Mojave Audio MA-200 User Manual

MA-200

Vacuum Tube Condenser Microphone

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

Recording Tips

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FAQ’s

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Customer Service

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CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION! 2

UNPACKING AND INSPECTION! 2

GENERAL INFORMATION! 3

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS! 3

OPERATION! 4

CARE OF YOUR MICROPHONE! 5

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS! 6

POLAR RESPONSE! 7

FREQUENCY RESPONSE! 7

WARRANTY! 8

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your purchase of a Mojave Audio MA-200 Vacuum Tube Capacitor
Microphone. Your MA-200 was carefully designed and constructed using only the finest
materials. The MA-200 microphone is capable of delivering superb performance and, with
minimal care, will do so for many years. Your MA-200 was thoroughly tested and given a 24­hour factory burn in prior to shipment.

The MA-200’s capacitor capsule and electronics are adapted from mid-1950’s design practice.
The MA-200 utilizes a U.S. made, military-grade, low noise sub-miniature vacuum tube and a
Jensen¨ audio output transformer. By utilizing modern components, the microphone system
emulates the performance of “classic” tube microphones without using esoteric, unreliable, or
hard to find components.

The MA-200 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 microphone, please read this manual thoroughly and
familiarize yourself with the proper use of the MA-200.

UNPACKING AND INSPECTION

Carefully unpack your MA-200 and verify that all of the accessories 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-200 are:

1. MA-200 microphone inside an aluminum style carrying case.

2. AC operated microphone power supply.

3. 16-foot microphone cable with 5-pin male and female connectors.

4. MA-200 shock mount and European adapter (fitted to shock mount).

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

6. Rugged carrying case for all above items.

Verify that the serial number of your MA-200!matches correctly with the one on your receipt. The
MA-200 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-200 is a vacuum tube microphone and requires a dedicated power supply and five-pin
cable set for operation. These items are provided with the microphone, along with a specially
designed shock mount assembly. The capsule is a 3-micron, gold-sputtered type, with a fixed
cardioid pick-up pattern. The vacuum tube head-amplifier delivers wide bandwidth and low noise
operation. The MA-200 utilizes a sub-miniature vacuum tube, which necessitates the need for 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 Jensen¨ audio
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-200, use proper circuit protection.
MA-200s purchased in the USA are set for 120V, 60 Hz operation. MA-200s purchased outside
of the USA are set for the voltages of the country to which they are exported. This information is
duly noted on the outside of the shipping box as well as on voltage selector of the power supply.
The MA-200 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-200 is a standard “business machine” type. It is a good practice to
examine the power cord regularly. Never use a cord that shows damage or that has exposed
wires.

There are no user serviceable components inside the MA-200 microphone or its power supply.
Always refer service to a qualified technician equipped to service this equipment. Never expose
the MA-200 microphone, its power supply or cable set to water or any environment that may
create an electrical hazard. In the event of a malfunction, disconnect the MA-200 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-200 please contact the
factory.