power". | |
| Current draw | 7 mA | |
| Weight | 114 gone microphone. "114 (single microphone)". | p. 2 |
| Dimensions | 20 × 98.7 mm"Length: 98.7 Diameter: 20"; stored as diameter × length. | |
| Supplied accessories | stereo bar; 2 windshields; 2 mic clips; 3/8"-5/8" adaptor"Included Accessories". | |
| Active electronics | JFET impedance converter with bipolar output buffer | p. 1 |
| Matched pair | Sold as a matched pair with a stereo bar ("Precision matched pair") | |
| Design | Designed with classical recording engineer and producer Tony Faulkner; new capsule made at RØDE's own factory | |
Documents
- TF-5 datasheet
Copies kept by Mic Archive (manufacturers move and drop their documents). Each is © RØDE, unchanged, with its original address.
Recommended for
By recording guides, engineers and mic makers, for this mic or an earlier version of it.