Samson Meteor Mic User manual

Meteor Mic
USB Studio Microphone

Samson Technologies Corp. v3.1
Copyright 2018
278-B Duffy Ave
Hicksville, New York 11801
1-800-3-SAMSON
www.samsontech.com

Meteor Mic USB Studio Condenser Microphone
Congratulations on your purchase of the Samson Meteor Mic USB
studio condenser microphone. The Meteor Mic is a professional studio
microphone with a large 1” (25mm) diaphragm, housed in a die-cast
body with patented fold-up legs. The microphone features high-quality
onboard digital converters and a USB interface, as well as a headphone
output with level control for zero-latency monitoring, and a microphone
mute switch for added control over your recordings. The Meteor’s integral
tripod legs allow for limitless positioning to capture any sound source.
There is even an integrated stand adapter to mount the microphone on a
studio boom. With the Meteor Mic, you get everything you need to start
recording on your computer - just plug in the supplied USB cable, launch
your favorite audio software, and begin recording.
With its extended frequency and fast transient response, the Meteor Mic
reproduces any performance with incredible accuracy and clarity. It is
also great for VoIP and video chatting. Whether you’re recording your
latest song idea, a podcast, or your band’s next big hit, the Meteor Mic is
the simplest and most comprehensive solution for high-quality recording
on a Mac or PC. Just plug it in and start creating!
In this manual, you’ll find a detailed description of the features of your
Meteor Mic USB studio condenser microphone, as well as step-by-step
instructions for its setup and use, and full specifications.
Introduction

We recommend you keep the following records for reference, as well as a
copy of your sales receipt:
Serial number: _________________________________________
Date of purchase: ______________________________________
If you have any questions or comments regarding the Meteor Mic or any
other products from Samson, do no hesitate to contact us at
[email protected].
With proper care and maintenance, your Meteor Mic will operate trouble-free
for many years. Should your Meteor Mic ever require servicing, a Return
Authorization (RA) number must be obtained before shipping your unit to
Samson. Without this number, the unit will not be accepted.
Please visit www.samsontech.com/ra for an RA number prior to shipping your
unit. Please retain the original packing materials and, if possible, return the
unit in its original carton. If your Meteor Mic was purchased outside of the
United States, contact your local distributor for warranty details and service
information.
Introduction

Meteor Mic USB Studio Condenser Microphone
Meteor Mic Features
• Professional, large diaphragm, studio
condenser USB microphone
• 1” (25mm) microphone capsule
• Onboard 1/8” headphone output with
volume control for zero-latency direct
monitoring
• High-quality A/D and D/A converters
• Compatible with Mac and PC
computers; no drivers or external power
supplies are required
• Microphone mute switch for privacy,
and to silence noise during playback
• Computer-controlled analog input gain
• Power, Peak, and Mute LED indicator
• USB cable and carry pouch included

1. Capsule - Large, 1” (25mm)
diaphragm with a cardioid
(unidirectional) polar pattern.
2. Windscreen - Dual stage grille
protects the capsule and
helps reduce wind noise and
p-popping.
3. LED - Three-color LED
illuminates blue to indicate
power, amber to indicate that
the microphone is muted, and
flashes red when the input
signal is clipping.
4. Headphone Volume - Controls the
overall level of the Meteor Mic’s
headphone output.
5. Microphone Mute Button - Mutes
the output of the microphone to
the computer and headphone
output. The LED will illuminate
amber when the microphone
is muted.
6. Stand Mount - Standard 5/8”
thread mount to attach the
Meteor Mic to a microphone
stand.
1
3
6
4
2
5
Meteor Mic Layout

Meteor Mic USB Studio Condenser Microphone
7
8
7. Headphone Jack - 1/8”
(3.5mm) stereo jack for
connecting headphones or
active studio monitors.
8. USB Jack - Mini-B USB
connector for interfacing with
your computer.
Meteor Mic Layout

Connecting to a Computer
Using the Meteor Mic with Windows Computers
1. From the Start Menu, open the Control Panel and select Sound.
Under the Playback and Recording tabs, select the Samson Meteor
Mic as the audio device.
2. To adjust the gain of the microphone, click the Properties button,
and then select the Levels tab. You can view the volume level as
either a percentage or in dB, by right clicking on the number box.
3. If the microphone LED is lighting red, turn this control down until the
LED no longer flashes red.
4. In the Playback tab, select the Level tab and set the computer’s
Master Volume to 100%. Use the Meteor Mic’s Output Level buttons
to control the overall output from the headphones or speaker.
5. To adjust the direct monitoring level in the Playback tab by moving the
fader labeled Microphone.
Using the Meteor Mic with Apple OSX
1. Open System Preferences from the dock or the main Apple Menu.
2. Select the Sound preference icon, choose the Input tab and select
Meteor Mic.
3. Set the gain of the Meteor Mic by adjusting the Input volume slider at
the bottom of the Sound dialog box.
4. Set the Meteor Mic as playback volume by clicking the Output tab
and select Meteor Mic, adjust the Output volume slider at the
bottom of the Sound dialog box to the maximum setting and use the
Meteor Mic’s front panel Volume knob to control the overall output
from the headphones or speakers.
5. To turn direct monitoring on or off, open the Audio/MIDI Setup utility
located in the Utility folder inside the Applications folder. Then click
the check-box in the Thru column in Audio/MIDI Setup.

