GA Project TC 3 User manual

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I
FEATURES
- True condenser microphone with 20mm, 3um
gold-spuered low-distorsion capsules.
- Low-noise class-A tube amplier with a
selected high-grade miniature tube that runs in
triode mode, resulting in a warm and detailed
sound that add new dimension to vocal and
instrument recordings.
- Totally discrete electronics with a high-quality
transformer balanced output stage.
- Three exchangable heads with Cardioid,
Hyper-Cardioid and Omni polar paern.
- Switches for 15 dB pad and 75 Hz high-pass
lter.
- Heavy duty brass body.
- Metal shock mount included.
- Goldplated XLR connector.
- External power supply and cables.
- De luxe aluminium ight case.
USE OF THE TC 3
Connect the supplied cable between the TC 3
and the power supply with the power switch
o. Then connect a standard balanced XLR
microphone cable between the 3-pin XLR
connector on power supply to the preamp or
mixer. The TC 3 power supply needs 115 or
230V AC power. For optimum performance, let
the TC 3 warm up for at least 15 minutes before
use.
The three dierent capsule heads gives you
three dierent polar paerns that not only
change the polar paern but also the frequency
response of the TC 3. The dierent capsules
therefore gives you three dierent sound
palees. The Omni capsule will pick up more
reexions and room sound but that can eect
can be lessened, if needed, by going closer to
the source. Experiment with the dierent heads
and microphone placement (position, direction
and distance) to nd your favourite sound for
dierent applications.
Be aware of the proximity eect (an increase in
bass response using the Cardioid and Hyper-
Cardioid heads) when the TC 3 is close to the
sound source. This can be a good or a
bad thing. You can adjust the bass
response by changing the distance
from the microphone to the sound
source for an optimum result in
dierent situations. You can also
use the high-pass lter on the TC
3 to lessen the proximity eect but
be aware that the proximity eect
comes into play a good deal above
the 75 Hz cut-o frequency of the
high-pass lter. You can also try the
Omni capsule that has no proxim-
ity eect.
Changing heads: Carefully screw
the mounted head anti-clockwise
until it is loose from the TC 3 body.
Then mount the new head care-
fully by screwing it clockwise on
the microphone body. Tight the
head moderately.
Multipaern Small Capsule Tube Microphone
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on choosing the Golden Age Project TC 3 Small Capsule Tube microphone!
The TC 3 is a high quality and very versatile small capsule tube microphone with three exchange-
able capsule heads, pad and high-pass lter.
The TC 3 is very well suited for the recording of vocals and most instrument sources like acoustic
instruments, strings, horns, orchestras and choral groups and many live sound applications.
In spite of its moderate cost for the performance and facilities it oers, the TC 3 meets the most
stringent demands.
To get maximum benet and trouble free use out of the TC 3, please read this manual carefully.

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II
PRECAUTIONS
- Make sure that you select the proper voltage
on the voltage selector on the power supply
before connecting the unit to 115 or 230V AC
power, otherwise the unit will be damaged!
This is not covered by the warranty.
In order to ensure a long life for your TC 3,
please always follow these guidelines:
1. Do never subject the TC 3 and its parts to
hard knocks, such as dropping it or not pack-
ing it properly when you move or transport it.
Remember that not the least the microphone
heads of the TC 3 are sensitive parts!
2. Do never blow into the TC 3 and protect it
from any strong blast of air movement. Do
never put in inside or close to the front of a kick
drum. Use a pop-lter and place it at least 0,5m
away.
3. Do always use a pop-lter for close-up vocals
to protect the capsule from mouth spray.
4. Do always protect the TC 3 from dirt and
moisture.
5. Do never use phantom power with the TC 3.
6. When the TC 3 is not in use, always keep it in
its case or in its vinyl pouch.
7. Avoid exposing the TC 3 to direct sunlight or
extremes in humidity for extended periods of
time.
8. Do never try to service the TC 3 yourself
since this will void the warranty.
WARRANTY
Please check the TC 3 carefully immediately
when you receive it and make sure that there
are no problems with the microphone. The war-
ranty period is one year (90-days on the tube)
and apply to defects in materials and work-
manship. It does not cover misuse of the TC 3.
If you ever experience any problem with the
TC 3, contact your dealer.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: True small capsule condenser micro-
phone.
Polar paerns: Cardioid, Hyper-Csrdioid and
Omni.
Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz.
Sensitivity: -34 dB (0 dB = 1V/Pa) @ 1 kHz.
Equivalent Noise Level (A-weighted per IEC
268-4): < 18 dB typical.
Maximum SPL (<1% THD @ 1 kHz): 140 dB.
Output impedance: 200 ohm, balanced.
Recommended load impedance: > 1000 Ohms.
Dimensions: mm.
Weight: 1 500 g.
Please note: Specications can be changed at
any time without notice.
Many thanks for purchasing the
Golden Age Project TC 3
- We wish you much joy and many wonderful
recordings with it!