Polsen VM-101 User manual

1
PRODUCT
MANUAL
-101
MICROPHONE
DSLR/VIDEO

2
DSLR/VIDEO
MICROPHONE
VM-101
CONTENTS
Introduction...................................................................................................... 3-4
Overview.................................................................................................................5
Precautions ...........................................................................................................6
Installing the Battery..........................................................................................7
Mounting the VM-101.................................................................................8-10
Recording with the VM-101......................................................................11-12
Specications .....................................................................................................13
Troubleshooting...........................................................................................14-15
One-Year Limited Warranty...........................................................................16

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THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING POLSEN.
The Polsen VM-101 is a sturdy directional condenser microphone that delivers
high-quality sound to a DSLR camera, camcorder, or audio recorder.
Unlike omni-directional microphones built in to most cameras and recorders, the
high-quality, directional condenser capsule of the VM-101 will decrease ambient
noise while recording sound with greater clarity. The built-in wind screen will also
minimize noise caused by moving air. Solid ABS construction and an integrated shock
mount assure that sudden movements will not detract from the recording.
The VM-101 runs on a single AAA battery, and the compact, ultra-portable size, light weight,
and included carry pouch make the VM-101 ideal for recording on the go. The integrated
shoe-mount adapter ts any shoe-mount attachment, and the ¼˝-20 threaded socket
ts most boom poles. The VM-101 includes both a foam windscreen and fur wind cover
for added protection against vocal plosives and wind noise when recording dialog.

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Among the benets you’ll enjoy:
• Directional condenser microphone for high-quality sound
• Integrated shock mount to prevent noise due to moving or handling from being recorded
• Foam windscreen and fur wind cover to decrease vocal plosives and wind noise when
recording dialog
• Compact ultra-portable design and carry pouch for easy transport
• 3.5 mm mini plug compatible with many makes and brands of DSLR cameras, video
cameras, and audio recorders

5
OVERVIEW
1. Microphone barrel/wind
screen
2. Battery compartment
3. ON/OFF switch
4. LED indicator
5. Shock mount
6. Mounting foot with locking
wheel
7. Foam Windscreen
8. Fur wind cover
9. 3.5 mm mini plug connector
1.2.
3.
4.
6.
5.
7. 8.
9.

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PRECAUTIONS
• Please read and follow these instructions, and refer to this manual in case of questions. Keep
this manual in a safe place.
• Keep this product away from water and any ammable gases or liquids.
• Do not attempt to disassemble or repair the equipment yourself.
• Handle this product with care
• Clean the product with a soft dry cloth.
• Before use, make sure that this product is intact and that there are no missing parts.
• All photos are for illustrative purposes only.
• Do not leave the battery in this product for long periods of non-use. Batteries can leak and
damage the microphone.

7
INSTALLING THE BATTERY
The VM-101 is powered by one AAA battery.
1. Remove the battery compartment cover by gently
pressing on the arrows and sliding it toward the
back of the microphone.
2. Insert an AAA battery making sure that the
polarity of the battery matches the diagram inside the battery
compartment.
3. Replace the battery compartment cover by sliding it back into position until it clicks into
place.

8
MOUNTING THE VM-101
Shoe Mount
The VM-101 has a mounting foot and locking wheel for attaching to the shoe mount of a
camera or camcorder.
1. Loosen the locking wheel of the shoe mount by turning it
counterclockwise.
2. Securely hold the microphone and the camera.
3. Gently slide the microphone into the camera’s
shoe mount so that it is fully seated.
4. Tighten the locking wheel by turning it clockwise
until the microphone is securely in place.

9
Mic Boom Pole
The mounting foot of the VM-101 comes with a threaded
¼˝-20 socket for attaching to a boom pole.
To attach to a boom pole:
1. Make sure the power on the VM-101 is turned off.
2. Position the microphone so that the threaded post at the end of the
boom pole is aligned with the threaded socket on the VM-101.
3. Screw the boom pole into the threaded socket until the microphone is
secure.

10
Making the audio connection
In order to record with the VM-101, it must be connected to a DSLR camera, camcorder, or
recording device.
1. Make sure the power on the VM-101 is turned off.
2. Connect the VM-101 by plugging the 3.5 mm mini plug into the AUDIO IN jack of the
camera or recorder.
3. If using a boom pole, you will need an extension cable (sold separately).

