U3 USB Studio Recording
Microphone
The U3 is a side-address microphone. When recording, speak or
play into the side of the mic that has the CAD logo.
The U3 has two switches on the front. The fi rst switch allows you
to decrease the sensitivity of the microphone so the sound quality
is clear for extremely loud sounds. For example, the switch should
be in the “-10” position for loud voices, percussion and other high
sound pressure level devices. The “0” position should be used for
normal voices and string instruments. If the recording is unclear or
distorted set the switch to “-10” and re-record.
The second switch on the U3 is designed to reduce pickup of
deep-bass sounds. The switch should be in the “Normal Bass”
mode in most cases. However, if you want to remove wind noise,
ventilation noise, or decrease the low frequencies in a recording,
the switch should be in the “Bass Reduction” position.
Bass settings
Normal
Bass
Bass
Reduction
Before using the U3 in your favorite audio or communications
application you must confi rm that the computer’s operating
system recognizes the U3.
6. Select the “Audio” tab. Confi rm that under the “Sound
recording” section the “C-Media USB Audio Device” is
selected. (The “Sound playback” should remain your usual
sound output device).
(Default playback device)
Windows XP recognition instructions
1. Plug the U3 into the USB port on the computer.
(When using a USB hub, check with the hub manufacturer to
be sure the hub supports a device such as a microphone. Plug
the U3 directly into the computer’s powered USB port for
optimal performance.)
2. Allow 30 to 60 seconds for the system software to recognize
the U3. (A series of bubbles will appear by the Windows
toolbar to notify you of a new device.)
3. In the Start Menu, select Control Panel.
7. Select the “Volume” tab under the Sound recording heading
and select “Advanced Controls” in the Options menu of this
window.
4. Select “Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices”.
5. Select “Sounds and Audio Devices”.
8. Click the “Advanced” button to open the “Advanced Controls
for Wave In” window. Depending upon your system, you
might have the option of selecting “1 AGC” or “Mic boost”.
Checking this option will signifi cantly increase the sensitivity
of the microphone. Use this for recording softer sounds. If you
experience distortion when recording louder sounds, try
unchecking this option.
9. Launch your audio recording software.
10. Position the U3 approximately 4 to 6 inches from the sound
source for best results.
11. Locate the preferences in your audio program and select
the “C-Media USB Audio Device”. Adjust the input level in this
program so that the audio signal is not distorted.
12. Enjoy your CAD U3 USB Studio Recording Microphone.
Mac OSX recognition instructions
1. Plug the U3 into the USB port on the computer.
(When using a USB hub, check with the hub manufacturer to
be sure the hub supports a device such as a microphone. Plug
the U3 directly into the computer’s powered USB port for
optimal performance.)
2. Allow 30 to 60 seconds for the system software to recognize
the U3.
3. Go to the Apple Menu and locate “System Preferences”.
9. You will see activity in the “Input Level” meter.
10. As you are speaking or playing adjust the “Input Volume”
slider. Take care not to allow the signal to go beyond the
meter, if the meter is fully illuminated the sound can become
distorted. The meter should be illuminated 3/4ths of the way
to obtain the best sound quality.
11. Close the System Preferences window to complete the
settings.
12. Launch your audio recording software.
4. Under “Hardware” click on the “Sound” icon.
13. Position the U3 approximately 4 to 6 inches from the sound
source for best results.
14. Locate the Preferences in your audio program and select the
“C-Media USB Audio Device”. Adjust the input level in this
program so that the audio signal is strong but not distorted.
15. Enjoy your CAD U3 USB Studio Recording Microphone.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial
environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to
cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to
correct the interference at his own expense.
5. Click on the “Input” button and choose the “C-Media USB
Audio Device”.
6. Click on the “Output” button and choose the internal speakers
or the output speakers of your choice. (The “Sound playback”
should remain your usual sound output device).
7. Position the U3 4 to 6 inches away from your source (your
mouth or music instrument).
8. Test the U3 by speaking or playing into the microphone.
CAD Professional Microphones hereby warrants that this product will be free of defects in material and workman-
Two-Year Limited Warranty
ship for a period of two years from the date of purchase. In the unlikely event that a defect occurs CAD will, at its
option, either repair or replace with a new unit of equal or greater value. Retain proof of purchase to validate the
purchase date and return it with any warranty claim.
Return warranty claims carefully packed, insured and prepaid to the Service Department at the address listed
below.
This warranty excludes exterior fi nish or appearance, damage from abuse, misuse of the product, use contrary
to CAD’s instructions or unauthorized repair. All implied warranties, merchantability, or fi tness for a particular
purpose is hereby disclaimed and CAD hereby disclaims liability for incidental, special or consequential damages
resulting from the use or unavailability of this product.
This warranty gives you specifi c legal rights and you may have other rights that vary from state to state. Some
states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages or limitations on how long
an implied warranty lasts, so the above exclusions and limitations may not apply to you.
Note: No other warranty, written or oral is authorized by CAD Professional Microphones.
Shipping Instructions
Please call our customer service department at 440-349-4900 for a pre-approved return authorization number.
Carefully repack the unit and return it to: CAD Professional Microphones, 6573 Cochran Road, Building I, Solon,
Ohio 44139.
RETURNS WITHOUT A PRE-APPROVED RETURN AUTHORIZATION NUMBER WILL BE REFUSED.
If outside the United States, contact your local dealer or distributor for warranty details.
6573 Cochran Rd., Bldg. I Solon, OH 44139
©2008 CAD Professional Microphones Part No. 64518-25-00 Mar2008
CAD Professional Microphones
800-762-9266 www.cadmics.com