STUDIO PROJECTS C1 User manual

Studio Projects is manufactured and marketed under the direction of
PMI AUDIO GROUP
23773 Madison Street, Torrance, CA 90505
voice [phone] Facsimile [phone]
toll-free USA [phone]
Email [email protected]
Studio Projects Instruction Manual
•ProfessionalStudioMicrophones
•Ultimateprofessionalbuildquality
•Pressure-gradienttransducer
•Transformerlesscircuitry
•Largediameterpressuregradientcapsuleemploying
6umgoldsputteredmylardiaphragms
visit us on the web at www.pmiaudio.com
MICROPHONES
•
Ultralow-noiseFETPreamplifier
•DualTriode"6072"handtestedtubes(T3Only)
•Multi-Patternvariablepowersupply(T3Only)
•Heavydutyroadcase(AllModels)
•Elasticheavydutyshockmount(AllModels)
•QualityGerman"WIMA"components

INSTRUCTION BOOK CONTENTS
What is Studio Projects............................................................................................2
Description, Care .....................................................................................................2
Operation, Problems, Connecting up.......................................................................3
Using Studio Projects, Specification ......................................................................4
Origins and manufacture..........................................................................................4
Applications...............................................................................................................4
C1...............................................................................................................................5
C3...............................................................................................................................6
T3...............................................................................................................................7
WHAT IS STUDIO PROJECTS?
Thereare manymicrophonebrands ontoday’s market, andGerman microphonesare the mostsought after.
StudioProjects wascreated tooffera bettermicrophone fora betterprice tomeeta needin today’smarket.
Studio Projects was designed with German engineering in mind. We offer German quality and sound for a
fractionofthecost.Theproofisinthelistening.Byusingcustom6umcapsulesandGermanWIMAcomponents,
Studio Projects competes both in quality build, and sonic performance with those famous German brands.
Studio Projects has partnered with 797 Audio, a leading manufacturer in China for over 50 years that has
been building some German brand microphones. We like them so much, we put their name on all of our
microphones.As aresult ofthis partnership,our quality issignificantly betterthan otherbrands, asour partner
hasavested interestin Studio Projects,mainly their name!PMI Audio Groupis aleadingdistributor ofpro-
fessional audio products, and have brought quality products to market like, Joemeek and Trident-MTA.
Havingmany yearsof experience with microphones, StudioProjects wascreated toprovide aquality product
at an affordable price. This will be evident as soon as you plug them in. Studio Projects will continue to
bring quality products to market.
DESCRIPTION / CARE
Although the “mylar” membrane on the capacitor is more robust than the gold foil used by the origi-
nal German designs of the 1930s, it is extremely fine and liable to damage if mishandled. There are
two safety factors that MUST be remembered when handling these microphones:
1) Keep the microphone dry.
2) Avoid wind or air blasts directly onto the capsule.
All electronic equipment should be kept dry, but it is even more important to avoid any damp condi-
tions when using high quality condensor microphones. Damp can cause partial short circuits in the
polarizing voltage, this will cause crackling noises and low output. The most important instruction for
condensor microphones is NEVER blow at the capsule. Damage caused by blast of air on the capsule
are often permanent and require the complete replacement of the capacitor element (capsule). Never
use the microphone in the open air without substantial wind protection.
ELECTRICAL FEATURES
The C1 & C3 is a “transformerless microphone”. With transformerless technology, the usual output
transformer is replaced by an electronic circuit. The C1 & C3 ensures good common mode rejection,
and prevents RF interference, that may influence the balanced audio signal.
The C1 & C3 when compared to other microphones has very low noise and is capable of handling
sound pressure levels up to 138 dB without distortion.
OPERATION
The C1 & T3 is capable of handling high sound volume levels so it can be used safely close to musical
instrument amplifiers, however, the C1 is best suited for those high volume applications. If the amplifier
soundisveryloud,this mayoverloadthemicrophoneamplifier. Simplyadjusttheleveltothe microphone
or reposition it. It is a very low noise microphone and suitable for vocal recording to the highest quality.
TheC3 and T3 are more suited for critical vocal recordings, strings, overheads, Broadcast,and production
use. Experimentation is critical for optimum performance. Microphone placement is crucial to a proper
recording.
The C1 & C3 is addressed from the front, marked with the Studio Projects logo. The large diaphragm
capsuleinside the headgrillehas avery smooth frequency response, thereforethe acousticinformation
is not affected in its tonal quality when recorded by the microphone. The microphone maintains an
excellent response reproducing all transient material of music and speech without coloration.
