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USER GUIDE
Nova
studio microphone
care & usage
www.m-audio.com
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Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Nova microphone from M-Audio. Please take a few
moments to familiarize yourself with your new microphone by reading this guide.
Important: Please fill out and mail your warranty card for the Nova
immediately so that we may provide you with support for your microphone.
Features
• 1.1” diameter evaporated gold diaphragm
• single-pattern cardioid
• solid brass capsule and body
• 20Hz-18kHz frequency response
Unpacking
The container for your microphone was carefully constructed for protection during
shipping. Please save this packaging for storage or traveling with your Nova
microphone. If your box does not include the following items, please contact your
dealer immediately:
1) M-Audio Nova microphone
2) soft case
3) hard mount
4) XLR microphone cable
Connections and Phantom Power
The M-Audio Nova microphone outputs a balanced, low-impedance signal. It is
designed to be connected to the mic-level inputs of a mixer channel or a dedicated
high-quality preamp such as M-Audio’s DMP3 or TAMPA.
As with all condenser microphones, your Nova requires power in order to operate. You
will need to connect the Nova via XLR connection to a preamp or mixer channel strip
that supplies +48V phantom power (phantom power shares the same XLR cable as the
audio from the microphone). In order to avoid pops and surges that can damage
components like speakers and microphones, always perform the following steps (in the
order listed) when connecting the mic and/or cable:
1. Turn the gain all the way down on the preamp or mixer used with the Nova.
If engaged, disengage phantom power on the preamp/mixer
2.
3. Connect the Nova via a high-quality XLR cable (included).
4. Engage phantom power on the preamp/mixer.
5. Turn up the gain on the preamp/mixer.
Before disconnecting the mic and/or cable, repeat steps 1 and 2 (in order).
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Applications
The Nova’s clean electronics combine with an all-brass capsule to produce a smooth
tone that makes it a great choice as an all-purpose entry-level recording
microphone. Use it on vocals, acoustic instruments, guitar amps or room recordings.
When you’re ready to add to your mic locker, be sure to check out the M-Audio Luna
for increased vocal punch and Solaris for multi-pattern recording.
Cardioid Pattern
Cardioid is the most universal microphone polar pattern. This is because the back of
the microphone rejects sound, allowing the engineer to isolate the signal source from
other performance elements or background noise. The logo side of the microphone is
the live ± side.
Care of Your Microphone
Here are a few tips for the care of your Nova microphone:
• Never subject the Nova to physical shock.
• Always use a stand and use the included hard mount when securing to a stand.
• Always wipe the Nova exterior down with a soft dry cloth and return it to its case
after each use to prevent damage caused by dust.
• In the event that your Nova needs more extensive cleaning, lightly dampen a soft
cloth with water or mild household soap and clean the metal exterior of the Luna,
wiping it completely dry when finished. Never spray a cleaning agent on the Nova
itself, as excessive moisture can damage the unit.
• Avoid subjecting the Nova to any kind of moisture. In vocal applications, use a
windscreen to protect the diaphragm from the build-up of breath condensation
and saliva.
• Never disassemble the Nova microphone. There are no user-serviceable parts inside.
• Always use top-quality cables in order to avoid shorts that may damage the
microphones electronics.
• Avoid temperature extremes above 95˚F and below 50˚F. To avoid harmful condensation
on the diaphragm when moving between indoor and outdoor environments, allow the
Nova to acclimate to room (air) temperature before connection.
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Nova Specification Data
type: large-diaphragm condenser, gold evaporated
polar pattern: cardioid
frequency response: 20Hz – 18kHz
sensitivity: 16mV/Pa (-36dBV)
max. SPL for 0.5% THD: 128dB
equivalent noise level: 14dB (A-weighted)
output Impedance: 200Ω
recommended load impedance: >1,000Ω
preamp topology: Class-A FET
power requirement: +48V phantom power
connector: 3-pin male XLR
grille and body: wire mesh grille, solid brass body
finish: silver nickel plating
dimensions: 1.9” (52 mm) diameter, 7.3” (185 mm) long
weight: 23 oz. (650 g)
optional accessories: SM-4 shock mount (packaged and sold seprately)
Nova Warranty Terms
M-Audio warrants that this product is free of defects in materials and workmanship under normal
use for a period of One (1) Year, so long as the product is: owned by the original purchaser; the
original purchaser has proof of purchase from an authorized M-Audio dealer; and the purchaser
has registered his/her ownership of the product by sending in the completed warranty card. This
warranty explicitly excludes included accesories which may become defective as a result of
normal wear and tear.
In the event that M-Audio receives written notice of defects in materials or workmanship from such
an original purchaser, M-Audio will either replace the product, repair the product, or refund the
purchase price at its option. In the event any repair is required, shipment to and from M-Audio and
a nominal handling charge shall be borne by the purchaser. In the event that repair is required, a
Return Authorization number must be obtained from M-Audio. After this number is obtained, the
unit should be shipped back to M-Audio in a protective package with a description of the problem
and the Return Authorization clearly written on the package.
In the event that M-Audio determines that the product requires repair because of user misuse or
regular wear, it will assess a fair repair or replacement fee. The customer will have the option to
pay this fee and have the unit repaired and returned, or not pay this fee and have the unit returned
unrepaired.
The remedy for breach of this limited warranty shall not include any other damages. M-Audio will
not be liable for consequential, special, indirect, or similar damages or claims including loss of
profit or any other commercial damage, even if its agents have been advised of the possibility of
such damages, and in no event will M-Audio’s liability for any damages to the purchaser or any
other person exceed the price paid for the product, regardless of any form of the claim. M-Audio
specifically disclaims all other warranties, expressed or implied. Specifically
warranty that the product is fit for any particular purpose.
, M-Audio makes no
nova-gd_021804
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