Coles Electroacoacoustics 4050 Guide
Coles Electroacoacoustics Ltd 4050 Stereo Studio
Ribbon Microphone
Operation Instructions Manual and User Guide
Made in England
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The 4050 is the latest addition to the Coles line of ribbon microphones. With a bold
look, greater output, and a wider frequency response, the Coles 4050’s are sure to
complement any studio microphone cabinet. The 4050’s have been designed to be
used on their own or as a stereo pair.
4050
50 RMS 50 810
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The 4050 is the newest ribbon microphone that Coles have developed using the very
latest magnet technology. The frequency response of the 4050 is exceptionally flat
from 30 to 20,000 c/s and throughout this range the shape of the bi-directional (figure
of eight) polar response is maintained substantially constant both in the horizontal
and vertical planes. The 4050 is a versatile microphone and is ideally suited for many
critical recording applications. Its smooth frequency response characteristics and
ability to capture detail make it a fine choice for many instruments. There is also no
discernible stray magnetic field and the 4050’s come with their own unique shock
mount. The microphones can be easily rotated through 3600making them very easy to
mount in a "Blumlein" (crossed figure-of-eights) stereo configuration or any other
configuration of choice.
The 4050 microphones come in a foam lined rigid plastic carrying case with an
adjustable universal stand mount and a soft cloth protective bag, for safe keeping.
The 4050 microphones are attached
to the shock mount via magnets
enabling them to be swivelled
through 3600. The unique shock
mount has graduations allowing the
microphones to be precisely
positioned.
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Tips on care and proper use
The ribbon microphone has a history rich in sound achievements. Look at virtually
any old movie newsreel, photo journal, recording promo shot, show business and
political picture, and you are likely to see the gigantic cages of chrome-plated
windscreen-covered, electronic contrivances we know as ribbon, or velocity, or
gradient, or ribbon velocity bigradient microphones, They all had one thing in
common, a “ribbon” of foil, an “eardrum” or “tympanic” membrane, Usually, they
were 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch, in width, 1 to 3 inches in length, very thin, (microns thick)
formed in a corrugated or crease-folded pattern. The foils were suspended between
two poles of a powerful magnetic assembly, to enable current to be formed by the
moving foil passing through the dense magnetic field. Essentially, this creates a
voice/sound-operated electric “motor”. The fact that it is air coupled to an energy
source makes it a primitive wind-to-electricity conversion device. Acoustically, this
air pressure deflection of the ribbon is referred to as “sound pressure level”, a term
used in sound specification sheets.
These microphones are considered “indoor” or studio mics, generally due to the deli-
cate nature of the fine ribbon of foil. Strong air blasts from wind, unwitting users
blowing into the mic to test its level, bass or low frequency p.a. speakers will almost
certainly drive this gossamer foil from its comfortable cradle, rendering it useless.
The overdriven corrugations stretch the foil, allowing it to flap out of its gap, shorting
it out on anything it touches, or worse, tearing it loose from its pole clamps, killing
the sound totally. The following suggestions should help users understand correct and
rewarding use of this wonderful creation, so kind to the human voice, the magical
Ribbon microphone!
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STC made them originally and then in 1972 Coles had the chance to manufacturing
them for STC – the gigantic Standard Telephones and Cables Limited. Two years later
when STC decided to discontinue marketing this equipment, Coles purchased all the
manufacturing rights and patents and took over their market.
Coles have also extended the market overseas as we now have agents on every
continent, and we have continued to improve existing products and develop new ones.
Coles use the very latest CNC technology to
manufacture their microphones to a very high
degree of precision and Coles are continually
investing in the very latest technology. British
engineering at its best produces products that
matches or surpass those of any other country
in the world.
The front and back of the 4050 microphone does not differ in functionality as the
microphone is a true figure of 8. When using as a pair in a stereo configuration, the
4050 microphones are polarity in phase with each other. This is shown by a phase
mark on the front of each 4050 microphone.
When the 4050 microphone is packed in a lidded container, the lid must not be closed
violently.
Do not use phantom power with ribbon microphones.
Ribbon microphones must not be blown into, or placed in close proximity with high
sound pressure levels, as this can stretch the ribbon. The Coles 4050 should not be
placed in front of a fan or open window as wind will stretch the ribbon.
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When not in use, always ensure that the 4050 microphone is placed inside its
protective pouch. Under no circumstances must the front of the 4050 microphone be
pressed into a yielding surface.
Do not attempt to check continuity of a ribbon microphone, as damage to the ribbon
may be incurred.
If proper care is not exercised, the performance of the microphone may be seriously
impaired.
Microphones made by Coles Electroacoustics Ltd, are designed for long service
under normal conditions and careful treatment will ensure maximum life and
stability of response.
If the ribbon is ever stretched or the microphone ceases to function, an exchange re-
placement plug in ribbon assembly can be purchased for ease of repair.
Impedance: 300 ohms
Sensitivity: -65 dB W.R.T. 1V/PA
Distortion: Less than 1% at 125 dB SPL
Connection: By means of an XLR 3 pin plugs – Pin 1 screen – Pin 2 positive –
Pin 3 negative.
Dimensions: Each mic. 102.5mm long x 50mm diameter
Weight: 362 g (per mic.)
Coles Electroacoustics Ltd., Pindar Road, Hoddesdon, Herts, EN11 OBZ. England
Telephone: - +44 (0) 1992 466685/460060 Fax: - +44 (0) 1992 446583
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