PROFESSIONAL MICROPHONES Active Velocity Ribbon Microphone
Copyright 2007, Samson Technologies Corp. Printed January, 2007 v1.0 Samson Technologies Corp. 45 Gilpin Avenue Hauppauge, New York 11788-8816 Phone: 1-800-3-SAMSON (1-800-372-6766) Fax: 631-784-2201 www.samsontech.
Table of Contents VR88 Proper Care and Handling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 VR88 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Operating the VR88. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Operating the VR88. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VR88 Proper Care and Handling Your new VR88 ribbon microphone is a sophisticated audio instrument and with proper care and handling it will provide years of enjoyable and reliable performance. Follow each point below to ensure a your microphone remains in good condition. • Handle the VR88 carefully and avoid dropping the microphone. • Always store the VR88 in its case. It’s a good idea to keep the case upright so that the microphone is at a ninety-degree angle with the floor or storage shelves.
Introduction Congratulations on your purchase of the VR88 velocity ribbon microphone from Samson Audio! The VR88 features a fine, pure aluminum corrugated foil ribbon suspended within an intense neodymium field producing a warm and natural response that's silky smooth from bottom to top. The VR88 combines the sweetness of traditional classic ribbon technology with the precision and versatility of advanced condenser microphone head-amplifier electronics.
VR88 Features VR88 Features • Active Velocity Ribbon Microphone. • The microphone's element features a 2.5-inch long, 2-micron thin, 99 percent pure aluminum corrugated ribbon, set in a precise flux field created by a precision tooled, neodymium magnet structure. • Bidirectional, Figure-8 pick-up pattern. • Active head amplifier with 48 volt phantom power operation. • Capable of handling signals with high (135 dB) SPL’s (Sound Pressure Levels).
Operating the VR88 Powering the VR88 The VR88 features an active head amplifier and therefore needs to be operated by connecting a phantom power supply. Phantom power is standard on most quality mixers, outboard mic-pres and hard disk recorders. If necessary, an external phantom supply can also be used. The VR88 receives the phantom power directly from a mic cable when connected to a mixer or other microphone input that includes a phantom supply.
Operating the VR88 some pretty amazing equalization adjustments by slightly changing the angle of the capsule to the sound source. This can be a very useful technique in capturing the optimum sound of a drum set, acoustic guitar, piano or other instruments in a live room or sound stage. Experimentation and experience are the best teachers in getting good sounds, so plug in! For more information on microphone placement, see the section, "VR88 Applications" later in this manual.
VR88 Applications The VR88 is an excellent choice for miking a variety of sound sources including vocals, piano, reed and brass instruments, electric and acoustic guitars and choirs and orchestras to name just a few. Vocals When using the VR88 on vocals, use of an external pop filter is strongly recommended. Position the microphone in front of the artist so that the microphone grill is approximating 4 to 10 inches away.
VR88 Applications Strings When recording a solo string instrument like a violin, place the VR88 one to three feet from the instrument. When recording a string section, try to position one or more VR88’s several feet from the players. If the size of the room permits, raise the microphones three or four feet above the section and position them at a 45-degree angle, facing down. Drums The VR88 is an excellent overhead microphone to record drums.
VR88 Applications Kick Drum The VR88 is an excellent kick drum microphone, but due to the powerful wind blast they produce you must be extremely careful on how you position the microphone. For direct miking, position the microphone at least 18 inches from the drum. For closer miking, place the microphone 10 to 18 inches, but be sure to position the microphone at a 45 degree angle to avoid excessive wear to the ribbon. Figure 4. 18” to 24” 45° Angle Minimum 10” Kick Drum Side View Figure 4.
Using the SP88 Shock-Mount Using the SP88 “Spider” Shock-Mount For mounting the VR88 to a mic stand you can use the included swivel adapter or for additional isolation the VR88 can be fitted on the included SP88 “Spider” shock mount. Follow the steps below to install the swivel or SP88 shockmount. 1 • First, screw the swivel mount or shock mount onto your mic stand or boom arm. If you’re using a US 5/8” mic stand or boom, remove the Euro adapter.
VR88 Specifications VR88 Frequency Response VR88 Polar Response VR88 Specifications Frequency Response Polar pattern Element type Ribbon thickness Sensitivity Max SPL Equivalent Noise Level Impedance Minimum Load Impedance Power supply voltage Weight Dimensions 30 ~ 16000 Hz Bi-directional (Figure 8) Velocity Ribbon 2 microns -40 dB/Pa 135 dB 17dB 200 ohms 1000 ohms phantom power 48V +/-3V 1.1 lbs. (500 g) Height: 7" (175 mm) Width: 2.125" (54 mm) Depth: 2.
Samson Technologies Corp. 45 Gilpin Avenue Hauppauge, New York 11788-8816 Phone: 1-800-3-SAMSON (1-800-372-6766) Fax: 631-784-2201 www.samsontech.
