M-Audio Microphone - Manual

Small Capsules Small capsules are typically those with diaphragm diameters of less than about 1/2 . Categorically, they are extremely accurate through the audible range of 20Hz to 20kHz. Their poor signal-to-noise ratio, however, requires tricks with electronics and relegates small capsules to being...

invariably prefer the sound of solid brass. Needless to say,we use solid brass backplates in all M-Audio mics. The spacing between the diaphragm and backplate iscritical. In order to avoid problems with barometricpressure, the spacer ring has a break in order to allow airto move freely between these...

Omni also exhibits significantly less proximity effect than cardioids. One result is that omnis aresomewhat less sensitive to the movements of an animated vocalist. Another is that omnis tend tohave less need for EQ. As mentioned earlier, while omnis pick up 360 degrees of sound, they tendto be more...

signal through headphones.That’s because one side of the mic is in phase with the performer (and therefore reinforcing their perception of their own sound) while the other side is not. Addressing the in-phase side while monitoring produces optimal monitoring results. Top Address vs. Side Address Des...

An output transformer and/or amplifier serves as a sort of translator and, in audio, we expect thattranslation to be excellent in order to maintain frequency response, dynamic range, andsignal-to-noise ratio. Just as a professional language translator costs more than someone who justtook a few years...

still work.) The theory there is that the tube is used as a sort of processor to “warm” up the sound. The reality is that these are still solid state mics masquerading as tube mics as cheaply as possible. Because of the physics behind tube operation, tube mics have classically been subject to certai...

From a technical perspective, the two mics need to be as identical as possible in frequencyresponse. A flat frequency response implies that there is no deviation in the output level versusthe input level at any and all frequencies across the audible spectrum. While a flat frequencyresponse is theore...

Chapter 2 Caring for Microphones High-quality condenser mics like the M-Audio line represent an investment. A few basic tips willhelp ensure a lifetime of excellent performance. Shock Protection As you now know, condenser mics are constructed with extremely thin diaphragms and very hightolerances. A...

Choosing & Using Microphones 14 Cleaning and Storage Always store a condenser microphone in its case when not in use. Particulate matter such as dustcan attach itself to the diaphragm and cause degradation of performance over time. In most cases,wiping the metal exterior of a microphone down wit...

Choosing & Using Microphones Chapter 3 Basic Miking Concepts Microphone placement is an area in which art meets science. Microphone choice and placement issomewhat subjective, much in the same way that choosing a guitar and amp is a matter of personalpreference. Furthermore, each situation bring...

Choosing & Using Microphones a proximity effect where the low-mid frequencies increase as the distance between the source andmic decreases. (The proximity effect is not a big issue with omni patterns or medium-sized capsulesof any pattern.) With large diaphragms, then, the placement of the mic a...

The Recording Environment Professional studios often have several different acoustic spaces av a i l a b l e f rom small, relatively deadisolation booth to cavernous rooms with natural reflections and long delay times. Home recordistshave fewer options, yet experimenting with recording in different ...

Choosing & Using Microphones 18 common acoustic damping materials for home studio use. Music stands can also be reflectivesomething you can compensate for by simply draping towels over them. While a reasonable amount of absorption is often desirable for isolation, too much damping cancreate an a...

Minimize reflective surfaces. Hard surfaces like wood floors, smooth walls, windows and mirrors are a common culprit in phase issues because they reflect sound back into the microphone.If things sound odd, try moving the performer and/or mic. Also experiment with damping thosereflections with blanke...

Chapter 4 Stereo Miking Techniques The use of stereo miking techniques utilizing matched pairs can make all the difference betweenmediocre and outstanding recordings. After all, we listen to the world around us in stereo viamatched pairs of ears. Stereo miking can be used in applications ranging fro...

Choosing & Using Microphones 22 separation and captures more room reflections. In general, the X-Y technique using cardioids yields an accuratestereo image exhibiting minimal acoustic reflections, although the separation is not as significant as some otherstereo miking techniques. Blumlein Named...

together to create one side of the stereo signal, andsubtracts the side signal from the mid signal to create theother.The result is a very accurate translation of the stereolistening field. The presence of an M-S balance control inthe encoder also allows the engineer to control the ratioof mid signa...

Chapter 5 Specific Miking Applications Now that we ve covered some basics, it s time to look at some time-honored guidelines forcommon recording situations.While experimentation is definitely encouraged, these techniques willget you in the ballpark and, more importantly, provide additional understan...

Choosing & Using Microphones 26 experiment with angling the mic down at the performer s mouth in order to avoid projecting theenergy of the breath directly into the microphone. Also, make certain that the vocalist s headphonesare the closed-cup variety, as open-cup designs tend to leak sound tha...

mount is needed to minimize vibrations from tapping feet and the like. In most cases, cardioids are the best choice for miking acoustic guitar.While you can certainly attaingood results with a large diaphragm mic, medium diaphragms are often preferred in order reduceproximity effect. 1. Bridge. Miki...

Choosing & Using Microphones 28 1. Pop/rock. The closer the mics are to the hammers, the more percussive the resulting sound will be. For thisreason, pop/rock recordings where the piano needs to cutthrough other tracks are often achieved by close-mikingthe hammers. Start by placing a matched pai...

Chapter 6 The M-Audio Family of Microphones At this point, you ve learned a good deal about how microphones work, how they are built and how they aretypically applied. Along the way, we ve occasionally referred to some of the specific models in the Groove Tubesfamily of mics. Here s a brief overview...

Choosing & Using Microphones 34 Appendix A Troubleshooting Tips Please consult the following before calling tech support (or even a friend). Problem: No audio from mic ¥ Phantom power not on. Turn on phantom power on your mic preamp or mixer channel.¥ Gain is too low Make certain the pad is not ...

Appendix B Contact Information M-Audio, formerly known as Midiman, is a leading provider of digital audio and MIDI solutions fortoday s electronic musicians and audio professionals. Founded in 1988, M-Audio now hasindependent offices in the US, Canada, UK, Germany, France, and Japan. M-Audio s abili...