Devine USB-1 User Manual

Page 1
Devine USB-1 Condenser Microphone
User manual
Any information and illustrations shown in this user manual are subject to change without further notice.
User manual version: 1.0 Creation date + author initials: 27-01-2014 DK Revision date + author initials: 27-01-2014 DK
Page 2
Introduction
Box contents:
- 1 x USB-1 condenser microphone
- 1 x microphone adapter
- 1 x USB-cable
Unit and accessory inspection
- Always check the unit for possible damage before use. If you suspect that something is wrong with the unit, do not connect it. When you suspect that your unit is broken or damaged, contact your local dealer or a certified technician to inspect the unit.
Note: Illustrations shown in this manual may vary from the actual product.
IMPORTANT: Phantom power
This studio condenser microphone requires +48V phantom power from a PA-mixer, studio-mixer, audio­interface or phantom power supply. Consult the manual of your equipment or contact your local dealer when in doubt if your equipment is capable of providing a +48V voltage.
This microphone will not work properly when there is no proper +48V voltage activated. Always check this if you suspect that your microphone might be damaged or broken.
Any information and illustrations shown in this user manual are subject to change without further notice.
User manual version: 1.0 Creation date + author initials: 27-01-2014 DK Revision date + author initials: 27-01-2014 DK
Page 3
Warning!
- To avoid electric shocks, do not open the microphone housing. There are no user serviceable parts inside.
- Keep the microphone away from intense sunshine, humidity, dust and liquids.
- Make sure the microphone is placed on a stable microphone stand while used.
- To avoid interference, keep the microphones away from devices like large power supplies, power transformators, radarstations and at a safe distance from computers.
Any information and illustrations shown in this user manual are subject to change without further notice.
User manual version: 1.0 Creation date + author initials: 27-01-2014 DK Revision date + author initials: 27-01-2014 DK
Page 4
Features
- Professional studio condenser microphone
- compatible with Mac and PC computers
- High speed AD/DA convertion technology
- Sampling Rate: 16bit/48kHz
- Utilizes a high quality condenser capsule
- Suitable for vocal and instrument recording
- Works with every recording software or DAW (e.g. Audacity)
- Can be used in Windows2000/XP/Vista and more recent versions
- Installation of drivers not required
- Strong output
- No distortion
- Solid construction
Any information and illustrations shown in this user manual are subject to change without further notice.
User manual version: 1.0 Creation date + author initials: 27-01-2014 DK Revision date + author initials: 27-01-2014 DK
Page 5
Description
The Devine USB-1 is a newly designed Plug & Play condenser microphone which does not require the manual installation of drivers. This microphone utilizes a high performance USB processing chip and a high quality cardioid pickup pattern condenser capsule. The microphone produces an excellent and gentle sound. The Devine USB-1 is the ideal choice for recording vocals, instruments, podcasts, and personal audio projects.
Audio Connection:
The USB-1 condenser microphone can be connected to a computer by using the provided USB-cable.
A/D conversion and USB connection:
The Devine USB-1 is equipped with an internal A/D converter, which transfers the analogue microphone signal to a digital signal, which can be interpreted by a Mac or Windows computer. Through USB you can connect the microphone directly to your computer. The length of the included USB cable is approximately
1.50 meters.
First time connection:
The Devine Pro USB-1 is plug-and-play compatible, which means that it will install the proper drivers automatically after you connect the microphone through USB. When connecting the microphone, you should receive a system message that a new USB-device is found and that the system will search automatically for the correct drivers. After these are installed, a message should pop up, which confirms that the installation was succesful and that your microphone is ready for use.
The USB-1 can be used with almost every recording software available. For starters, Devine recommends the free available open-source software Audacity. This software works with Windows, Mac and GNU/Linux For more information, visit the download page:
http://audacity.sourceforge.net/?lang=nl
Directivity
The USB-1 features a capsule with a cardioid pickup pattern and is ideal for recording individual instruments, vocals and speech. Cardioid pickup pattern means that the sound produced by sources located in front of the mic is strongly picked up. It is often used in recording situations, since this directivity pattern is less sensitive to picking up sounds coming from the back of the microphone.
Any information and illustrations shown in this user manual are subject to change without further notice.
