Microphones 10
Connecting a capacitor (condenser) microphone

Level of challenge Easy

Welcome to this tutorial on connecting a capacitor microphone.

 

Capacitor microphones, also known as condenser microphones require power to function, are more robust than ribbon microphones but less robust than dynamic microphones.

 

Demonstration Due to their delicate nature and need for phantom power, connecting and powering up a capacitor microphone requires care. To avoid damaging your hearing, speakers, mic pre-amp, or microphone follow this procedure ...

  1. Set the microphone up as necessary, eg on a mic stand
  2. Setup any required headphone monitoring for your performer
  3. Ensure the mic pre-amp is turned off
  4. Ensure the gain, and audio output level if there is one, of the mic pre-amp is turned down
  5. Ensure the gain, and or monitor output level of the destination device, eg an audio interface or mixer, is turned down
  6. Connect the mic pre-amp to the destination device
  7. Turn on the mic pre-amp - if it is a valve device you will need to wait at least 15 mins before it is at its optimal performance state
  8. Ensure phantom power is disabled
  9. Connect your microphone to the mic pre-amp using a balanced XLR mic lead
  10. If the microphone requires it, enable phantom power (turn it on) at the mic pre-amp, or if the microphone is a valve device, power it on and wait at least 15 mins before it is at its optimal performance state
  11. Ask the performer to perform
  12. Slowly raise the input gain on the mic pre-amp until you have an average level around 0dB, or a level at which the clip LED does not light
  13. Slowly raise the output level until you reach the required level on your destination device
  14. Turn up the gain and or monitoring level on the destination device

Caption - Thanks for watching

The script for this video, with accompanying images, can be found at projectstudiohandbook.com 

 

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