Meteor Mic USB Studio Condenser Microphone
Follow this simple quick start for a typical set-up to start recording.
1. Unfold the legs of the Meteor Mic, and position the microphone
on your desktop. The legs can be adjusted to set the angle of the
microphone.
2. Connect your headphones to the Headphone output located on the
rear of the Meteor Mic.
3. Plug the mini-B (small) end of the included USB cable into the
USB socket on the rear of the Meteor Mic and plug the other end
of the USB cable into an available USB port on your computer.
4. Set the computer’s output level is set to maximum for full volume
in the Meteor Mic headphone monitor.
5. Launch your recording software, turn the microphone’s Volume
knob down, and select the Meteor Mic for the input and output.
6. Set up a mono record track in your software for the vocal track.
7. Set the level of the microphone following the instructions in “Connecting
to a Computer”. If you see the Power/Peak LED illuminate red, your
signal will be distorted. Turn the MIC level control down until it
does not flash red.
8. Speak or sing into the mic and raise the Meteor Mic’s Headphone
Volume knob until you reach a comfortable listening level.
9. Press the record button and start creating.
Quick Start

Recording Techniques
The Meteor Mic is a great microphone choice for many instrument miking
situations. Below is a brief guide on using the Meteor Mic in some typical
applications:
Vocals
Position the microphone directly
in front of the artist so that the
microphone grille is between 64
to 18 inches away. The closer the
artist moves to the microphone,
the more the bass or low response
increases; this is called proximity
effect. To achieve the fullest
sound, the vocalist should aim the
microphone center line towards
their mouth. If p-popping (turbulent
bursts of air produced when uttering
consonants) is occurring, rotate the
microphone a little bit away from
the artist so that sound arrives at
the microphone slightly off-center.
Acoustic Guitar
There are a variety of ways that the Meteor Mic can be used to mic
an acoustic guitar. Optimal microphone placement will depend on the
type of instrument, and what kind of sound you’re looking to capture.
It may be necessary to experiment with various positions to achieve full
and balanced tone. When miking a standard steel string acoustic, it is
suggested that you begin with the microphone at a distance of 6–12
inches from the sound hole, positioned slightly off-axis, and pointing
towards the edge of the fingerboard. From this position, moving the
microphone towards the sound hole will cause the mic to capture more
low frequencies. If, instead, you wish to capture more high-end, or to

Meteor Mic USB Studio Condenser Microphone
remove any unwanted boominess,
move the microphone toward the
fingerboard. Unlike a steel string
acoustic guitar, the sound of a
nylon string acoustic guitar that is
played by finger picking is usually
naturally warmer. To record an
even, full tone, it is suggested
that you begin by positioning the
microphone 3–6 inches above the
center of the bridge. This will help emphasize the higher frequencies
and pick up the attack sound of the finger picking. If the microphone
is picking up too much low frequency from the sound hole, move the
microphone so that it is slightly off-axis from the guitar. If you have a pair
of Meteor Mics, try one positioned at the fingerboard and the second over
the bridge of the guitar, or have one microphone positioned close to the
guitar and the second a few feet away to pick up the sound of the room,
blending the two sources together.
Piano
The grand piano is a very challenging instrument to capture, and can
be miked in a variety of ways. For close miking the piano, position the
Meteor Mic just inside the piano, centered between the soundboard
and the open lid. The closer you move the microphone toward the
instrument the more low frequencies the microphone will pick up. For
an ambient recording like that used in a classical performance, position
the microphone outside the piano, facing into the open lid. For a more
contemporary ensemble sound, place two Meteor Mics in the piano,
positioning one over the low strings and one over the high strings at a
distance of 6–12 inches apart. When miking an upright piano with a
single microphone, position the microphone just above and in front of the
piano with the top open, centered over the instrument.
Recording Techniques

