Audio Technica Midnight Blues MB4000C Operating And Maintenance

Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Description
The MB4000C is a wide-range condenser microphone with a
cardioid pickup pattern. It is designed to meet the needs of
professional musicians and sound engineers in live
performance, recording and sound reinforcement applications.
Smooth response, fast attack and quiet operation ensure
high-quality vocal and instrumental pickup.
The microphone features an open-cage design for minimum
disturbance of the studio-grade polar pattern. A special internal
shock mount system minimizes handling and case noise while
a multi-stage internal breath shield effectively reduces wind
noise and "popping" when performers work extremely close.
The MB4000C will accommodate any external phantom power
source supplying from 9V to 48V DC. If, however, remote
powering is not available, a common 1.5V AA battery will
provide sufficient power to the microphone. Current demands
are so low that a premium battery will provide more than a
thousand hours of service.
The cardioid pickup pattern of the MB4000C is useful in
reducing unwanted background noise and controlling feedback,
especially when used extremely close. Miking instruments or
vocalists at very close range also effectively reduces "leakage"
from one performer to the next. Low-frequency noise is
reduced by a low-frequency roll-off of sounds more than one
foot distant from the microphone.
Enclosed in a rugged housing, the MB4000C features a special,
baked-on "Midnight Blues" finish. In addition to being attractive
and comfortable to hold, this special finish further reduces han-
dling noise and increases durability.
The included microphone clamp permits mounting on any
microphone stand with 5 / "-27 threads. A battery, foam
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windscreen and foam-lined carrying case are also provided.
MB 4000 C
Vocal/Instrument
Operation and Maintenance
If remote power is not available, install a battery before
attempting operation. Unscrew the lower section of the
microphone body, just below the on/off switch. Place the
battery in the handle compartment, then reassemble the
microphone. Be certain to observe the polarity as indicated
(+ end up). While standard carbon-zinc batteries will power
the microphone satisfactorily, alkaline cells are preferred for
longer service life. Only "leakproof" batteries should be used,
and they should be removed for long-term microphone storage.
Output of the MB4000C is low impedance balanced. The
professional 3-pin microphone output connector mates with
XLRF-type cable connectors. The balanced signal appears
across Pins 2 and 3, while the ground (shield) connection is Pin
1. Output is phased so that positive acoustic pressure produces
positive voltage at Pin 2 in accordance with industry convention.
For balanced low-impedance inputs (required for phantom
power), MBC15L cable (or equal) is recommended. An accom-
panying drawing shows the wiring used at the equipment end
of this cable. Note that other manufacturers may employ other
color codes for cable conductors. Regardless of the color code,
it is important that both ends of each cable are wired consis-
tently, with the shield always connected to Pin 1, Pin 2 to Pin 2,
and Pin 3 to Pin 3. This will ensure that all microphones are
electrically in phase and reduce problems of uneven response
and sound cancellation when two microphones are used close
to each other.
For unbalanced low-impedance inputs, MBC15H cable (or
equal) is recommended. A 1 / " phone plug is wired to the
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equipment end of this cable.
For high-impedance inputs, use MBC15L cable (or equal). Plug
this cable into a CP8201 line matching transformer, which has
an integral 1 / " phone plug for connecting directly to the Hi-Z
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amplifier input. Locating the transformer at the equipment
input minimizes pickup of noise and hum, typical problems
experienced with long high-impedance lines. Use of the CP8305
Hi-Z transformer cable is also recommended.
The high sensitivity of the MB4000C assures useful output and
an excellent match to most mixer, tape recorder and amplifier
inputs. It will provide undistorted output even in very intense
sound fields. In some cases, however, an attenuator such as
the Audio-Technica AT8202 may be required between the
microphone and preamplifier to avoid overloading sensitive
input stages.
While a condenser microphone is not unduly sensitive to the
environment, temperature extremes can be harmful. Exposure
to high temperatures can result in gradual and permanent
reduction of the output level. Avoid leaving the microphone in
the open sun or in areas where temperatures exceed 110° F
(43° C) for long periods of time. Extremely high humidity
should also be avoided.