Miktek PM11 Owner's Manual

Introduction

Thank you and congratulations on your purchase of
the Miktek PM11, Performance Series Kick drum
microphone. You work hard to give a better than average
performance, so you demand a better than average
microphone to reproduce the sound of your drum.
Miktek Performance Series drum microphones offer way
above average sound and build quality impressing the
most discriminating engineers and artists. Featuring
cutting edge capsule designs that are perfectly matched
to Miktek's proprietary output transformers; the
Performance Series microphones produce a modern, yet
truly classic sound, well suited to today's contemporary
performers.
In the following sections of this manual you will find
a description of the PM11's features, step-by-step
set-up and operating instructions along with detailed
specifications. In addition, we've also included some basic
miking fundamentals for typical live sound and recording
applications. To some of us these may seem quite basic.
However, at Miktek we want to encourage young or new
engineers to use our microphones, or at least to read our
manuals and learn something about recording and live
sound. We know you're serious about your sound because
you purchased an outstanding audio instrument, and at
Miktek, we're serious about providing superior products
and service to our customers. We appreciate your
patronage and hope you enjoy using your microphones as
much as we enjoy making them.
Sincerely,
Michael Ketchell - Managing Director

PM11 Features

• Dynamic Kick Drum Microphone
• Neodymium Magnet
• Super Cardioid Pickup Pattern
• Custom Miktek Transformer by AMI
• Package with Protective Case and Mic Clip

Description

The Miktek PM11 super cardioid, dynamic microphone
features a custom designed, neodymium capsule
element offering extremely clear and articulate sound
reproduction of low toms, acoustic bass, and of course,
kick drum. The PM11's frequency response is full and
robust and is perfect for reinforcing bass drums in live
sound applications.
PM11
Super Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
Owner's Manual
Incorporating an inductor circuit in the audio path, the
PM11 features a phase-coherent low frequency boost,
offering a tight bass response that is smooth and even
with the frequency response of the microphone. Plus,
the capsule's unique labyrinth design provides ultimate
rear rejection and maximum gain before feedback, so
your kick, or kicks, cut though the PA with clarity and
distinction. The deep and honest response makes the
PM11 kick drum mic ideal for studio applications. With
high SPL capabilities the PM11 can easily accommodate
the loudest drummers and can even be used to mic up
loud bass guitar amps. The PM11's steel grill and die cast
body ensure durability and reliability night after night.
The PM11 can be set upon a traditional mic stand using
the included holder. The ultra sleek, silver finish with
stainless steel and black appointments make the PM11 an
attractive complement to any drum kit. The Miktek PM11
kick drum microphone will reproduce the sound of your
bass drum faithfully, delivering a solid foundation to any
live or studio performance.

Understanding Polar Patterns

Perhaps the most important aspect of using your PM11,
or any other microphone, is to understand its polar pick
up pattern. Every microphone has a characteristic polar
pattern that determines how well it accepts or rejects
signal coming from various areas around the microphone
capsule. There are many types and variations of polar
patterns but the three most common are omnidirectional,
bidirectional or figure-eight and unidirectional or
cardioid. Omnidirectional microphones pick up sound
from everywhere, producing the same frequency response
regardless of where the sound source originates (in front
of the mic, behind it, to the side, etc.). A bidirectional or
figure-eight microphone picks up sound directly from
the front and back while rejecting the sound at the sides.
In contrast, cardioid mics are specifically designed to
accept the sound coming from directly in front, and
to reject sound coming from behind or from the sides.
The PM11's capsule provides a super cardioid polar
pattern with an even tighter response. While omni and
bidirectional microphones are very useful for a variety
of applications, the majority of miking situations in live
sound applications require unidirectional or cardioid
microphones. When positioned correctly, the cardioid
pattern allows you to pick up more of the sound you
want and less of the sound you don't want. In live sound
situations, the polar pattern greatly determines how