Apex APEX181 User Manual

Type: USB Condenser Microphone
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Frequency response: 30 Hz to 20 kHz
Sensitivity: -40dB

S/N Ratio: 76dB
Max SPL: 125dB
Power Requirement: USB low-power device (26 mA)
Resolution: 16-bit
Connection: USB
Dimensions (in): 7.5 (L) x 1.875 (dia)
Dimensions (mm): 190 (L) x 40 (dia)
Weight (oz/g): 17 / 464

Distributed in Canada by

Yorkville Sound Ltd., 550 Granite Court, Pickering, Ontario L1W-3Y8

phone : [phone] fax : [phone]

www.apexelectronics.com

Apex181 Specifications:

Distributed in U.S.A. by Yorkville Sound Inc., 4625 Witmer Industrial Estate Niagara Falls, New York, 14305

phone : [phone] fax : [phone]

Apex181 USB Studio Condenser Microphone

The Apex181 USB Microphone outfit is a highly affordable studio quality condenser mic with
an integrated audio USB interface.

Designed to seamlessly connect to any computer based recording package, the Apex181
studio condenser microphone that can be plugged into any USB port without the need of
any additional audio interface, phantom power supply or mic pre-amp. The only connection
required is a standard USB cable. (Included)

The Apex181 features a 20mm internal shock mounted diaphragm with a highly versatile
cardioid pick up pattern. By design, the Apex181 works perfectly on any OS-X or
WindowsXP based PC or laptop running any DAW software. It provides an ideal audio
capture solution for highly mobile laptop users, which may have no direct input method for
high quality audio devices without carrying additional hardware interfaces.

The Apex181 USB mic is not only ideal for music applications, but also for Podcasting,
broadcast and for students or professionals creating audio files for websites and multime­dia presentations.

Features:

Plugs in directly to any USB equipped computer running Mac OS-X or WindowsXP
Perfect microphone for Podcasters, broadcast applications, ENG and music applications
Smooth, flat frequency response
Cardioid pickup pattern
20mm diaphragm
Heavy gauge mesh grille
USB connection cable included

Installation and Operation

Installing the APEX181 is a simple procedure. Since the APEX181 is USB compliant, you
can use either a MAC running OS-X or any PC running WindowsXP. Simply connect the
microphone to a standard USB port using the included USB cable and plug and play. You
will be able to control your APEX181 using the standard audio interface controls in the MAC
OS or Windows operating system.

Since it is possible to adjust the level of the signal from the operating system preferences,
and in your recording software, it's a good idea to be familiar with these controls in the MAC
or Windows operating system. Therefore, we recommend that you follow the enclosed
instructions for either Windows XP or MAX OS-X before installing the APEX181 software
driver.

Setting up the APEX181 in MAC OS X

Plug in microphone. The LED will light to indicate it is receiving USB power. The MAC will
recognize the USB audio device and automatically install a universal driver.

To select the APEX181 as the computers audio input, open the System Preferences from
the dock or the main Apple Menu.

Next open the Sound Preference and click in the Input tab and select APEX181.

Setting up the APEX181 in Windows XP

(with Service Pack 2 - other versions may vary slightly.)

Plug in microphone. The LED will light to indicate it is receiving USB power. WindowsXP will
recognize the USB audio device and automatically install the universal drivers.

The APEX181 is now recognized as a Windows audio device under the name APEX181. To
set it as the default device and change computer-controlled gain, access control panel.

Access Sounds and Audio Devices through Control Panel.

Select APEX181 as Sound Recording Device in the Audio Tab window. You may also
have to select the microphone in most pro audio programs where multiple devices must be
set within the program.

To set the microphone Gain, click the Volume button. The Wave In window sets the
computer controlled gain, pan and microphone mute.

Powering the APEX181

The APEX181 is a condenser microphone, and like all condenser microphones, it has inter­nal electronics that require an active power supply. Traditional studio condensers are almost
always powered by a Phantom Power supply, from a mixing console or external pre-amp.
The APEX181 receives its power from the USB bus. Simply connect the microphone to the
computer's USB port and the microphone is ready to operate. The APEX181 features a
blue power LED, which will illuminate when USB power is present.

Microphone Placement

A cardioid polar pattern like that used in the Apex181 is generally the standard for most
applications. A cardioid pattern will deliver best results on most vocal recordings and on a
wide range of solo instruments. It offers full frequency response on the front of the
microphone and the advantage of proximity effect (increased low frequency response when
microphone is placed close to sound source*). A cardioid pattern also provides excellent
noise rejection from the sides and back, or 180-degree position of the microphone,
minimizing feedback and interference from other audio sources.

*Vocalists can use the proximity effect to their advantage, adding fullness and more 'bottom
end' to the voice as they move closer to the microphone. Experienced vocalists can easily
incorporate it as part of their overall microphone technique. Experimentation with mic
placement during the recording process is the key.

It may be advised that in some applications that a pop filter like the Apex MWS-55 or Apex
MWS-56dlx be employed to reduce overly prominent ‘P’ and ‘B’ sounds.

Apex181

USB

Powered Studio Condenser Microphone