Mojave Audio MA-100 User Manual

MA-100

Vacuum Tube Condenser Microphone

Please visit www.mojaveaudio.com for more information including:

Recording Tips

•

FAQ’s

•

Customer Service

•

Warranty Registration

•

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION! 2

UNPACKING AND INSPECTION! 2

GENERAL INFORMATION! 3

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS! 3

OPERATION! 4

CARE OF YOUR MICROPHONE! 5

TECHNICAL RESPONSE! 5

POLAR PATTERN! 6

FREQUENCY RESPONSE! 7

WARRANTY! 7

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your purchase of a Mojave Audio MA-100 Vacuum Tube Capacitor
Microphone! Your MA-100 was carefully designed and constructed using only the finest
materials. The MA-100 microphone is capable of delivering superb performance and, with
minimal care, will do so for many years. Your MA-100 was thoroughly tested and given a
factory burn-in prior to shipment.

The MA-100’s capacitor capsule and electronics are adapted from mid-1950’s design practice.
By utilizing modern components, the microphone system emulates the performance of the
“classic” tube microphones without using esoteric, unreliable, or hard to find parts.

The MA-100 is guaranteed to perform as specified and is suitable for recording even the most
demanding music, provided that the microphone is used sensibly.

For optimum performance from your new microphone, please read this manual thoroughly and
become familiar with the proper use of the MA-100.

UNPACKING AND INSPECTION

Carefully unpack your MA-100 vacuum tube microphone and verify that all of the components
included with the microphone are accounted for. Do not discard any packing materials! If
anything is missing or damaged, contact your dealer or Mojave Audio immediately.

Items included with the MA-100 are:

1. MA-100 microphone inside an aluminum style carrying case

2. Interchangeable omnidirectional capsule in case

3. AC operated microphone power supply (verify that the voltage !setting, marked on the CE
sticker on the bottom of the power supply, is correct for your country)

4. 25-Foot microphone cable with 7-pin male and female connectors

5. MA-100 shock mount and European adapter (fitted to shock mount)

6. AC power cable for power supply - molded IEC business machine type with plug

7. Rugged carrying case for all above items

Verify that the serial number of your MA-100!matches correctly with the one on your receipt. The
MA-100 serial number can be found !inside the microphone housing. To access, simply unscrew

the bottom ring and slide the body off. When corresponding with Mojave Audio about your
microphone or when service is required, we will need to know the serial number, so keep it
handy.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The MA-100 is a vacuum tube design and requires a dedicated power supply and seven-pin cable
set for operation. These items are provided with the microphone, along with a specially designed
shock mount assembly. The capsules are 3-micron, gold-sputtered types, with a interchangeable
cardioid and omnidirectional pick-up patterns. The vacuum tube head-amplifier delivers wide
bandwidth and low noise operation. The MA-100 utilizes a sub-miniature vacuum tube, which
necessitates the need of a dedicated power supply. The vacuum tube is military grade 5840W
"new old stock" and will deliver excellent performance for many years. A specially designed,
high-quality output transformer delivers an isolated, truly balanced output signal, minimizing the
possibility of unwanted noise entering the preamplifier. As with all vacuum tube microphones, a
warm-up period is advised for optimum performance; usually about ten minutes.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING!

To avoid electrical shock to yourself and damage to the MA-100, use proper circuit protection.
The MA-100 is normally wired for 115V, 60 Hz operation, however, export models are wired for
the voltages of the country to which they are exported to and this information is duly noted on
the outside of the box as well as on the bottom of the power supply. The MA-100 uses a line fuse
for protection. Never replace this fuse with one of a higher current rating. Use only that type
which was supplied with the unit. The power supply cord that is supplied with your MA-100 is a
standard “business machine” type and should be examined regularly for defects in the insulation.
Never use a cord that has damaged or exposed wires.

There are no user serviceable components inside the MA-100 microphone or its power supply.
Always refer service to qualified technician equipped to service this equipment. Never expose
the MA-100 microphone, its power supply, or cable set to water or any environment that may
create an unsafe electrical hazard. In the event of a malfunction, disconnect the MA-100
immediately and determine the nature of the malfunction before attempting to use it again.

To avoid tripping over the microphone cable, make certain that the cable is not in the way of foot
traffic, or suspended in an unsafe manner. Make sure that the microphone stand is secure and not
likely to fall.

If you have any questions or concerns about operation of your MA-100 please contact the
factory.