4
Using the Mic Tube to mount a microphone:
The Mic Tube has a number of features and associated parts. Focusing
works as follows, the Mic Tube has an integral focus gauge with colored
lines, A, B, and C that correlate to the microphone focal points FI, the
end of the tube, and FO. When in use, lines A, B, or C will align at the
rear edge of the Backplate hub depending on which mic mounting
method you use. All Mic Tubes are now black and do not have colored
markings, but the below illustration clarifies the focus lines. When using
a microphone pointed towards the dish, align the Mic Tube line A at the
rear hub edge for perfect focus. When using a mic pointed away from the
dish, align line C at the rear hub edge. Sometimes it is preferred to
defocus a subject that is less than twenty feet away by pushing the focal
Mic Tube and related parts.
point away from the dish by 6mm,
and by 12mm if closer than 10 feet.
Installing a mic pointed towards
the dish is the preferred way to use
any parabolic microphone, and
works well with modern, shorter
mics. Omnidirectional microphones
are preferred, but you may use a
cardioid microphone.
To install a mic pointed towards the dish: First, install one of the Foam
Cable Clamps, 4, inside the Mic Tube between the cable slot, 3, and the
beginning of the open slots. This foam piece blocks sound from the Mic
Tube causing inference with the microphone. Install your microphone so
that the element is flush with FI, and clamp using thumb screw, 6. FI is at
the end of the open slots, exactly 1.0 inch deep. You may need to use one
of the Adapter Sleeves on your microphone so that it fits snugly into the
Mic Tube. See more about using the Adapter Sleeves later in the manual.
Next, install the Windscreen, the one with holes on both ends. Place the
larger hole onto the small end of the Mic Tube and slide it towards and
over the larger end where the thumb screw is located, until it hits the
thumb screw. The smaller opening will have a tight fit over the Mic Tube.
Next, install one of the o-rings, 1x1/16 inch, onto the Mic Tube. Place the
o-ring at point 5, this will become a cable retainer. Attach your mic cable
to the mic and route the other end of the cable under the o-ring you place
at point 5, through the cable slot, 3, and out the end of the Mic Tube.
Assemble the other Foam Cable Clamp onto the cable by opening the
slice cut in the foam, placing it around the cable and into the end of the
