Senal SC-550X User manual

Table of Contents:

Introduction �� 2

Overview �� 3

Precautions ��4

Mounting the Microphone �� 5

Positioning the SC-550X �� 6

Using the Pop-Filter �� 6-7

The Attenuation Pad �� 7

The High-Pass Filter �� 7

Troubleshooting ��8-9

Speciﬁcations ��10-11

Warranty �� 12

USER’S GUIDE

Thank you for choosing Senal.

The Senal SC-550X is a professional-grade studio microphone with accurate, detailed sound reproduction designed for use in all recording situations� Employing a condenser element, the SC-550X achieves superior transient response and high signal-to-noise ratio� Equally adept in both professional and project studios, the SC-550X’s warm, full-bodied sound makes it a go-to choice for capturing vocals in the studio� Its wide, smooth frequency response with a fat bottom end, smooth upper mids, and transparent high end offers versatility for recording guitars, brass, strings, and piano, as well as overhead drum miking, and even nonmusical applications like podcasting, voiceovers, and broadcast use�

The cardioid polar pattern provides a generous pickup area while minimizing off-axis noise and reﬂections� Onboard switches add further adaptability to the SC-550X, with a high-pass ﬁlter for low-frequency roll-off and a -10 dB pad for noise attenuation� With its 140 dB maximum sound-pressure level, the SC-550X can accurately capture loud signals without distortion�

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2

Introduction

Overview

Condenser

element

Grille

High-pass

ﬁlter

Shock mountCarry case

Pop-ﬁlter

-10 dB pad

XLR connector

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Overview

3

Precautions

▪ Please read and follow these instructions and keep this manual in a safe place�

▪ Exposure to high sound levels can cause permanent hearing loss� Avoid listening at high volumes

for extended periods�

▪ Keep this product away from water and ﬂammable gases or liquids�

▪ Do not attempt to disassemble or repair this product yourself�

▪ Handle this product with care�

▪ Clean this product with only a soft, dry cloth�

▪ To avoid damage to this product, be careful not to overtighten or improperly thread any of the

threaded ﬁttings�

▪ Make sure this product is intact and that there are no missing parts�

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4

Precautions

Mounting the Microphone

To mount the SC-550X, follow these steps:

1� Screw the included shock mount onto a 5/8" threaded microphone stand�

2� Make sure the locking knob on the shock mount is fully tightened� While

squeezing the metal levers of the shock mount together, place the microphone ﬁrmly into the shock mount and then let go of the levers� The front of the microphone (the side with the Senal logo) should be facing your sound source�

3� If you’re recording vocals, attach the included pop-ﬁlter to the shock

mount� See Using the Pop-Filter on page 6 for further reference�

4� Use an XLR cable (not included) to connect the microphone to your

mixing console, microphone preamp, or recording device� Make sure the phantom power is engaged�

Before recording, make sure the high-pass ﬁlter is set to the ﬂat position and the attenuation pad is not engaged� See The High-Pass Filter and The Attenuation Pad on page 7 for further reference�

Mounting the Microphone

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5

Positioning the SC-550X

The SC-550X’s cardioid polar pattern will capture sound mostly from in front of the microphone� You will usually want the front of the microphone (the side with the Senal logo) to face your sound source, although it is important to experiment with microphone placement and positioning to ﬁnd the best solution for your speciﬁc needs�

You can adjust the vertical angle of the microphone by loosening the locking knob on the shock mount� When the desired angle is set, make sure to fully tighten the locking knob�

Using the Pop-Filter

When recording vocals with the SC-550X, use the included pop-ﬁlter to reduce noise from aspirated plosives like p and b sounds and to keep corrosive moisture away from the capsule�

To mount the included pop-ﬁlter, follow these steps:

1� Mount the pop ﬁlter onto the rim of the shock mount at the

front of the microphone�

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6

Positioning the SC-550X / Using the Pop-Filter

2� Adjust the position of the pop ﬁlter to suit your vocalist� The

optimal distance between the ﬁlter and the microphone capsule is approximately 1�5" (3�8 cm)�

