Nady TCM 1150 operating instructions

TCM 1150 Studio Vacuum Tube Condenser Microphone

USER GUIDE

UNPACKING, INSPECTION, STORAGE AND TRANSPORT

FEATURES

ACCESSORIES INCLUDED

Congratulations on purchasing the Nady TCM 1150 Vacuum Tube Condenser Microphone. This superior microphone is perfect
for recording studio vocals, acoustic instruments, orchestras and choral groups, ambient instrument audio, and many live sound
applications. Powerful and versatile, the TCM 1150 meets the stringent requirements of even the most demanding digital
recording and live broadcasting applications.

This manual covers the operation of the TCM 1150 and the TMPS-2 power supply. To take full advantage of the superb
features of this microphone, and to enjoy long and trouble-free use, please read this user’s guide carefully.

Your TCM 1150 microphone was carefully packed at the factory, and the shipping carton was designed to protect the unit
during shipping. Please retain this container in the highly unlikely event that you ever need to return your microphone for
servicing.

• TMPS-2 power supply/pattern polar pattern select unit, with
switchable 115/230VAC operation

• Power cord

• SSM-1150 elastic suspension shock mount

• XC-7P 30 ft (10 m) connecting cable with 7-pin XLR

• FW-1150 foam windscreen

• User guide

• Warranty card

The TCM 1150 is the best value available today in studio tube condenser microphones–with the classic vintage look and the
same extraordinary sound and performance of a legendary vacuum tube microphone, at a fraction of their original cost. For
the first time, the superior technology of these classic microphones is affordable even to the most modest project studios. With
the superior rugged construction and unparalleled warmth, presence, and clarity of the original classics–but with unbeatable
affordability—the TCM 1150 studio vacuum tube condenser microphone delivers both superb sound and unsurpassed value.

SYSTEMS

INC.INC.

TM

• Ideal for the most demanding applications, including all
forms of vocal and instrument pickup

• Gold-sputtered, ultra-thin (1” diameter) mylar dual
diaphragm

• Tube preamplifier circuitry with 6072 vacuum tube (a
classic 12AT7 specially selected for low distortion, superior
signal-to-noise ratio and minimum sensitivity to mechanical
vibrations)

• Special output transformer designed for ultra transparency
and natural warm reproduction of sound

• Almost all brass parts for years of studio workhorse
reliability

• Power provided by a dedicated AC power supply with a
balanced XLR output for connection to any mixing console,
with no phantom power required

• Nine different polar patterns remotely selectable on power
supply for ultimate versatility in use and ease of operation:
omnidirectional, cardioid, figure 8, and six intermediate
stages

USING THE FOAM WINDSCREEN

SERVICE

(U.S.) Should your Nady microphone require service, please contact the Nady Service Department via phone
at (510) 652- 2411 or e-mail at [e-mail]
(INTERNATIONAL) For service, please contact the Nady distributor in your country through the dealer from whom you pur­chased this product.

Do not attempt to service this unit yourself as it will void your warranty

The FW-1150 foam windscreen is supplied with the
TCM 1150. This windscreen fits over the grill portion of the
microphone and is designed primarily to decrease bass
rumble (from wind noise pickup) during outdoor live or
recording use. It is also useful in keeping mouth spray out of
the microphone head. The windscreen should be used
whenever someone is close miked to both protect the
microphone and to also eliminate “popping” sounds from
percussive breath sounds. An external stand mount pop filter,

such as the Nady MPF-6, is also ideal for this application.

(Note: Be aware that the foam windscreen will slightly
attenuate the high frequency response of the microphone.)
(WARNING: The capsule is the heart of the condenser
microphone. If it becomes dirty or wet, the sound will be
degraded. Never spray any liquid on the microphone head.
Always use a foam windscreen or pop filter if you talk or sing
close to the microphone grill screen.)

TCM 1150 SPECIFICATIONS

Date of purchase____________________________________Serial # ____________________________________________________________________________
Dealer’s Name ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Street ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
City ______________________________________________State ____________________________Zip ________________________________________________

It is recommended that the TCM 1150 be used with the
SSM-1150 spider shock mount, which uses an elastic
suspension to isolate the microphone from vibration, thereby
lowering noise transmitted to the microphone from the stand.
This is a useful tool in many situations, such as when the
performer is tapping his or her feet, or when there is noise
pickup from the rumbling of traffic outside of the building.