Guitar Amp
Placement of the microphone when recording an electric guitar can
impact the tone as much as the choice of instrument and amplifier.
Guitar amps are usually close-miked but consideration must be made for
the type of signal the amp will produce. While condenser microphones
like the Meteor Mic have fast transient response, they cannot handle
extreme high SPL’s. The Meteor Mic should be placed approximately 4
inches from the grill of the amp. For a brighter sound, the microphone
should face the center of the amplifier’s speaker cone. By moving the
microphone off of the center of the speaker, the sound becomes mellow,
rolling off some of the high frequencies. To add more of the room sound,
the microphone can be angled away from the amplifier, or placed further
away from the speaker.
Full Band
Because of its wide frequency response and fast transient response, the
Meteor Mic performs outstandingly when used to capture a band’s live
performance. You can position the Meteor Mic on a mic stand facing the
ensemble at a distance of six to twelve feet. You can experiment with the
exact placement depending on the size of the room and whether you’re
looking for an ambient or close-miked sound.
Recording Techniques

Meteor Mic USB Studio Condenser Microphone
Proximity Effect
Cardioid (unidirectional) microphones, exhibit a phenomenon known as
proximity effect. Proximity effect is a resulting change in the frequency
response of a microphone based on the position of the mic capsule
relative to the sound source. In general, as the microphone moves closer
to the sound source, the bass response increases.
You can also make subtle changes to the frequency response by making
minor adjustment to the position. Specifically, when you point a cardioid
mic directly at the sound source (on axis) you will get the best frequency
response, however when you start pointing the microphone slightly away
(off axis) you will notice the high frequency response dropping off and
the microphone will start to sound like it has more bass and less highs.
For most vocal applications you’ll want to position the microphone
directly in front of the artist about 4 to 18 inches. This will pickup the
voice while minimizing unwanted background or ambient noise. If you
are close miking vocals, and notice plosive sounds, like p-pops, caused
by plosive consonants set the microphone to a slight angle to reduce
p-popping. Slight changes to the angle of the microphone in reference
to the sound source can make some pretty amazing equalization
adjustments. Experimentation and experience are the best teachers in
getting good sounds, so plug in and start creating!

Polar Pattern Cardioid
Capsule 1” (25 mm) condenser
Frequency Response 20Hz - 20kHz
Max SPL 120dB
Sample Rate 44.1/48kHz
Bit Rate 16bit
Power Requirements 5V 70mA (idle), 100mA
(peak)
Controls Headphone Volume,
Microphone Mute Switch
Output 1/8” TRS
Headphone Impedance 16 ohms
Headphone Output 85mW at 16ohms
THD 0.01% unloaded, 0.04% @
32 ohms
Headphone Frequency Response 20Hz–20kHz
Signal to Noise 96dB (A)
Dimensions 1.92” x 3.9”
(49mm x 100mm)
Weight 0.57lbs (263g)
At Samson, we are continually improving our products, therefore
specifications and images are subject to change without notice.
Specifications

Meteor Mic USB Studio Condenser Microphone
Polar Pattern & Frequency Response
Meteor Mic Polar Pattern
Meteor Mic Frequency Response
0
-10
-30
-20
20 50 200100 500 500020001000 1000020000
+20
+10
Two important characteristics of a microphone are its polar pattern and
frequency response. The polar pattern describes the directionality of the
microphone and the frequency response is a graphical representation to
how the microphone reacts to different frequencies.

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that the interference will not occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on,
the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of
the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and
receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different
from that of the receiver.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician
for help.
If you want to dispose this product, do not mix it with general
household waste. There is a separate collection system for
used electronic products in accordance with legislation that
requires proper treatment, recovery and recycling.
Private household in the 28 member states of the EU, in
Switzerland and Norway may return their used electronic
products free of charge to designated collection facilities or to a retailer
(if you purchase a similar new one).
For Countries not mentioned above, please contact your local authorities
for a correct method of disposal.
By doing so you will ensure that your disposed product undergoes the
necessary treatment, recovery and recycling and thus prevent potential
negative effects on the environment and human health.
Important Safety Information

Meteor Mic USB Studio Condenser Microphone
WARNING: Listening to music at high volume levels and for extended du-
rations can damage one’s hearing. In order to reduce the risk of damage
to hearing, one should lower the volume to a safe, comfortable level, and
reduce the amount of time listening at high levels.
Please use the following guidelines established by the Occupational Safe-
ty Health Administration (OSHA) on maximum time exposure to sound
pressure levels before hearing damage occurs.
• 90 dB SPL at 8 hours
• 95 dB SPL at 4 hours
• 100 dB SPL at 2 hours
• 105 dB SPL at 1 hour
• 110 dB SPL at 1/2 hour
• 115 dB SPL at 15 minutes
• 120 dB SPL - avoid or damage may occur
Important Safety Information

Samson Technologies Corp.
Copyright 2017
278-B Duffy Ave
Hicksville, New York 11801
1-800-3-SAMSON
www.samsontech.com