User manual version: 1.0 Creation date + author initials: 27-01-2014 DK Revision date + author initials: 27-01-2014 DK
Page 6
Microphone Installation
The adapter on your microphone enables you to mount it on mic stands with either metric (Europe) or imperial-gauge threads (North America). To do so, first dismantle the microphone from the stand mount adapter, by detaching the fine-threadshoulder screw at the bottom end of the microphone. Next, gently fasten the adapter onto the microphone stand, place the microphone into it and tighten the screw again.
Basically, the microphone in the stand mount adapter should stand upright and face the sound source at a right angle. Make sure the Devine logo and name are directed at the sound source, for best recording quality. The angle of the microphone to the sound source influences the sound of the recording. Therefore, experiment with different positions until you achieve the desired sound. To this end, you can rotate the mic in the stand mount adapter by loosening the screw somewhat and tightening it again. If necessary, you can bend the microphone out of its vertical position by using the hinge on the microphone stand.
Note: please make sure to handle the microphone shaft with attention and care, to avoid damaging the screw thread. By no means should you ever apply excessive force. It is possible to detach the USB-1 microphone from the stand mount adapter, and attach it to a commercially available (desktop) mic stand.
Level Setting/Adjusting the Basic Sound:
Adjust the gain control in the microphone channel of your software audio editor, so that the peak indicator of that channel only lights up occasionally, or never at all. The EQ controls in the microphone software channel should be set to mid-neutral position to start with. To get the sound you want, try changing the mic position relative to the sound source, or even move the microphone around in the recording room of your studio. Adjusting the angle at which the walls face the sound source can also be helpful. Only when the desired basic sound has been achieved should you start to use equalizers and signal processors, if any at all. Remember: less is more!
Due to the extremely linear frequency response and the high sonic resolution of the USB-1, there is no need for high-frequency "EQing" that can heavily influence the signal and unnecessarily increase the noise level. The USB-1 provides the much desired transparency which often gets lost during recording and mixing.
Protect your microphone:
This Devine microphone is equipped with very sensitive electronics to provide optimal audio performance. Make sure the microphone is not exposed to severe shocks, collision, drops from high altitude or any situations that may cause permanent damage. Improper use of the microphone is not covered by warranty. Always transport the microphone in the original package, or in a flightcase with proper foam inlay. The microphone is not intended for on-the-road use.
Any information and illustrations shown in this user manual are subject to change without further notice.
User manual version: 1.0 Creation date + author initials: 27-01-2014 DK Revision date + author initials: 27-01-2014 DK
Page 7
Troubleshooting
Problem Possible Cause Solution
No sound, or very low sound signal
USB cable not connected (properly)
Connect the USB cable to your computer / make sure the cable is connected properly
Volume set too low Increase incoming volume and
gain on your mixer, interface or other sound processing device
Microphone positioned too far away
Place the microphone closer to the sound source
Rattling and cracking sounds Moist inside the microphone Let the microphone dry on room
temperature and avoid use of the microphone in humid or moist environments. Do not let the microphone come in contact with water or liquids.
Loud high frequencies coming from the speakers
Microphone positioned too close to the speakers, which causes feedback
Move the microphone further away from the speakers, or change the position to prevent the microphone to be aimed directly at the speakers.
Interruptance of the microphone signal
Loose or broken USB cable Check if the USB cable is plugged
into the microphone correctly. If that does not solve the problem, try to change the cable.
Distortion and/or noise in the captured sound
Too much airflow caused by vocal airflows
Use a pop filter (sold separately)
Any information and illustrations shown in this user manual are subject to change without further notice.
User manual version: 1.0 Creation date + author initials: 27-01-2014 DK Revision date + author initials: 27-01-2014 DK
Page 8
Technical specifications
Studio USB condenser microphone Ideal for recording individual instruments, vocals and speech Works on Windows and Mac computers Installs drivers automatically Element: 14 mm back electret condenser Polar Pattern: Uni-directional Connection: USB Plug-and-Play (USB A-USB B) Frequency Response: 20 Hz-17 kHz Sensitivity: -34±2dB (0dB=1V/Pa at 1KHz) Output Impedance: 1000 Ohms
Load impedance: 100 Ohms (30% at 1kHz) Equivalent Noise Level: 16dB A Max. SPL: 132dB (at 1kHz, 1%THD) S/N Ratio: 78dB
Package includes:
1 Microphone adapter 1 USB-cable (1.50 meters)
Any information and illustrations shown in this user manual are subject to change without further notice.
User manual version: 1.0 Creation date + author initials: 27-01-2014 DK Revision date + author initials: 27-01-2014 DK
Loading...