Soundelux U99 User manual

www.bockaudio.com
Introduction
Inspired by the original “Sound of Tomorrow U67,” the U99 is a multi-pattern tube microphone for
the recording studio and for premier live events. Featuring a k67 dual symmetrical backplate dual
membrane capsule along with the signature Soundelux USA “fat” switch featured on the U195
microphone, and an innovative new high frequency “boost-flat-cut” switch, the U99 has enough
proximity effect to sound full, but not so much that it sounds boomy. This makes it a natural on
vocals, acoustic instruments, drums, and VO.
As with all Soundelux USA mics, The U99 uses a “new old stock” tube and true linear high current power supply
for the fullest possible sound. It also features a large core output transformer to radically increase the low
frequency headroom. The mic comes with its own proprietary N470 power supply, six pin XLR cable, and bottom
thread shock mount, and is built in the same facility by the same people who build Bock microphones.
Description
The Soundelux USA Model U99 is a high quality continuously variable directivity studio condenser microphone
utilizing vacuum tube electronics. Modeled after the famous 67 designed and originally built in the 1960’s, this
mic takes that platform and expands the electronics bandwidth and feature set. It utilizes it’s own proprietary
cable and power supply. The microphone’s audio output is standard male XLR3, with positive excitation of the
diaphragm at the front of the mic resulting in a positive voltage at the output XLR’s pin 2. Audio output is fully
transformer balanced.
Additional Circuit Notes
The Soundelux USA U99 uses classic single pentode run as triode circuitry with high quality through hole
components. Through hole components are more mechanically robust than surface mount and allow for worldwide
ease of repair, as well as being the component standard for all vintage mics. Single triode or pentode run as
triode mic circuits demand excellent capsules before them and excellent transformers after them, with a reward
of low noise, simplicity of troubleshooting, and classic sound unachievable otherwise. The Soundelux USA U99
departs from the classic 67 of the 1960’s in its expansion of the bandwidth of the electronics, which has had its
low frequency cutoff frequency decreased from 40 Hz to 10 Hz, without any loss of high frequencies, by use of a
larger transformer.
As well, the cathode self bias cap is rear of mic switch selectable for “fat,” which has an increased value to
maximize warmth, or “normal” with a traditional value capacitor. For loud sound sources, or very close up use, a
-20 dB pad switch is available on the rear of the mic. As well, the rear mounted “High Frequency” switch allows
the user to tailor the desired response at 10 kHz to “flat” (capsule has natural boost of +2 dB @ 10 kHz), “boost”
(+2 additional dB @ 10 kHz, total +4 dB @ 10 kHz, a gentle shelf starting at 4 kHz), or “cut.” Cut has two corner
frequencies, 10 kHz and 5 kHz, and reduce the sibilant region 3.5 kHz - 8 kHz by 1.5 and 3 dB respectively.
Getting Started
It is recommended that the user place the mic in its shockmount on a stand and connect all the cables before
applying power to the unit. Allow a few minutes for the mic to warm up.
Soundelux Model U99
User Manual

www.bockaudio.com
Power Supply and Cable
The Bock Audio P-251 full linear power supply features simple shunt B+ regulation and
active current source for the heater. The outputs and cable pinouts are shown in the
table at right.
Specifications
Patterns: Remote continuously variable omni
through cardioid and figure 8
Frequency Range: 10 Hz to 18 kHz, ±2 dB
Sensitivity: 33 mv/Pa
Equivalent Noise: 19 dB (“A” weighted), 29 dB (unweighted)
Distortion vs. SPL @ 1 kHz: (increasing distortion is non-exponential, nearly linear, and primarily 2nd harmonic)
112 dB = 0.5% THD
118 dB = 1% THD
129 dB = 2% THD
Impedance: 200 Ohms true transformer balanced
Recommended load: 2K Ohms
Dynamic range: 99 dB (max SPL-”A”noise)
S/N (94 dB-noise): 75 dB (“A” weighted), 65 dB (unweighted)
Capsule size: 1” diameter, dual symmetrical backplate K67 type
Tube type: New Old Stock EF732
Dimensions: 2” dia x 9” oal (50 x 228 mm)
Weight: 1 lb 9.3 oz (1.58 lbs) = 716 g
Shipping weight: 12 lbs
Power Supply: P251 true linear, factory wired 115v or 230v operation
Safety
Pin # Output
1 audio (-)
2 audio (+)
3pattern (if applicable)
4 heater (5.1v typical)
5 B+ (120v typical)
6 ground
case shield
• CAUTION: Shock Hazard: Do not open microphone when connected to
power source. No user serviceable parts inside. Refer failed units to
qualified service personnel.
• VORTICHT: Shock gefar: Bitte nicht daf mikrofon offen wenn es
eingeschaltet ist einen stoppkontakt.
• Keine zu wartenden Teile im Inneren. Beziehen gescheitert Einheiten
qualifiziertem Service-Personal.
• ATTENCIONE: Choc hazard: N’ouvrez pas le microphone quand il y a
un connectionne avec un source d’electricity. Aucune pièce réparable
par l’utilisateur. Référer unités échoué à un personnel qualifié.
• ATTEZIONE: Riscchio di scossa: Non aprire il microfono quando e
attacato al’eletricita. Non contiene parti riparabili. Riferimento unità
riusciti a personale qualificato.
• Read the instructions.
• Keep these instructions.
• Heed all warnings.
• Follow all instructions
• Do not use this apparatus near water.
• Clean only with dry cloth.
• Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
• Do not install near any heat source such as radiators, heat registers,
stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
• Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type
plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other.
• Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly
at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit
from the apparatus.
• Only use with attachments/accessories specified by the
manufacturer.
• Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is
required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such
as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled
or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been
exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been
dropped.
• Soundelux USA U99
• UL 62368-2
• EN 62368-1
• Part 10004702 v201210