7
Operating the Martian
1. Powering the Martian
The "Martian" is a large diaphragm condenser microphone and therefore needs
to be operated by connecting a phantom power supply. Phantom power is
standard on most quality mixers, outboard MIC-pres and hard disk recorders. If
necessary an external phantom power supply can also be used. The "Martian"
receives the phantom power directly from a MIC cable when connected to a
mixer or other microphone input that includes a phantom supply. The power is
actually sent OUT of the microphone INPUT, riding silently along with the audio
signal. Most mixers have a switch to engage the phantom power so be sure to
check that the phantom power is on.
2. Setting up the signal level
When connecting the "Martian" to a mixer or recorder input, be sure that the
input is of microphone level. Also, be sure that the phantom power is engaged
as explained at the previous section “Powering the Martian”. Most mixers and
recorders of reasonable quality will offer a microphone input with MIC trim (usually
called Trim or Gain) control. The purpose of the MIC trim control is to optimize
the amount of good signal to any noise associated with the mixers electronics.
A good MIC pre with trim also will have a Peak or Clip LED. To set a good level
on the MIC, set the "Martian" up in front of the desired sound source and slowly
raise the MIC trim control until you see the Peak LED light up. Then, turn the
mix trim control down until the LED does not light any more. On most mixers,
the ideal setting is that the trim control is turned up as much as possible without
lighting the Peak LED.
3. Microphone Placement
In order to maximize the sound quality, you must pay careful attention to
the placement of your "Martian" and how it is positioned for the instrument
or vocalist that you are miking. All microphones, especially unidirectional or
cardioid microphones, exhibit a phenomenon know as the “proximity effect”.
Very simply put, proximity effect is a resulting change in the frequency response
of a microphone based on the position of the MIC capsule relative to the sound
source. Specifically, when you point a cardioid MIC directly at the sound source
(on-axis) you will get the best frequency response, however, when you start
pointing the microphone slightly away (off-axis) you will notice the low frequency
dropping off and the microphone will start to sound thinner.
For most vocal applications you'll want to position the microphone directly in
front of the artist. The same may be true for miking instruments. However, you
can make some pretty amazing equalization adjustments by slightly changing
the angle of the capsule to the sound source. This can be a very useful
technique in capturing the optimum sound of drum set, acoustic guitar, piano or
other instruments in a live room or sound stage. Experimentation and experience
are the best teachers in getting good sounds, so plug in!
