Chameleon Labs TS-1 Owner's Manual

Chameleon Labs

Model TS-1

Tube Condenser Microphone

Owner’s Manual

704 228th Avenue NE, # 826

Sammamish, WA 98074

206-264-7602

www.chameleonlabs.com

The TS-1 is a small diaphragm, tube, condenser microphone of exceptional sonic clarity
and rugged construction. When used in accordance with the guidelines in this manual it
will give you many years of outstanding performance.

Because the TS-1 uses vacuum tube circuitry it requires a separate power supply unit
(included with the microphone) in order to operate, even if your mixer has phantom
power. If your mixer has phantom power, it is not necessary to switch it off when using
the TS-1. However, due to differences in design of the phantom power circuits contained
in various mixers (and preamps) it is recommended that you defeat the phantom power as
a precautionary measure when it is not needed to power other mics that you might also be
using.

Connections

First, connect the microphone to the power supply using the seven pin cord (included). It
is recommended that the microphone be placed in the shock mount (included) to avoid
pick up of unwanted vibration. The TS-1 is not intended for hand-held operation. Next,
connect AC power to the power supply using the IEC power cord (included). Finally,
connect the audio output on the power supply to one of the microphone inputs of your
system using a standard three-pin microphone cable.

How to use your TS-1

First, set the red voltage selector switch to match the AC voltage in your area (115/230).
There are two silver toggle switches on the front of the power supply. The POWER
switch is on the left, under the red pilot lamp. The STANDBY switch is on the right,
under the green pilot lamp. After all the proper connections have been made (see section
above), lift the POWER switch. The red pilot will illuminate. This begins heating the
vacuum tube and prepares the microphone to produce a signal. After ten to fifteen
seconds, you can lift the STANDBY switch. The TS-1 will soon begin to output an audio
signal from the 3-pin XLR jack. It requires about five minutes for the microphone to
warm up completely, though a period of fifteen minutes is recommended to assure that
the TS-1 has fully stabilized and has attained its optimum operating temperature. At this
point, the microphone body will feel warm to the touch. This is normal. If you decide to
take a break from using the microphone, you can lower the STANDBY switch until you
return. This will help to extend the life of the vacuum tube. Note: it is not recommended
that you leave the mic in its standby mode (POWER switch up and STANDBY switch
down) for periods longer than thirty minutes. When you are finished using the TS-1,
switch it off and store it in its box with the supplied desiccant. There is no harm in using
the microphone for very long periods of time but do not leave the microphone running
continuously. Some people feel that tube microphones should be left on at all times.

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