M3 Instruction Manual www.rodemic.
Introduction Congratulations on purchasing the M3 microphone. The M3 was created to allow you to achieve the very best results from both live performance and in the studio. One of the key features of the M3 is that it has been designed with a switchable PAD and high pass filter, which gives you greater control of the sound source. It is battery operated to allow versatility with locations as well as being manufactured in a sleek contemporary black design.
Specifications Acoustic Principle: Permanently Polarised Condenser Directional Pattern: Cardioid Frequency Range: 40Hz ~ 20,000Hz selectable High Pass Filter (HPF) @ 80Hz 12dB/octave (see graph) Output Impedence: 200Ω Sensitivity: -40dB ±3dB re 1V/Pa @ 1kHz (6.3mV/Pa @ 94dB SPL) Equivalent Noise: 21dBA SPL (A - weighted per IEC651) Maximum Output: +9.
Specifications Frequency Response 20 dB re 1 V/Pa 10 0 -10 -20 -30 20Hz 100 1000 10 000 20 000 Polar Responses 0˚ +5.0 0.0 -2.0 -4.0 -6.0 -8.0 -10.0 -12.0 -14.0 -16.0 -18.0 -20.0 -22.0 -24.0 -2.0 -10.0 -20.0 90˚ -25.0 270˚ dB rel.
Contents M3 Microphone ZP1 zip pouch WSM3 windshield RM3 stand mount Powering the M3 The M3 is suitable for a wide range of applications. Recording, stage, and location work are all well within the capabilities of this microphone. Its low noise and full frequency response ensure the sound quality is at a standard that is expected by today’s musicians and engineers. You may use either phantom power (see Specifications - page 3) or 9V battery to operate your M3.
To connect an XLR cable; 1. Before you connect your mic, ensure that the XLR cable you are using is wired correctly to match the output pins on the M3. The M3 offers a balanced microphone level output and is wired as follows: Pin 1 (earth), Pin 2 (+) and Pin 3 (-). XLR KEYWAY PIN 2 (+) PIN 3 (-) PIN 1 (EARTH) Figure 1 - XLR jack You may of course use XLR-XLR, XLR-jack, or XLRmini jack plugs depending on your relevant input socket. 2.
Battery power (9 volt) If phantom power is not available on your equipment, you will need to use battery power. To use battery power, a 9 Volt (PP3) battery should be fitted into the cavity within the microphone body ensuring correct polarity (+ to + and - to -). We recommend that you use a high quality alkaline battery. Tests have shown a life expectancy for a high quality alkaline battery used in the M3 to be in excess of 300 hours. This is roughly the equivalent of 6 hours usage per week for a year.
Figure 4 - Inserting the battery 4. Push the battery into place so that it is parallel with the top of the cavity. Secure the battery in place by flipping the battery clip over so that it sits on the battery. 5. Reassemble the body, screwing lower section firmly together with the upper section.
Operating the M3 The M3 may be connected to a mixer (recording or live), and battery power will only be required if the mixer does not have an in-built phantom P48 or P24 supply. Connection may also be made direct to a portable DAT or other tape machine enabling field/ location operation using the 9V battery supply. The M3 microphone has both a PAD switch and a Filter switch. On/Off Filter switch The filter switch is a multifunctional three position switch.
L.E.D. SINGLE FLASH – When the L.E.D. flashes (illuminates for around one second), the battery power is ‘good’. This indicates that the microphone has just been powered. L.E.D. STAYS ON – When the L.E.D. light illuminates continuously the battery power is getting low. Please replace the battery as soon as possible, as the microphone’s sensitivity is greatly compromised when operated with a low battery.
0dB selected first and assess the sound quality before making further adjustments. Figure 7 - PAD switch selection The M3 has been designed with a special recessed slide switch that is placed inside the microphone to reduce the possibility of unauthorised or mistaken activation.
Mounting the M3 A stand mount clip (RM3) is included with your M3 and should be used to connect the M3 firmly and safely to a stable microphone stand. How to attach the stand mount 1. Before placing the M3 into the RM3 stand mount, remove all cables and connectors to eliminate the possibility of damaging the connectors. 2. Place the M3 into the RM3 by inserting the mic on an angle (figures 8 & 9). Figure 8 - Microphone mounting Figure 9 - Microphone mounting You will notice the holder is quite firm.
Recommended Initial Setup Now that you have the M3 securely fastened to a mic stand or tripod, and the audio output XLR connected, you are ready to fine tune your setup. 1. When first switching the mixer on and phantom power is applied to the M3, or when the microphone battery power is switched ON, several seconds should be allowed for the microphone to stabilize. We recommend that all connections made to the mixer or recorder are made with the attenuation (gain) set to OFF (0db). 2.
The best way to assess your recording environment is to listen to the sound you wish to record acoustically first. Remember that no amount of EQ can correct a ‘bad’ recording environment. Any further desired modification of sound can then be undertaken with the EQ and effects. 4. Live/Stage Use: As a live vocal mic, the M3 offers studio-quality sound on stage, which is not achievable with a dynamic microphone.
Care and Maintenance 1. Like all electret condenser microphones, the M3 should be kept dry at all times. The capsule will be potentially subject to moisture during vocal use, and we strongly recommend the use of the foam windscreen (supplied with your M3) during all vocal applications. This screen will also minimise plosives (the high sound pressure levels of pronounced B’s and P’s which can bottom-out the capsule). 2. Although the M3 is a well-built, durable microphone it is subject to damage.
Warranty All products are warranted for one year from date of purchase. You can extend that to a full ten years if you register online at www.rodemic.com. The warranty covers parts and labour that may be required to repair the microphone during the warranty period. The warranty excludes defects caused by normal wear and tear, modification, shipping damage, or failure to use the microphone as per the instruction guide.
