User Manual
Bass Roll-off Switch
The Relevation II Power Supply features a bass roll-off switch to help reduce
proximity effect. Proximity effect is distortion that often occurs when a sound source
is too close to the mic. Some microphone patterns boost bass as you get closer to the
microphone; cardioid mics, for instance, tend to boost bass. The bass roll-off switch
reduces the low frequencies for a more full range sound.
Phase Switch
The Relevation II also includes a phase switch which allows you to reverse
the polarity of the microphone signal by 180 degrees. This can help minimize phase
issues when recording with multiple microphones.
Variable Pattern Control Knob
The Relevation II features a continuously variable pattern selector located on
the Relevation II Power Supply. This knob allows you to alter the polar pickup pattern
of the microphone from omni-directional to figure-8, and everything in between. This
can be done with the microphone turned on without causing any damage to the
unit; however, it is recommended that you mute your speakers when changing to a
new pattern. To change the polar pattern, simply rotate the knob to customize the
microphone’s pickup pattern for your specific recording application. After rotating the
knob to a new polar pattern, it will take a few seconds for the capsule to charge back
up. During these few seconds, we recommend muting your speakers because you
will hear static. Keep in mind there is no single right way to finding the perfect sound.
Experimentation with different patterns in different recording situations will be the key.
One of the most popular polar patterns, a
cardioid
microphone picks up
sound from the front of the microphone, less sound from the sides, and has good
rejection of sound to the back of the microphone. The cardioid pattern is well suited
for situations when you want to pick up specific sound sources like a guitar within an
ensemble and is recommended for recording applications where the acoustics are
good but not perfect. For instance, a cardioid pattern is less likely to pick up ambient
noise from computers and recording equipment.
An
omni-directional
microphone picks up sound equally from all sides of
the microphone. Omni-directional microphones are recommended for environments
with excellent acoustics as they tend to pick up ambient noise. This patten is well
suited for picking up sound from a wider recording area. Omni-directional mics are
less sensitive to plosives, handling noise, and proximity effect.
Commonly referred to as “bi-directional,” the
figure-8
pattern will pick
up sounds from the front and back sides of the microphone with equal sensitivity
while maintaining a large amount of rejection 90 degrees off-axis. Figure-8 patterns
are the most susceptible to proximity effect and are commonly used in “mid-side”
stereo recording setups.
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Ground Lift Switch
A ground loop is unwanted interference that can be created when multiple
electronic devices improperly share a common ground. The Relevation II includes
a Ground Lift switch to help prevent such occurrences. If a ground loop is audible
(usually a 50-60Hz humming noise), the ground lift switch on the front of the power
supply should be set to the ‘lift’ position.
-10dB Pad
The Relevation II can be used in very loud sonic environments without significant
distortion. If you hear distortion from the microphone, engage the “-10dB pad”
on the rear of the microphone to the -10dB position. You may also move the
microphone farther away from the sound source.
Shockmount
The Relevation II comes with a custom shockmount specifically designed
to handle its large size. Shockmounts decouple the microphone from the mic stand
and the environment and can minimize floor noise
as well as noise induced by people handling the
microphone stand. Shockmounts should be
considered “standard equipment” for all recording
applications. To mount the Relevation II in the
shockmount, first attach the shockmount to the
mic stand. With one hand, hold the microphone
inside the basket of the shockmount with the
threaded base of the mic resting on the retaining
nut at the bottom. With your other hand, rotate the
retaining nut until the microphone is securely attached to the shockmount.
Microphone Cables
The microphone cable can have a profound effect on the sound of any
microphone. Even the finest microphones will sound poor if the interconnect
cable allows noise to enter or causes distortion and loss of information. We highly
recommend exclusively using the Mogami® cables supplied with your Relevation II.
Care
Dust and foreign material can degrade the performance of a microphone over
time so always store the unit in its case.
Grill
The Relevation II microphone uses a single layer mesh grill. This design
minimizes standing waves and harmonic distortion. Because this type of grill
leaves little protection between the user of the microphone and the capsule, we
highly recommend using a pop filter. Use of a pop filter will help protect your
microphone’s sensitive capsule, keeping it free from moisture caused by saliva
and breath condensation.