The Attenuation Pad

The attenuation pad lowers the SC-550X’s output by 10 dB and is useful for preventing distortion when recording loud sounds like cymbals and electric guitar cabinets�

To engage the attenuation pad, slide the pad switch so it rests next to the -10 dB mark� To disengage the attenuation pad, slide the pad switch so it rests next to the 0 dB mark�

The High-Pass Filter

The high-pass ﬁlter helps prevent the SC-550X from picking up low-frequency noises that can interfere with your recording, like the rumble from an air conditioner�

To activate the high-pass ﬁlter, slide the high-pass ﬁlter switch so it rests next to the mark� To deactivate the high-pass ﬁlter, slide the switch so it rests next to the mark�

The Attenuation Pad / The High-Pass Filter

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7

Troubleshooting

Problem Solution

No sound is being recorded� Make sure your mixer or ampliﬁer is turned on�

The fader of the channel or master volume on your mixing console is turned all the way down�

Your preamp gain is turned all the way down�

Make sure the microphone is properly connected and that the connections are secure�

Make sure phantom power is engaged�

Check your cable to make sure it’s reliable� Try switching it with another cable�

The sound is distorted� Turn on the microphone’s attenuation pad�

Move the microphone away from the sound source�

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8

Troubleshooting

Problem Solution

Too much low-frequency noise or rumble is being recorded�

Vocal plosives like p and b sound distorted�

Turn on the high-pass ﬁlter�

Turn off air conditioners, fans, heaters, or other devices that might be interfering with your recording�

Use the included pop-ﬁlter when recording vocals�

Troubleshooting

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9

Speciﬁcations

Element:

Polar pattern:

Condenser

Cardioid

Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz

Sensitivity:

Signal-to-noise ratio:

Maximum input sound level:

Impedance:

Power requirements:

Output connector:

Pad:

High-pass ﬁlter:

Dimensions:

Weight:

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10

-36 dB ±2 dB at 1 kHz

79 dB (1 kHz at 1 Pa)

140 dB

200 Ω

+48 V

3-pin XLR

-10 dB

80 Hz

7�1 5" × 2" (18�2 × 5�1 cm)

13�6 oz� (386 g)

Speciﬁcations

Frequency Response Graph

-20

Frequency Response

270°

-30

-40

-50

Relative Response in dB

-60 50

0

100 500

Frequency in Hertz

Polar Pattern

0°

180°

30°

60°

90°

120°

150°

330°

300°

240°

210°

1K

5K

10K

20K

Speciﬁcations

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11

Two-Year Limited Warranty

This Senal product is warranted to the original purchaser to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal consumer use for a period of two (2) years from the original purchase date or thirty (30) days after replacement, whichever occurs later� The warranty provider’s responsibility with respect to this limited warranty shall be limited solely to repair or replacement, at the provider’s discretion, of any product that fails during normal use of this product in its intended manner and in its intended environment� Inoperability of the product or part(s) shall be determined by the warranty provider� If the product has been discontinued, the warranty provider reserves the right to replace it with a model of equivalent quality and function�

This warranty does not cover damage or defect caused by misuse, neglect, accident, alteration, abuse, improper installation or maintenance� EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN, THE WARRANTY PROVIDER MAKES NEITHER ANY EXPRESS WARRANTIES NOR ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE� This warranty provides you with speciﬁc legal rights, and you may also have additional rights that vary from state to state�

To obtain warranty coverage, contact the Senal Customer Service Department to obtain a return merchandise authorization (“RMA”) number, and return the defective product to Senal along with the RMA number and proof of purchase� Shipment of the defective product is at the purchaser’s own risk and expense�

For more information or to arrange service, visit www�senalsound�com or call Customer Service at 212-594-2353�

Product warranty provided by the Gradus Group� www�gradusgroup�com

GG2

Senal SC-550X User manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual