DigiDesign 003 Family, Setup Manual

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003 Family Setup Guide 78
Connecting a Microphone
There are several ways to use your 003 family in-
terface with a microphone, depending on the
type of microphone and cables you use.
Mic Cables and Connectors
Some microphone cables use an XLR connector
to attach a microphone to an input (such as
those on 003 family interfaces). Other micro-
phones use a 1/4-inch connector. If you have a
choice, use an XLR connector to connect the mi-
crophone to your 003 family interface to yield
better results.
Phantom Power
Some microphones require power to operate.
This power, called
phantom power , is supplied ei-
ther by a battery in the microphone, or through
an audio interface (such as your 003 family in-
terface) that can supply power through the mi-
crophone cable.
Most condenser microphones (such as an AKG
C3000) require phantom power to operate. Dy-
namic microphones (such as a Shure SM57) do
not require phantom power to operate, but are
not harmed by it.
003 family interfaces can only supply power
through a microphone cable with XLR connec-
tors.
If you are not sure about the phantom power re-
quirements for your microphone, see your mi-
crophone’s documentation or contact the man-
ufacturer.
Using a Mic with an XLR Connector
To use a microphone that has an XLR connector:
1
On the back of your 003 family interface, plug
your microphone cable into one of the XLR mic
inputs. The inputs are numbered left to right, so
Mic Input 1 is the leftmost input.
XLR and 1/4-inch connectors
XLR connector
1/4-inch connector
Although phantom power can be used
safely with most microphones, ribbon mi-
crophones can be damaged by it. Always
turn off phantom power and wait at least
30 seconds before connecting a ribbon mi-
crophone.
XLR cable plugged into Mic Input 1 (003 and 003 Rack
shown)
Mic Input 1