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ESPAÑOLITALIANO FRANÇAISDEUTSCHE
MTR101 Studio Condenser Microphone
5
Powering
Setting the Microphone Level
The MTR101 is a condenser microphone and therefore requires 48V phantom
power. Phantom power is provided by a mixer’s preamplifier channel or if neces-
sary, an external phantom power supply and sent to the microphone along a bal-
anced microphone cable.
To ensure the longevity of your equipment, and is good mixing etiquette, always
turn down the master fader and monitor controls to zero when switching the phan-
tom power on or off.
Poor microphone performance can be attributed to phantom power issues. If you
notice that the microphone is exhibiting reduced signal output, increased noise, or
decreased headroom (distortion), there may be an issue with the phantom power
supply or the microphone cables.
When connecting the MTR101 to a mixer, use a balanced cable and be sure that
the input is balanced and connected to a channel that is set for microphone level.
Also, be sure that the phantom power is engaged. 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 over any noise that may be associated with the mixer’s electronics. A
good mic pre with trim will have a peak or clip indicator. To set an optimal level
on the mic, place the MTR101 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. For most applications,
the ideal setting is to set the trim control as high as possible without lighting the
peak indicator.
An important characteristic of any microphone is its directionality or polar pattern.
There are three basic classifications of polar patterns:
Omnidirectional - captures sound from all directions
Bidirectional (figure-8) - captures sound directly in front and back of the micro-
phone while rejecting sound on the left and right sides
Unidirectional (cardioid) - captures sound in front of the microphone and rejects
sound from the sides and back
The MTR101 is a unidirectional microphone which allows for better separation of
instruments in the studio, and picks up more of the instrument sound in relation
to the sound of the room. See the section on “Microphone Placement” on page
6 for some considerations when placing the microphone in different recording
applications.
Polar Pattern