Milab PEARL ELM-T User manual

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Pearl ELM-T – User Manual
1. Table of contents
1. Table of contents .................................................................................. 2
2. Introduction.......................................................................................... 3
3. Package includes ................................................................................... 3
4. Pearl ELM-T Microphone ....................................................................... 4
5. AGES NG Power Supply Unit (PSU)......................................................... 5
6. Connecting and operating instructions................................................... 6
7. Cleaning and storing.............................................................................. 7
8. Troubleshooting.................................................................................... 8
9. Lifetime warranty and service................................................................ 9
10. Specifications .................................................................................... 10
11. Declaration of conformity (CE)........................................................... 11
12. Environment ..................................................................................... 11
13. Legal notice/user agreement ............................................................. 11
14. Contact information .......................................................................... 12

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Pearl ELM-T – User Manual
2. Introduction
Founded in 1941, Pearl Microphones is one of the oldest, continuously
operating microphone manufacturers in the world.
Every Pearl microphone is handcrafted in our plant in southern Sweden. Our
quality control is meticulous, and all microphones must pass several stages of
testing, including rigorous audio tests in our anechoic chamber.
We believe in our products, which is why every microphone is delivered with
its own individual frequency chart and our industry-leading lifetime warranty.
Since 2017, Pearl Microphones is a trademark of Milab Microphones AB.
Congratulations on your purchase and welcome to the Pearl & Milab family!
Thomas Nöjdh, President
Milab Microphones AB
3. Package includes
•ELM-T Tube Microphone
•Power Supply Unit AGES NT by Andreas Grosser
•Rycote USM shock mount
•Power cable
•Microphone cable (10 m)
•Protective slipcover
•User manual card
•Individual test chart
•Signed letter from Mr. Bernt Malmqvist

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Pearl ELM-T – User Manual
4. Pearl ELM-T Microphone
The Pearl ELM-T Bernt Malmqvist Signature Edition is a high-end
vacuum-tube microphone, built entirely by hand in Sweden. The heart of the
microphone is the Pearl ELM rectangular condenser capsule with a height-to-
width ratio of 7:1. The ELM-T has been meticulously designed by Mr. Bernt
Malmqvist who has been a part of Pearl Microphones since 1954.
The capsule and the vacuum tube are delicate components, and the
microphone should be handled with care. Exposure to liquids, humidity,
power surges, extreme temperatures, or external force (etcetera) may affect the
performance of the microphone or in worst case cause permanent damage.
The ELM-T is not intended to be used as a handheld device and should always
be used with the enclosed shock mount. Make sure that the microphone is
fitted firmly so that it does not fall out of the shock mount.
The microphone is side-addressed and in a directional mode such as cardioid,
the side with the Pearl badge should be aimed at the sound source.
For close-up vocals, we recommend the use of an external pop filter to protect
the microphone capsule and to reduce pops and plosives.

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Pearl ELM-T – User Manual
5. AGES NG Power Supply Unit (PSU)
The AGES NG power supply unit is manufactured specifically for the Pearl
ELM-T by Andreas Grosser Mikrofontechnik in Berlin, Germany.
3-pin XLR pinout
1: Ground (shield)
2: Hot (+ phase)
3: Cold (- phase)
6: Polar pattern selector
7: 7-pin XLR (to microphone)
8: 3-pin XLR (to preamp)
1: Power switch
2: Fuse
AC 230 V SI 100 mA MT
AC 115 V SI 200 mA MT
3: Control lamp
4: Voltage selector (115/230 V)
5: Power inlet

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Pearl ELM-T – User Manual
6. Connecting and operating instructions
Your specific microphone, power supply unit (PSU) and microphone cable
have been optimised and matched by our engineers and should be regarded as
one operational unit. This means that your ELM-T microphone should only
be used with the PSU and cable that it was delivered with.
Connecting the microphone and PSU
Step 1: Connect the microphone cable to the connector at the bottom of the
microphone.
Step 2: Connect the microphone cable to the 7-pin connector on the PSU.
Make sure that the locking mechanism is firmly screwed tight.
Step 3: Connect the 3-pin XLR output on the PSU to a microphone input on
your mixer or preamp, using a balanced XLR cable. Ensure that the input
channel is muted before connecting the XLR cable.
󱛻󱛼󱛽IMPORTANT! Make sure that the microphone is connected to the PSU
before the power is switched on.
Connecting the PSU to power
Step 1: Ensure that the voltage setting on the PSU corresponds to the voltage
of the power grid.
Step 2: Check that the power switch on the PSU is set to “off”.
Step 3: Connect the PSU to a grounded power outlet using the enclosed
power cable.
Step 4: Set the power switch on the PSU to “on”.
If everything has been connected correctly, the microphone will power up and
start to function within ca 30-60 seconds after power has been switched on.
Please note that the vacuum-tube circuitry needs time to warm up. Therefore,
it is highly recommended to leave the power on for at least 10 minutes
before using the microphone.

