7
Operating the DynaMic
Setting up the signal level
When connecting the DynaMic7B to a mixer or recorder input, be sure that the input
is at a suitable level. 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 preamplifier with trim also will have a Peak
or Clip LED. To set a good level on the DynaMic7B, set it up in front of the desired
sound source (i.e. a presenter talking) 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.
Microphone Placement
In order to maximize the sound quality, please pay careful attention to the placement
of your DynaMic and how it is positioned. All microphones, especially cardioids
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 presenter. If you find that the voice produces an overly 'bassy' effect, try switching
the low cut on and re-positioning the mic (experimentation is the best teacher, here).
Equally, if you feel the voice is in need of more 'presence', try switching on the 'high
boost' switch.
Connecting the DynaMic7B
This DynaMic has an XLR connection, which provides a balanced output. Unlike
condenser mics, you will not need to use ‘phantom power' if you are connecting
using an ‘XLR to XLR' cable. Simply plug straight in to your device and the
microphone will work.
You will need a standard 3-pin XLR cable, as well as an audio-interface like the
iCON Duo 44 which will act as the ‘connector' to your computer for recording. You
can then use the microphone to record to a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) like
Cubase, Harrison Mixbus 32C or Pro Tools.
