Description
This large-diaphragm condenser microphone has been thoughtfully designed with the feedback
from sound engineers working in recording studios for many years. The microphone character
was designed to offer a full and rich low and mid-range, as well as smooth and unique high mid
and high frequencies. Using premium quality, reliable components, this microphone will
withstand use in a recording studio for many years.
The electronic circuitry of the microphone exhibits less than 15dB of self-noise and a maximum
SPL level of 130dB (-10dB pad engaged) allowing it to record both quiet and loud sound
sources. The 28.25mm diaphragms are made of an ultra-thin plastic material with a layer of gold
on one side. The body helps prevent RF interference allowing you to successfully use the
microphone near transmitter stations and wireless microphones or other communications
equipment.
The FC-357 features one switch on each side of the microphone just below the microphone grill.
These switches allow you to adjust the microphone polar patterns and output gain (see Figures
1 and 2 below).
Gain/Pad Selector
On the left side of the microphone is the gain and pad selector (refer to
Figure 1). This microphone is unique to other microphones on the market in
that it allows you to increase and decrease the output gain by 10dB. This
feature is extremely useful when using inferior preamplifiers such as those
built into many consumer grade recording interfaces or when recording very
quiet sound sources. This +10dB gain switch allows you to get more of the
microphone character and rely less on the gain from a preamp. There is
also a -10dB pad selection that allows you to reduce the output of the
microphone when recording very loud sound sources, or if you want to have
more of the preamp character in your recording. The 0dB setting is the
default level.
Polar Pattern Selector
The polar pattern selector (refer to Figure 2) is located on the right side of
the microphone. The selectable polar patterns are omnidirectional (top),
cardioid (center) and figure-8 (bottom). The ability to select different polar
patterns allows this microphone to be used in many recording situations.
Fig. 1 Gain/Pad Selector
Fig. 2 Polar Pattern Selector
