Countryman B2D Directional Lavalier User manual
COUNTRYMAN
B2D DIRECTIONAL LAVALIER
3
Quick Visual Guide 4
Microphone Care 6
Using The Microphone Clips
Using the Single Microphone Clip 7
Using the Magnetic Microphone Clip 8
Using the Double Microphone Clip 8
Positioning the Microphone 9
Additional Microphone Placements
Buttonhole 10
Hair 10
Eyeglasses 10
Podium backup 10
Detachable and Fixed Connectors 11
Specifications and Declarations 12
Contents
4
x
8 in - 10in
8 in - 10in
20 cm - 25 cm
20 cm - 25 cm
5
Thanks for choosing the Countryman B2D Directional Lavalier.
The B2D is easily the smallest directional lavalier in the world, with the next smallest mic
being more than twice its size. Combined with exceptional sound quality and isolation,
this tiny package opens up a new set of miking options that were previously unavailable.
The tight hypercardioid pattern gives the B2D an extra 6-10 dB of headroom compared
to an omni lav, meaning less problems with feedback, ambient noise, room rumble, and
phase cancellations with multiple mics.
This booklet describes how to use the B2D to get the best performance in a variety of
different applications.
6
Microphone Care
While the B2D Lavalier is designed for durability,
moisture-resistance, and flexibility, it is a high-
precision instrument and we do suggest some
basic precautions to prevent damage or sonic
degradation:
• Always use the B2D with its cap in place. The
cap is critical to the sound quality and also
protects the capsule from makeup, moisture, and
debris.
• When a protective cap is not in place, avoid
touching the end of the capsule with fingers or
obstructing the opening with foreign substances.
• Remove the cap for cleaning. The cable and cap
may be cleaned with alcohol wipes, soap and
water, or spirit gum remover. Do not use water or
any chemicals on the capsule itself.
x
Always use the B2D
with the cap firmly in
place.
ONLY remove the
cap to clean it. The
B2D will not function
correctly without the
cap.
7
Using the Single Microphone Clip
Place the top
isolating sleeve into
the groove in the
microphone holder.
Pinch and clip the
microphone holder
into the base.
Slide the second isolating sleeve about one inch
down the cable and clip in into the gripper. For ties,
button down shirts, and jackets, position the clip
horizontally; for t-shirts and many dresses you can
rotate the clip vertically.
8
Using the Magnetic Clip Using the Double Microphone Clip
The Magnetic Clip consists of a magnetic gripper
and backplate. The backplate slips behind clothing
or other surfaces for secure positioning on sensitive
fabrics or hard-to-mic locations. Loop the backplate’s
attached lanyard arond the neck for easy retrival.
The Double Clip provides an additional microphone
holder. This is ideal for a redundant B2D, or a
backup omnidirectional lavalier, such as the B6 or
B3.
The Magnetic Clip is not suitable
for persons with pacemakers.
9
Positioning the Microphone
• Position the B2D Lavalier about 8” to 10” from the mouth for chest miking and rotate the microphone toward the mouth.
• Use the windscreen whenever practical. Placing the microphone to one side can help reduce breath noise.
• Placing a small loop in the cable and taping it to the inside of a shirt or jacket can reduce cable noise.
• When hiding the microphone, never obstruct any part of the protective cap, including the back port at the rear-most
rim of the cap.
10
Buttonhole Hair Eyeglasses Podium Backup
Ensure the entire cap
of the B2D is exposed.
Including small loops and
taping the cable will help
reduce handling noise.
Excellent for theater. Use
hair berets to secure the
cable. If you use tape on
the skin, make sure the
entire B2D cap is exposed.
Heat shrink and a bent
piece of wire hold the B2D
in place. Point the capsule
at the mouth (microphone
extended for visibility).
Black electrical tape holds
the B2D under a podium
microphone for redundancy.
The technique also works
well with omni B6 mics.
Additional Microphone Placements
The small size and consistent pattern of the B2D make it particularly versatile:
11
Detachable and Fixed Connectors
The B2D is available with threaded detachable connectors or permanently-attached connectors in a variety of
configurations to suit hardwired systems and wireless transmitters. Make sure detachable connectors are firmly hand
tightened before use. Both styles feature generous flex and strain reliefs bonded to Countryman’s custom 1.5mm
aramid-reinforced cable for more than 45 pounds of break strength.
12
Frequency Response: 50Hz to 18kHz
Cable Break Strength: > 45 pounds
Weight : 0.18 oz (5 grams)
Supplied Accessories:
Carrying case, windscreen, single
isolation clip, protective cap, and
detachable connector.
Additional information can be found at:
http://www.countryman.com
The B2D Directional Lavalier is available in three sensitivities
to match a wide range of applications:
B2DW4 standard (gray band) for most uses
Sensitivity: 6.0 mV/Pascal
Equivalent Acoustic Noise: 34 dBA SPL
Overload Sound Level: 120 dB SPL
B2DW5 mid (red band, -10 dB re W4) head mic for theater
Sensitivity: 2.0 mV/Pascal
Equivalent Acoustic Noise: 39 dBA SPL
Overload Sound Level: 130 dB SPL
B2DW6 low (blue band, -20 dB re W4) for powerful vocals
Sensitivity: 0.6 mV/Pascal
Equivalent Acoustic Noise: 44 dBA SPL
Overload Sound Level: 140 dB SPL
Key Specifications
13
Declarations
We, Countryman Associates Inc., declare under our
sole responsibility that the following product:
B2D Directional Lavalier
To which this declaration relates is in compliance with
the essential requirements of:
2004/108/EC EMC
EN 55103-1
EN 55103-2
2002/96/EC WEEE
2003/108/EC
2002/95/EC RoHS
When used as specified.
RoHS
14
Notes
15
Notes
Countryman Associates, Inc. 195 Constitution Drive, Menlo Park, CA 94025
Phone: (800) 669-1422 or (650) 364-9988 Fax: (650) 364-2794
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