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Pearl ELM-T – User Manual
󱛻󱛼󱛽IMPORTANT! The PSU offers two different voltage settings, 115 V and
230 V. Always make sure that the voltage setting corresponds to the
voltage of the power grid. Using the wrong setting may result in damage
to the equipment.
Changing the polar pattern
The Pearl ELM-T offers a range of polar patterns (cardioid, omni,
bidirectional and intermediate positions) via a selector on the power supply
unit (see page 5). When using a directional pattern (like cardioid) the side of
the microphone with the Pearl badge should be aimed at the sound source.
󱛻󱛼󱛽IMPORTANT! A tube microphone is a delicate instrument which must
be handled with care. The Pearl ELM-T system should only be used indoors
and not be exposed to humidity or temperatures above normal conditions.
7. Cleaning and storing
Disconnect the power cable from the power supply unit before cleaning.
The microphone and PSU may be cleaned with a soft damp cloth. Alcohol or
methylated spirits can be used to carefully clean the metal surfaces.
󱛻󱛼󱛽IMPORTANT! Always protect the capsule/membranes and electronics
when cleaning.
When the equipment is not in use it should be stored in a dry place at room
temperature. Use the enclosed microphone slipcover or store the microphone
in its case to protect the capsule from dust and dirt.

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Pearl ELM-T – User Manual
8. Troubleshooting
This guide can help you troubleshoot some issues you may encounter. If the
problem persists, please contact your local dealer/distributor or Milab
Microphones directly.
No sound
Possible cause
Possible solution
No power to PSU and/or mic
Ensure that all cables are properly connected.
Make sure that the PSU power switch is turned
on (see page 5).
Check PSU fuse (see page 5).
Signal path issue
(Problems with mixer/preamp,
cables or connectors)
Make sure that mixer/preamp is working, that
the channel is unmuted, and volume is up.
Ensure that the XLR cable is working and that
it is properly connected. Replace if necessary.
Make sure that the microphone cable (between
PSU and mic) is properly connected at both
ends.
Distorted sound, noise, pops and/or clicks
Possible cause
Possible solution
Overloading mixer/preamp
Turn down gain on mixer/preamp
The vacuum tube needs more time
to warm up
Ensure that the system has been powered up
for at least 10 minutes before use.
Sound pressure level is too high
Increase the distance between mic and sound
source.
Popping/plosive sound when
recording vocals
Use pop filter; increase the distance between
mic and singer.

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Pearl ELM-T – User Manual
Polar pattern is being changed (or
has just been changed)
Wait a few seconds for the electronics to
stabilise. Noise/distorted sounds when
changing the polar pattern is normal,
especially when switching between omni and
bidirectional patterns (and vice versa).
Air humidity too high
Reduce humidity levels or move the
microphone to a location with lower humidity.
Condensation caused by sudden
temperature change
Let the microphone acclimatise before use.
9. Lifetime warranty and service
Your microphone is covered by Milab’s lifetime warranty.
The warranty is intended to protect the customer from manufacturing and/or
material defects. It does not cover careless or improper handling (intentional
or unintentional) such as physical negligence, electrical overload etc.
Detailed terms and conditions apply and can be downloaded from our website.
Visit www.milabmic.com/warranty for more information.
If you should experience a problem with your microphone, please contact your
dealer/distributor or Milab directly for further instructions. You can also make
a service request directly on our website: www.milabmic.com/service-request/
Please note that all technical service should be carried out by Milab
Microphones or by a party that has been approved by Milab.
Opening/disassembling the microphone or power supply unit, or making any
modifications to the equipment that cannot be considered “normal use” will
void the warranty.

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Pearl ELM-T – User Manual
10. Specifications
Type: Tube condenser
Article number: B040
Frequency response: 20 to 25,000 Hz
Polar pattern: Variable
Max SPL (1 % THD at 1 kHz): 126 dB
Sensitivity at 1 kHz: 12 mV/Pa (± 1 dB)
Noise level (IEC 179-A): 16 dBA
Power supply: AGES NG
Voltage: Switchable 115/230 V
Output impedance: 200 Ω
Connection: 3-pin XLR (from PSU)
Microphone length: 238 mm
Microphone diameter: 42 mm
Microphone net weight: 640 g
PSU length: 220 mm
PSU width: 100 mm
PSU height: 110 mm
PSU net weight: 1 800 g
Microphone cable length: 10 m
Frequency chart: Coming soon
Polar diagram (cardioid): Coming soon

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Pearl ELM-T – User Manual
11. Declaration of conformity (CE)
Milab Microphones AB declares that this device conforms to all
applicable EU directives/regulations. The equipment may only be
used for audio purposes and in configurations and environments
approved by the manufacturer.
Please contact Milab Microphones to request further documentation.
12. Environment
This product must be disposed of in accordance with local
applicable regulations for electrical and electronic equipment.
13. Legal notice/user agreement
Pearl Microphones is a trademark of Milab Microphones AB, Sweden.
Milab Microphones AB assumes no liability for damages, direct or
consequential, which may result from the use of the supplied product. Under
no circumstances and under no legal theory, tort, contract, or otherwise, shall
Milab Microphones be held liable to you or any other person for any indirect,
special, incidental, or consequential damages of any kind, including, without
limitation, damages for loss of goodwill, work stoppage, computer or
equipment failure or malfunction, or any and all other commercial damages or
losses. This limitation of liability shall not apply to liability for death or
personal injury to the extent applicable law prohibits such limitation.
This User Agreement shall be exclusively subject to the laws of Sweden.
Copyright © 2023 Milab Microphones AB, Sweden. All rights reserved.
Errors excepted. Subject to changes.
Latest revision: 12 June 2023

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Pearl ELM-T – User Manual
14. Contact information
Mailing address:
Milab Microphones AB
Norra Strandgatan 4
S-252 20 Helsingborg
SWEDEN
Delivery address:
Milab Microphones AB
Vallbogatan 8
S-265 31 Åstorp
SWEDEN
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
Website: www.milabmic.com