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stereo recordings!). 

Lastly, our VELO-8’s ribbon is field interchangeable by the user (more on that 
groundbreaking feature later).

2. The Magnetics:

The classic RCA 44 ribbon mics were relatively high signal

output devices (as compared with other ribbon mics) which was the result of a
larger element and massive ceramic or Alnico alloy magnets placed around the
ribbon element; more magnetic field gives more output, just like guitar 
pickups or speakers.  These RCA 44 mics are favorites of engineers both 
today and then... and captured early Elvis and Sinatra tracks quite nicely. These
early Capitol tracks were smoother than the later tracks by these same artists,
as they were mostly recorded with more highly-detailed and brighter condenser
mics like the Neumann U47. You will also notice more noise floor on the earli-
er recordings, but who cares? The “feel” of these performances could not have
been captured any other way, and the truth is that both were great recordings,
but for different reasons!

However, today we have a new magnetic material, Neodymium, that is 100
times more powerful than the best of the old Alnico magnetic alloys that RCA
and others used.  Also, unlike natural occurring magnets, the new materials can
be cast into special shapes.  All previous ribbon mic magnetics, both yesterday
and today, have been made from off shelf square bars placed in a metal 
conductor.  But instead of using commonly available off shelf magnets, we
designed and custom cast a totally new “roof top” shaped magnet that 
concentrates the magnetic field on the edge of the ribbon and increases signal
output.  We also used the highest quality aerospace Neodymium material that
costs 20 times more than the common Neodymium magnets you’d find on your
money clips and refrigerator decorations. Furthermore, we choose to use a
“high output roof top” magnet on BOTH sides of the ribbon.  Most ribbons
today (and then) have just a single sided magnet that uses a steel chassis to
pass the magnetics to the opposite side of the ribbon element.  This was the
most costly approach... but of course, as we are suckers for quality and 
performance, we believe it was well worth it, as this approach boosts both 
signal output (while lowering the floor noise) and improves detail (with more
depth and frequency response). In short, it simply makes for better recordings.

3. The Transformer:

The transformer’s job is VERY important as it interfaces

the ribbon output to the preamplifier’s input. The ribbon element is typically
very low impedance, just one or two Ohms, and also needs a significant level
boost as well. Therefore, the transformer must boost both the output level and
raise the impedance of the ribbon element, with as little degradation as possible

5

VELO-8 REFERENCE MANUAL

Summary of Contents for VELO-8

Page 1: ... Groove Tubes LLC All Rights Reserved ...

Page 2: ...Groove Tubes Velocity Ribbon Microphone Reference Manual VELO 8 ...

Page 3: ...For the latest information on your Groove Tubes product visit our web site at www groovetubes com Or call us toll free at 800 459 5687 1 VELO 8 REFERENCE MANUAL ...

Page 4: ...essure levels like those generated by a closely miked strong vocalist or a bass drum on axis can easily rip the thin aluminum ribbon element resulting in a costly and time consuming re ribboning repair adventure Replacing the torn ribbon is a delicate maneuver and only possible if performed by a highly experienced mic tech or a factory repair department Unfortunately both in the early days and tod...

Page 5: ...too weak to effectively boost the level to the strength of the more common condenser mic Our ViPRE and SuPRE mic preamps were specifically designed to load the ribbon with a matching balanced transformer winding of 300 Ohms instead of the industry standard of 2 000 Ohms or higher These preamps also amplify over 70dB so this feature set was specifically intended to allow ViPRE and SuPRE to address ...

Page 6: ... or not crimped also contributes to the end audio result as well This is why so few vintage RCA mics today even of the same models and era sound exactly alike But some common truths are found the larger the ribbon element the more output level it generated i e the RCA 44 and the thinness contributed to more or less detail as well as more or less reliability For example a thicker ribbon meant more ...

Page 7: ...magnetics both yesterday and today have been made from off shelf square bars placed in a metal conductor But instead of using commonly available off shelf magnets we designed and custom cast a totally new roof top shaped magnet that concentrates the magnetic field on the edge of the ribbon and increases signal output We also used the highest quality aerospace Neodymium material that costs 20 times...

Page 8: ... transformer can add unpleasant distortion and frequency loss and or shift so we don t recommend that But it s interesting that many customers of lower cost Chinese ribbon mics are now retrofitting them a higher quality Western made output transformer made in Europe or here in the States that easily cost twice what they spent on the mic There is a noticeable improvement of course as less degrading...

Page 9: ... tapped output windings that allow the level to be switched between 75 Ohms most detail and 300 Ohms most signal strength We also added a High Pass filter for both windings so there are four switched selections located on the lower rear side of VELO 8 s body The highest signal level is achieved in the 300 Ohm position The 75 Ohm position will have less output but also will be obviously altered and...

Page 10: ... ribbon is mounted and precisely pre tensioned on a unique circuit board material so it can be replaced in minutes the process involves removing just four screws on the chassis and another four screws on the motor with a simple procedure that takes about 10 minutes start to finish So How To Notice when you unpack your VELO 8 there will be a small pre tensioned ribbon assembly mounted on a small PC...

Page 11: ...her side of the XLR connector CAUTION Be sure to keep all screws a good distance from the open mic chassis as VELO 8 s magnets are extremely powerful and so can attract metal objects in close proximity and at a great velocity possibly damaging the ribbon element 2b Carefully slide off the bottom portion of the chassis shell downward taking care not to damage the impedance and roll off switch 2c Ca...

Page 12: ...lignment when the screws are removed This sounds hard but it s not and you will feel so accomplished when this is finally over 2g Remove the top screws first and move these away from the work area Keep consistent pressure on the PCB and remove the bottom screws 2h Slowly and shall we say carefully lift the PCB up and away from the motor assembly Now you are ready to change out with the new PCB rib...

Page 13: ...o any strong breath or touching it against anything could rip it to shreds well maybe not shreds but it wouldn t be a happy moment if you inadvertent ly broke it at this delicate and late stage in the game 3b Hold the PCB against the motor chassis with one hand ensuring that the holes on the PCB are lined up with the holes on the motor assembly and care fully are you getting tired of this word yet...

Page 14: ... it all together That s All Now let your girlfriend finish tracking that Joplin cover But this time use a GT Pop Filter VELO 8 Specifications Microphone Type Velocity Ribbon Operating Principle Electro dynamic pressure gradient Polar Pattern Bi directional Fig 8 Generating Element 2 5 micron corrugated aluminum ribbon Ribbon Dimension 0 10 x 2 10 2 50mm x 53 14mm Magnetics Custom Formed Rare Earth...

Page 15: ...ess Applications GT50 1 1 x 3 microns with Disk Resonator Class A FET Cardioid Top A classic fixed position cardioid mic with warm Class A FET electronics Good for male and vocals choirs pianos ochestral micing and other applications Model Diaphragm Electronics Patterns Address Applications GT60 1 1 x 3 microns with Disk Resonator Class A Tube Cardioid Top All sources will benefit from its tube wa...

Page 16: ...entic VU metering SuPRE Stereo tube mic and instrument preamplifier Two channel stereo microphone and instrument preamplifier Variable transformer impedance settings on each channel 72dB of gain on each channel The Brick Tube preamplifier line driver and DI Tube mic instrument pre for the studio and stage Can run 1000 feet and more without the losses of simple direct boxes High quality sound Sturd...

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