PROBLEMS
Should any microphone accidentally become damp and fail to operate properly (start crackling, or go
very quiet) then place it in a warm and very dry environment for 24 hours. The ideal environment is an
airing cupboard. Studio Projects are extremely resistant to physical damage, but if the microphone
fails to work after being dropped, it should be returned in adequate packing to the supplier. A double
test and inspection system means that manufacturing faults are non-existent but should any fault
occur, it will be repaired (or replaced) free of charge excepting where the fault has been caused by
physical damage.
CONNECTING UP
Using a high quality balanced and screened(shielded) audio cable, connect the C1 or C3 microphone
to the microphone amplifier input and switch on the 48V phantom power. NOTE, the microphone will
notoperate unless48V phantom poweris provided.The microphoneshouldbe poweredup forat least
one minute before it will operate correctly as the polarizing voltage on the capsule needs to stabilize.
Somebackground noise ispossible during thefirst fewseconds after switchon. Keep thegain controls
on the microphone amplifier or mixer well down as the output from the microphone is high (as most
capacitor microphones). For the T3, use the supplied cable to hook the microphone and power supply
(PST3) together. Use a balanced and screened(shielded) audio cable to connect to a mic amplifier. DO
NOT USE A PHANTOM POWER SOURCE FOR THE T3. The T3’s supply powers the mic.
32

C1
TheC1isahighqualitytruecondensorpressuregradient
microphonewithan FET impedanceconverter.It is alarge
diaphragm microphone with a cardiod polar pattern and
a6umcapsuleforthicknaturalreproductionofthevocaland
instrumentrange. TheC1usesatransformerlesscircuit,that
featuresextremelylownoiseandwidedynamicrange.The
C1’spolarresponseisverylinearoverawideincidenceangle.
Signals coming from the side are reproduced accurately
and without any coloration. The microphone capsule is
immunetotypicalinterference andoutsidecontamination.
Themicrophone issuppliedwithashockmount,windscreen
and heavy duty road case with locking latches.
C1 SPECIFICATIONS
Type: FET 6 um single diaphragm
Polar pattern: cardioid.
Frequency response: 20~20000Hz.
Sensitivity: 14mV/Pa=-37dB(0dB=1V/Pa).
Output impedance: <200 Ohm.
Load impedance: >1000 Ohm.
Max. SPL: 131dB SPL for 1% THD @1000Hz(0dB
SPL=0.00002Pa).
Noise: (Line): 27dB (A weighted)---17dB.
S/N: 77 dB.
Power requirement: 48 +/- 4V.
Current consumption: <2.5mA.
Circuit: transformerless circuit, featuring
extremely low self noise and large
dynamic range.
Connector: Gold-plated 3-pin XLR
Size: dia: 2.1" length: 8.9"
Weight: 26.9oz
USING STUDIO PROJECTS
MICROPHONES
Studio Projects is a high quality true condensor pressure gradient microphone with FET impedance con-
verter. (NOTE, this is NOT an electret microphone).
The capacitor element is manufactured to the classic ‘center electrode’ design which provides smooth
extended frequency response without low frequency boominess. Quality is further enhanced by using
dynamic feedback actually at the capacitor element. This original technique eliminates distortions which
canoccur whenusingthis typeof microphoneforhigh volumelevels. Thecapacitormembrane ismicrofine
6 um ‘mylar’ with gold sputtering, voltage polarized by phantom power.
The polar response is linear over a wide incidence angle, so signals coming from the side are reproduced
withoutcoloration. Allmodelsaresuppliedwithanelasticshockmountsystem.Althoughthemicrophones
are not particularly susceptible to sounds transmitted through the case, it is advisable to use this shock
mount wherever possible.
TheC1 & C3is more sensitiveto soundsfrom the frontthan from therear when used in theCARDIOD pat-
tern. The front of the microphone is indicated by the Studio Projects logo. To get the best quality, be sure
the sound source is in line with the front of the microphone. For vocals, a ‘nylon’ pop shield is recom-
mended.AVOIDusingfoam plastic‘pop’shields.Thesemaybe effective atstopping‘popping’,butcanalso
affectthe working of the microphoneso thesound is dulled. To getthat classic earlycapacitor microphone
sound,thesinger should singacrossthefront ofthemicrophoneat adistanceof12" to24" fromthemicro-
phone.