The disadvantage of using the shock mount is that the weight
of the microphone may make it drift in the elastic suspension,
so mic placement may take a little longer.

To insert the TCM 1150 into the SSM-1150 shock mount,
pinch close the levers on the sides of the mount to the open
position, then slide the microphone into place.

12/03

Type ..................................................................................True condenser pressure gradient microphone with 1” (25 mm) diameter dual

diaphragms and vacuum tube preamplifier

Vacuum tube ....................................................................6072 (selected from 12AT7)

Capsule capacitance ........................................................50 pF

Polar pattern....................................................................Omnidirectional, cardioid, figure 8, and six intermediate stages (silent switching)

Open circuit sensitivity @1KHz....................................-36dBV +/-2dBV (0dBV=1V/Pa) for all patterns

Frequency range ..............................................................20 to 20,000 Hz

Rated output impedance ................................................< 200 Ohms

Recommended load impedance......................................=1000 Ohms

Max. SPL (1% THD @1000Hz) ..................................134 dB

Equivalent noise level (A weighted) ............................= 18 dB-A

S/N ratio re 1Pa......................................................................................74dB

Dynamic range (max SPL to A-weighted noise level) ........................116 dB

Ambient temperature range....................................................................14˚F to 140˚F (-10 ˚C to +60 ˚C)

Relative humidity range ..........................................................................90% (68˚F, 20 ˚C), 85% (140˚F, 60˚C)

Connector ..................................................................................................7-pin XLR (gold plated)

Mic cable....................................................................................................7-pin XLR cable (XC-7P), 30 ft (10 m)

Dimensions ................................................................................................Diameter: 1.8” (46 mm), length: 9.45” (240 mm)

Net weight ................................................................................................860 g

Power requirement ..................................................................................Dedicated TMPS-2 powering unit (115/230VAC selectable)

TMPS-2 Dimensions and Weight............................................................2” X 5.5” X 7” (51 X 140 X 178 mm), 3.25 lbs (1.46 Kg)

OPERATION

The TCM 1150 must be powered by the supplied TMPS-2 power supply and amplified by a microphone pre-amp (such as
built into a mixer, or a stand-alone unit).

Specifications and design subject to change without prior notice for improvement purposes

USING THE MICROPHONE SHOCK MOUNT

Set-up

1. Connect the TCM 1150 to the
TMPS-2 power supply with the
XC-7P (7-pin) XLR cable
supplied.

2. Connect the TMPS-2 Audio
Output to your mixer using a
standard balanced 3-pin XLR
microphone cable (Note: Before

connecting to a mixer directly, turn the
channel to which you’re connecting to
its lowest gain setting, and turn off its
phantom power.)

3. Connect the TMPS-2 to the AC
power supply (first selecting the
proper voltage: 115-230VAC)

4. Turn on the TMPS-2 Power
ON/OFF Switch.

5. Slowly turn up the channel gain
in your mixer to the desired
level.

(Note: Make sure to set the mixer to the
proper gain level – too much gain may
distort subsequent amplifiers and too little
may result in a noisy signal.)

6. Select the polar pattern desired
with the Polar Pattern Select
Switch: omnidirectional,
cardioid, figure 8, or one of six
intermediate stages.

(Note: Experiment with all these choices to
fully utilize the versatility the TCM 1150
can offer for various diverse applications.)
(Note: For optimum performance, it is best
to let the microphone warm up for 5 to 10
minutes so that the internal vacuum tube
can reach its peak specifications.)

Controls and Connections

A. Audio output for connection to a standard

balanced 3-pin XLR cable

B. To microphone (use the supplied 7-pin XLR cable:

XC-7P)

C. IEC AC cord receptacle (with internal fuse), AC

power cable supplied

D. 115/230 VAC select switch. (Note: verify setting

is at the correct voltage supplied or the unit will

be damaged)
E. Power ON/OFF switch
F. 9-pattern polar pattern select switch

F

A

B

E

C

D

TMPS-2