DYNAMIC MICROPHONE
OWNERS MANUAL
Thank you for purchasing the Samson R21 Dynamic Microphone. The R21 dynamic
microphone brings a high level of accuracy and audio performance to vocal miking
applications.
The R21 is a hand held dynamic microphone that excels in both live performance
and recording applications. Equipped with a linear frequency response for
superior reproduction, it is also designed to withstand high sound pressure
levels. Extremely sensitive, it employs a tight cardioid pattern to reduce feedback.
A special shock-mounted element minimizes handling noise and provides
additional protection.
Should your microphone ever require servicing, a Return Authorization number
(RA) must be obtained before shipping your unit to Samson. Without this number,
the unit will not be accepted. Please call Samson at 1-800-3SAMSON (1-800-372-
6766) for a Return Authorization number prior to shipping your unit. Please retain
the original packing materials and if possible return the unit in the original carton
and packing materials
Features
The Samson R21 utilizes state-of-the-art microphone technology and is
engineered to the finest detail. Here are some of its main features:
• Tight cardioid polar pattern minimizes feedback problems and effectively
rejects signals not originating directly in front of the mic capsule.
• Extended range frequency response for optimum reproduction and
exceptionally clear, crisp sound.
• Special shock-mounting allows movement of the mic element to greatly
reduce handling noise.
• Rugged zinc alloy die-casting case ensures reliable performance in even the
most demanding environments.
• Lightweight and compact, the R21 can be mounted on any standard
microphone stand (using the included mic clip) or can be easily handheld
for long periods without inducing fatigue.
• Included foam-lined impact resistant carrying case for convenience when
transporting three R21 microphones from venue to venue.
Copyright 2001, Samson Technologies Corp.
Printed May, 2001
Samson Technologies Corp.
575 Underhill Blvd.
P.O. Box 9031
Syosset, NY 11791-9031
Phone: 1-800-3-SAMSON (1-800-372-6766)
Fax: 516-364-3888
www.samsontech.com
®
Microphone Placement and Tone Quality
Listed are some common microphone placement techniques. Use these suggestions as a guide and let your ears determine what works best in your situation.
• Sound source less than 6 inches away from mic—Full sound, pronounced
bass, increased isolation from background noise.
• Sound source 6 inches to 2 feet away from mic.—Balanced natural sound, less
bass, some background noise.
• Sound source 3 to 6 feet away. from mic—Thinner ambient sound.
Guidelines for Microphone Use
• Aim the microphone at the desired source. Keep unwanted sound sources at a
135° angle from the front of the microphone (see polar pattern).
• Place the microphone as close to the sound source as possible.
• Use the proximity effect to your advantage: The closer the mic is to the sound
source, the more emphasized the bass response will be.
• Use a windscreen to suppress unwanted wind noise.
• Never cup your hand over the microphone grill.
Operating Notes
• The R21 will boost bass frequencies when the microphone is between 0—6
inches from the sound source. As you move the sound source further away
from the microphone, the bass response will gradually roll off.
• The R21 has a built-in wind screen which protects against most wind and
breathing noise. Under adverse conditions, such as high winds, an optional
foam windscreen can be used.
• For maximum signal handling capability and minimal distortion, a minimum
load impedance of 800 ohms should be used. A reduction in output signal
strength and output clipping level will result with the load at 150 ohms.
• Withstands high SPLs lending itself to a wide range of miking
situations
• Ultra sensitive element picks up all of the nuances of any performance
• Gold plated XLR Connector
Every microphone has a characteristic polar pattern that determines how well it
accepts or rejects signal coming from various areas around the microphone. For
example, omnidirectional mics accept all signals regardless of wherever those
signals originate (in front of the mic, behind it, to the side, etc.).
The R211 can be connected to any mixer, mixer/amplifier, or mic preamp using a
standard microphone cable. As shown in the wiring diagrams below, connect the
female XLR end directly to the R21’s gold-plated connector and the other end
(normally a male XLR end, although some mixers use 1/4" connectors) to the
mixer, mixer/amplifier, or mic preamp.
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The R21 can be mounted to any standard microphone stand (using the included
mic clip) or can be handheld; due to its unique mic element shock mounting, it
generates significantly less handling noise than most other microphones. If handheld,
take care not to cover the any part of the head grille with your hand. Be aware of a
phenomenon called the proximity effect which causes a noticeable increase in low
frequencies (bass response) when a microphone is close to the audio source. This
can have positive impact—for example, it will cause your voice to sound much fuller
when you sing close to the mic than when you sing at a distance. The R21 is specially designed to be used up close, since it provides a built-in windscreen for
removal of pops, sibilance and onstage noise.The key to developing the best mic
technique is experimentation, along with awareness of the general principle that,
the closer your R21 is to a signal source, the greater the bass response.
R21 Frequency Chart
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Solder Points
12
3
End View
Male Phone
Jack (TS)
Hot (2)
Common (1)
2
1
3
Cold (3)
Tip (Hot)
Sleeve (Common and Cold)
Male XLR
Hot
Common and Cold
Female XLR
Common (1)
Female XLR
Common (1)
Hot (2)
Cold (3)
Hot (2)
Solder Points
Cold (3)
Solder Points
1
1
2
21
3
End Vie
2
21
3
3
End Vie
3
Male Phone
Jack (TRS)
Tip (Hot)
Ring (Cold)
Sleeve (Common)
Cold
Common
Hot
Female XLR
Common (1)
Hot (2)
Cold (3)
Solder Points
1
2
3
21
3
End Vie
dB
+10
0
-10
-20
20
50 100 200 500 1000 2000 5000 10000 20000
R21 Polar Pattern
R21 Specifications
Type Dynamic
Frequency Response 80 Hz - 12 kHz
Polar Pattern Cardioid
Output Impedance Rated at 500Ω
Sensitivity -53 dBV/pa (1.8 mv/pa)
Connector 3-pin gold plated balanced XLR male
Dimensions
Head length 2.125 in. / 53.97 mm
Main unit length 4.56 in. / 115.88 mm
Total length 6.85 in. / 169.8 mm
Weight 7 oz. / 217 g
In contrast, directional cardioid mics are specifically designed to accept mostly
signal coming from directly in front, and to reject signal coming from behind or
from the side. The cardioid pattern is utilized by the R21 (as shown in the illustration below). For this reason, the R21 excels in environments where there is a
good deal of unwanted ambient sound—it delivers those signals originating
directly in front of the mic capsule itself while rejecting those that originate from
behind.
The polar pattern also determines how prone a particular mic is to inducing feedback. Feedback is that characteristic nasty howling sound that occurs when a mic
is placed too close to a loudspeaker—the signal from the loudspeaker is fed into
the mic, then into the loudspeaker, then into the mic, over and over again until an
oscillating tone is generated. Because the cardioid pattern utilized by the R21 is
so good at rejecting signal not coming from directly in front of the mic, you’ll find
that use of the R21 greatly minimizes feedback problems.
Samson Technologies Corp. • 575 Underhill Blvd. • P.O. Box 9031 • Syosset, NY 11791-9031
Phone: 1-800-3-SAMSON (1-800-372-6766) • Fax: 516-364-3888
service@samsontech.com • www.samsontech.com
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dB
0
5
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20
45º
315º
270º 90º
250 Hz
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235º 135º
180º
2000 Hz
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