TheC3 and T3 are Multi-Patternmicrophones thatprovide Cardiod, Omni, and FigureEight patterns.These
multiple patterns allow the user more flexibility in their recordings. The Omni pattern picks up sounds uni-
formlyfromall overthecapsule,while Figure8rejects soundsfromthesides (left/right).Usingthese patterns
correctly will give the user a wide variety of recording applications. The T3 offers 6 variable patterns
between the three patterns for even more flexibility of nine total patterns.
ORIGINS AND MANUFACTURE
Studio Projects Microphones are manufactured in Beijing, China by 797 Audio to a specification created
by Studio Projects, Torrance, California. All Studio Projects microphones are inspected and tested at
the factory, then inspected and tested again at PMI Audio Groups facility prior to shipping. Studio
Projects microphones meet the requirements of electronic equipment sold both in the USA, Canada,
and the European Union.
APPLICATIONS
• Close miking of instruments with high sound pressure levels
• Announcer’s mic for broadcasting/dubbing
• Home recording and project studios
• Vocalist recording
• Spot mic for: wind instruments, strings, percussion and guitar amps.
5
4

T3
TheT3 isahigh qualitycondenserpressuregradientmicro-
phonewithanhandselected6072"DualTriode"tubeforthat
sought after classic warm sound. It is a large diaphragm
microphone with three selectable polar patterns, Cardiod,
Omni, and Figure Eight. Via it’s supplied power supply, an
additional six variable patterns are available for a total of
nine patterns. The T3 uses a 6 um dual capsule for thick
warmnatural reproduction ofthevocal range.Thefeatures
extremely low noise and wide dynamic range.
TheT3’spolarresponseisverylinearoverawideincidence
angle.Signalscomingfromthesideandreararereproduced
accuratelyandwithoutanycoloration.Themicrophonecapsule
isimmunetotypicalinterferenceandoutsidecontamination.
Themicrophoneissuppliedwithashockmount,variablepattern
powersupply,dedicated7pinXLRcable,windscreenandheavy
duty road case with locking latches.
T3 SPECIFICATIONS
Type: 1” large dual diaphragm vacuum tube.
Polar pattern: cardioid/ Omni-directional/figure 8 and
6 intermediate stages.
Frequency response: 20~20000Hz.
Sensitivity: 14mV/Pa=-37dB(0dB=1V/Pa).
Output impedance: <250 Ohm.
Load impedance: >1000 Ohm.
Max. SPL: 125dB SPL for 1% THD @1000Hz(0dB
SPL=0.00002Pa).
Noise: (Line)---28dB (A weighted)---18dB-A.
S/N: 76 dB.
Power requirement: Supplied Power Supply (SPT3) 110/220
Current: 200V DC high voltage, <1.5mA
Filament 6.3V DC, <370mA.
Connector: Gold-plated 7-pin XLR
Size: dia: 2.1" length: 8.9"
Weight: 26.9oz
76
C3
The C3 is a high quality true condensor pressure gradient
microphone with an FET impedance converter. It is a large
diaphragmmicrophonewiththreeselectablepolarpatterns,
Cardiod,Omni,andFigureEight.TheC3usesa6um capsule
for thick natural reproduction of the vocal range. The C3
uses a transformerless circuit, that features extremely low
noise and wide dynamic range.
TheC3’spolarresponseisverylinearoverawideincidence
angle.Signalscomingfromthesideandreararereproduced
accuratelyandwithoutanycoloration.Themicrophonecapsule
isimmunetotypicalinterferenceandoutsidecontamination.
Themicrophone issuppliedwithashockmount,windscreen
and heavy duty road case with locking latches.
C3 SPECIFICATIONS
Type: 1 inch large dual diaphragm FET
condenser microphone .
Polar pattern: cardioid/ Omni-directional/figure 8.
Frequency response: 20~20000Hz.
Sensitivity: 12mV/Pa=-38dB(0dB=1V/Pa).
Output impedance: <200 Ohm.
Load impedance: >1000 Ohm.
Max. SPL: 132/142dB SPL for 1% THD
@1000Hz(0dB/-10dB pad, 0dB
SPL=0.00002Pa).
Noise: (Line)---28dB (A weighted)---18dB.
S/N: 76 dB.
Power requirement: 48 +/- 4V.
Current consumption: <2.5mA.
Circuit: transformerless circuit, featuring
extremely low self noise and large
dynamic range.
Connector: Gold-plated 3-pin XLR .
Pad: 10dB
Low cut: 6dB/Octave at 150 Hz.
Size: dia: 2.1" length: 8.9"
Weight: 26.9oz