Chameleon Labs TS-1MKII User Manual

Chameleon Labs

Model TS-1 MKII

Tube Condenser Microphone

Owner’s Manual

704 228th Avenue NE, # 826

Sammamish, WA 98074

206-264-7602

www.chameleonlabs.com

Revision ‘B’ April 2010

The TS-1 MKII 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 MKII 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 MKII. 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 MKII 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 MKII

First, set the red voltage selector switch to match the AC voltage in your area (115/230).
There are three 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 MKII 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 MKII 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. One of the features unique to the TS-1 MKII is the ability to adjust the warmth of
the microphone. The warmth adjustment of the microphone is enabled by moving the
CAL toggle switch out of the CAL (calibrated) mode. This will switch on the HEATER
VOLTAGE control located above the CAL switch. Adjustment of the HEATER
VOLTAGE control will allow custom tailoring of the microphone to your exact
requirements. A precision meter will allow you to repeat your custom sonic settings.

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