9
PERCEPTION 820 TUBE
4 Using the Microphone
4.1 Introduction
Note:
4.2 General Hints
Fig. 4: Microphone front.
Using vacuum-tube electronics and a large-diaphragm transducer, the PERCEPTION 820
TUBE is suited for a wide range of applications. It will add the typical warmth and richness
tube microphones are famous for to female and male voices as well as many instruments.
The following sections contain general hints on using the microphone and suggestions on
how to place the microphone for voices and various instruments.
•
Please remember that vacuum tubes with their heater filaments are more delicate than
solid-state components. Even a drop from moderate height may cause the filament to
break and the microphone to fail. So always handle the microphone with extreme care.
•
Refer to fig. 4. Whichever polar pattern you select, it may be good to know which way
the transducer axis is facing: the front of the microphone is the side of the body with the
AKG logo on it.
•
When recording wind instruments or vocals, make sure not to blow or sing directly into
the microphone.
To get professional sounding results with no unwanted wind and pop noise (exaggerated
“p” and “t” sounds), place an optional PF 80 pop screen from AKG between the micro-
phone and vocalist/instrument.
•
Keep the microphone dry. Moisture from blowing or singing directly at the capsule from
a short distance, or extremely high humidity may cause the microphone to start crack-
ling or go very quiet due to partial short circuits in the polarization voltage.
•
If you use the microphone in the open, use an optional AKG W 4000 windscreen to pro-
tect the microphone from moisture and reduce wind noise.
•
Loud instruments: You can use this microphone for close-in recording of very loud in-
struments (brass instruments, kick drum, etc.). Just switch the preattenuation pad in to
increase the microphone’s capability of handling sound pressure levels to 155 dB.
-
To switch the preattenuation pad in, set the preattenuation switch on the Remote
Control Unit front panel to “-20 dB”.
-
To switch the preattenuation pad out of circuit, set the preattenuation switch to “0”.
•
Low-frequency noise: The supplied spider type shock mount reduces footfall or other me-
chanical noise to a minimum.
The switchable bass cut filter at 80 Hz will effectively suppress any remaining low-fre-
quency noise such as fan noise from air conditioning systems, etc., or floor vibrations,
handling noise, etc. without affecting the sound of the recorded voice or instrument on
tape.
-
To switch the filter in, set the bass cut filter switch on the Remote Control Unit front
panel to the “
“ position.
-
To switch the filter out of circuit, set the bass cut filter switch on the Remote Con-
trol Unit front panel to the “—“ position.