Wunder Audio CM50 User Manual

1. CM50
The Wunder Audio CM50 Tube Microphone comes with the original spherical capsule. "Simply one of the most wonderful sounding room mics in the world." The CM50 represents the pinnacle in a revered line of microphones that stretches back to the very earliest days of the Pro Audio. The inspiration is classic, the execution is cutting-edge. We have successfully recreated the small pressure transducer (similar to the capsule for the KM series microphones) embedded in the surface of a 40 mm diameter perspex sphere.
It should be stressed that vacuum tubes, with their heater filaments, are much more delicate than solid-state components. Consequently, the user should take great care in handling the microphone. A drop from even a moderate height may cause the filament to break and may result in immediate failure of the microphone. It would be advisable for the user to keep a spare tube – specially selected by the Wunder Audio Service Department – always ready for replacement.
It is important to note that the tube may have become slightly unplugged from the tube socket during shipping. If the microphone has no audio output, 99% of the time it is a result of a slightly unplugged tube.
Repairs are to be carried out only by experienced, authorized service personnel. Unauthorized opening of, or modification to the equipment shall void the warranty.
The microphone tube requires a high operational voltage. Contact with the voltages present in the interior of the microphone and PSU may result in injury or death; therefore, the microphone and PSU must be opened only by an authorized, qualified technician.
The microphone must be operated only with the supplied cable. Because hazardous voltages are generated by the PSU that may result in injury or death, always ensure that the microphone cable is undamaged. Damaged cables must no
longer be used. The microphone must be operated only with the supplied cable. Since hazardous voltages are generated by the PSU that can result in injury or death, always ensure that the microphone cable used is undamaged. Damaged cables must no longer be used.
Operation
The CM50 is equipped with a 8-pin Tuchel connector that plugs into the base of the microphone and screws tight. Always make sure that the PSU is switched off when plugging the microphone connector into the microphone and PSU.
Polar pickup pattern
The capsule of the CM50 is equipped with a small diaphragm and mounted inside a perspex sphere. It operates as an omni-directional pressure transducer. The frequency response of the microphone rises at the high frequency end evenly by about 5 dB without becoming too directional. With a diffuse sound field, this results in an almost linear frequency response from 40 Hz to 15 Khz.
How to mount the microphone
A special Yoke mount/stand adapter is provided and should always be used to mount the microphone on floor stands or booms.
To mount the microphone, fully unscrew the knurled knob on the side of the metal belt. Place the microphone into the metal belt making sure that the white jewel on the front of the microphone is centered into the center hole on the yoke belt. Make sure that the there is no black rubber grommet in the center hole on the belt, if it is present, remove it.
Close the metal belt carefully around the microphone making sure that the leading edge of the metal belt does not scratch the body of the microphone. Screw the knurled knob clockwise to tighten the
belt around the microphone.
The CM50 can now be placed with the microphone on stands or booms with standard thread sizes. It may also be swiveled against the stand axis to suit the recording angle.
Powering of the microphone
The required PSU is included with the microphone. It is clearly marked and should be quite obvious by connector type and size how to connect the microphone to the power unit with the supplied CM50 microphone cable. The audio signal may be taken from the transformer-balanced power unit by a conventional audio cable with standard XLR-type connector.
After connection of the microphone, the power supply, and AC line, the main switch may be switched on. Operating condition will be indicated by the power lamp.
The warm-up time of the CM50 is approximately one minute. When your CM50 is new, a 24-hour burn-in period is recommended.
The CM50’s tube will “break in” over a period of time enabling the mic to sound subtly better over a period of time.
2. The CM50 Power Supply
This PSU supplies the microphone with the 4V filament voltage and 115V plate voltage for the vacuum tube.
Prior to connecting the CM50 to AC power, check the AC voltage of the power line you are going to connect to the CM50.
The CM50 PSU has an internal AC voltage selector switch.
To check the CM50 PAU AC voltage selector switch, first unplug the AC cable (power plug) from the PSU.
Use a flat-blade screwdriver to unscrew the lid to the PSU and
remove the lid.
You will see a small chrome toggle switch located inside the unit directly next to the large AC transformer.
To set the switch to 115V, toggle the switch towards the transformer. To set the switch to 230V, toggle the switch away from the transformer.
Warning: Connecting the CM50 to the wrong AC voltage may destroy the unit and cause fire and/or electric shock.
Replacing Fuses
The fuse protecting the primary circuit is located outside the PSU. Unscrew the black fuse cover to open the fuse compartment. Replace the fuse with a new fuse of the same type (T 500 mA for 115V; 250 mA for 230V) and close the fuse compartment lid.
!
AC Power Connector
If you are using the microphone in a different country, you may need to connect the unit to a power outlet that does not match the power connector on the supplied power cable. Purchase a matching power cable locally that complies with IEC and local safety standards and has a power connector with a chassis ground pin. While in the same area, use this “local“ power cable only.
Shutdown and storage
Before switching off the microphone or disconnecting cables, reduce the volume of the connected equipment. Only then should the PSU be switched off.
Disconnect the cables. When disconnecting a cable, always pull only on the connector housing and not the cable itself.
When the microphone is not in use, it should not be allowed to remain on the stand gathering dust.
A microphone which is unused for a prolonged period should be stored in a cool, dry place and protected from dust.!
Cleaning
Under normal conditions, the microphone body may become dirty and covered with fingerprints. One or two drops of Lubriderm unscented hand lotion can be gently rubbed into the nickel finish with a terry cloth and then wiped clean.
!
Troubleshooting
1 ) Microphone not operating
Possible causes: a. PSU not switched on
b. Microphone is not connected to PSU
2) Signal is noisy
!
Possible causes:
a. Tube filament has become damaged.
3. Specifications of the Microphone
Directional Characteristics: Omnidirectional
Frequency Range: (40 - 20,000 Hz)
Electrical Impedance: 200 ohms
Powering: Via the included powering unit with 115/230 VAC
Maximum Sound Pressure Level: 128 dB
Sensitivity: approx 0.7 mvolts per dyne / cm sq
Non Linear Distortion: less than or equal to 0.5% at 100 dyne / cm sq
Connector: Large-sized swivel, 8 pin
Dimensions: 163 mm (6.42'')!!!!!!!!80 mm (3.15'')
Shipping Weight: Approx. (~12 Ibs.)
! !
Included Accessories:
CM50, Plush Oak Box, Historical Yoke Mount, Historical Power supply, Original large Tuchel-connected mic cable.
Loading...