Nady Systems CM 55 User Manual

CM 55 Clip-on Miniature Condenser Microphone
Congratulations on purchasing the Nady CM 55 Microphone! Able to handle high sound pressure levels without
distortion, the C Series microphones are ideal for live or recording close-miking of all types of drums and percussion
instruments, and also for accurate sonic reproduction of brass, woodwind and other instruments producing high sound
fields. The CM 55 is a miniature clip-on back electret condenser microphone that is also ideal for close-up miking of all
acoustic string instruments.
USING YOUR CM 55
The CM 55 can be used with any standard mixer, powered mixer/amplifier, or mic preamp which provides 9-52V
phantom power. The optional Nady 48V SMPS-1 Phantom Power Supply can also be used if your mixer doesn't supply
phantom power. Using an XLR to XLR balanced cable, connect the female XLR end to the CM 55 and the other end
(male XLR) to your equipment.
Using the rubber spring clamp, the CM 55 can be mounted to drum rims, edges of acoustic guitar sound holes or the
bells of wind instruments. Adjust the gooseneck to position the mic as desired close to the sound source. Be aware of
the proximity effect (an increase in bass response) when the mic is placed close to the instrument. This may or may not
be desirable. Experimenting with the position of the mic with respect to the audio source will ensure the optimum
results you are seeking in any given application.
If the microphone is placed too near a speaker during live stage use, an unpleasant howling effect (acoustic feedback)
may occur. Although all microphones are prone to feedback to some extent, those with a unidirectional polar pattern
(such as the CM 55) are specially designed to accept only signals from the audio source directly in front of the mic
cartridge. Thus, the hypercardioid pattern of the CM 55 ensures that it will deliver only the desired audio in front of the
mic, rejecting the unwanted audio from the rear, even in noisy ambient conditions with high sound pressure levels from
the P.A. and monitor speakers. This means that feedback will be greatly minimized with the CM 55 in all live perfor-
mance miking applications. The hypercardioid pattern of the CM 55 also ensures optimum isolation of the instrument
miked from the other instruments in the mix.
Some useful ways in which to totally eliminate annoying feedback include: experimenting with mic positions with
respect to the speakers, decreasing speaker volume (whenever possible), and adjusting the equalization of the mic audio
with the mixer.
PRECAUTIONS AND CARE FOR YOUR CM 55
• The microphone should never be dropped or subjected to extreme shock. Store only in a padded case to protect it
during transport.
• Keep the microphone away from extremely high temperatures (above 140˚F or 60˚C) and humidity. Avoid leaving
the microphone in direct sunlight for long periods of time.
• When using the microphone outdoors, avoid getting it wet.
• After use in a high-moisture application such as a stage performance, wipe off the microphone with a dry cloth and
permit it to air dry. Do not store the unit in a closed space (e.g., a plastic bag) until all moisture has evaporated.
C SERIES DRUM/INSTRUMENT/
SPECIALTY-USE MICROPHONES