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RECORDING WITH THE VM-101
Once the VM-101 is securely attached to the camera or recorder, turn the microphone on by
moving the On/Off switch to the ON position. The LED indicator will turn on. The VM-101 is
ready to record.
Note:The power switch of the VM-101 must be turned on in order to record.
Setting the Record Level on the Camera or Recorder
You may have to set the input level on your camera or recorder. Some DSLR, video cameras,
and recorders allow the user to access the recording level via the device’s menus. If you are
setting the level manually, set the level so that the meter reads slightly below maximum
level at the loudest points (“peaks”) of your test audio. Consult the manual of your camera or
recorder for more information.

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Recording Tip:Before recording a complete take, it is always advisable to do a test recording
and listen to the playback.
If the sound is too low, increase the mic gain (audio input level) on your camera or recording
device. If there is no mic gain control, move the VM-101 closer to the sound source.
If the sound is too loud or is distorting during playback, decrease the mic gain (audio input
level) on your camera or recording device. If there is no mic gain control, move the VM-101
further away from the sound source.
Using the Windscreen and Wind Cover
The foam windscreen should be used to minimize vocal plosives and breath noise for up-close
microphone placement when recording speech or dialog. The fur wind cover should be used to
eliminate noise from strong or gusting winds.

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SPECIFICATIONS
MICROPHONE Condenser Microphone (Directional)
FREQUENCY RANGE 38 Hz – 20 kHz
SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO 75 dB
SENSITIVITY -40dB ±3dB / 0dB=1V/Pa, 1 kHz
OUTPUT IMPEDANCE 1k Ohm or less
OUTPUT CONNECTOR 3.5 mm mini-plug
CABLE LENGTH RELAXED 8˝(20.3 cm) STRETCHED 14˝(35.6 cm)
OUTER CASE ABS Construction
POWER 1.5V AAA Battery (not included)
DIMENSIONS 4.3˝×3.0˝×1.8˝(109 ×75 ×45 mm)
WEIGHT 1.8 oz (52 g)

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TROUBLESHOOTING
Problem Solution
No sound
was
recorded.
Make sure that a fresh AAA battery is installed and correctly oriented in the battery
compartment.
Make sure the power switch on the microphone is set to the ON position and the LED
indicator is on.
Make sure the 3.5 mm mini plug is connected to the correct AUDIO INPUT jack on the device
to which you are recording.
The sound is
distorted.
Make sure the 3.5 mm mini plug is fully plugged into the audio input jack of your camera or
recorder.
If your camera or device has an input control, decrease the mic gain (audio input level) on
your camera until the meter reads below peak level at the loudest point of the audio.
Reposition the VM-101 further away from the sound source.
(See: Recording Tip under Recording with the VM-101 )

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Problem Solution
The
recording
level is too
low.
If your camera or device has an input control, increase the mic gain (audio input level) on
your camera until the meter reads slightly below peak level at the loudest point of the audio.
Reposition the VM-101 closer to the sound source.
(See: Recording Tip under Recording with the VM-101 )
The
microphone
is stuck in
the camera’s
shoe mount.
Make sure the locking wheel is fully loosened.
Important:the microphone should easily mount and dismount. Do not apply force by trying
to pull the VM-101 off the camera. You could damage the microphone and the camera.

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ONE-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
This Polsen product is warranted to the original purchaser to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under
normal consumer use for a period of one (1) year from the original purchase date or thirty (30) days after replacement,
whichever occurs later. The warranty provider’s responsibility with respect to this limited warranty shall be limited
solely to repair or replacement, at the provider’s discretion, of any product that fails during normal use of this product
in its intended manner and in its intended environment. Inoperability of the product or part(s) shall be determined by
the warranty provider. If the product has been discontinued, the warranty provider reserves the right to replace it with
a model of equivalent quality and function.
This warranty does not cover damage or defect caused by misuse, neglect, accident, alteration, abuse, improper
installation or maintenance. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN, THE WARRANTY PROVIDER MAKES NEITHER ANY
EXPRESS WARRANTIES NOR ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY
OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. This warranty provides you with specic legal rights,
and you may also have additional rights that vary from state to state.
To obtain warranty coverage, contact the Polsen Customer Service Department to obtain a return merchandise
authorization (“RMA”) number, and return the defective product to Polsen along with the RMA number and proof of
purchase. Shipment of the defective product is at the purchaser’s own risk and expense.
For more information or to arrange service, visit www.polsenaudio.com or call Customer Service at 212-594-2353.
Product warranty provided by the Gradus Group.
www.gradusgroup.com
Polsen is a registered trademark of the Gradus Group. ©2014 Gradus Group LLC. All Rights Reserved. GG2