Operation; General Hints - Harman AKG P820 Mode D'emploi

4 Operation

General Hints

NOTE
P820
Using vacuum-tube electronics and a large-diaphragm transducer, the
P820 TUBE is suited for a wide range of applications. It will add the typical
warmth and richness tube microphones are famous for to female and male
voices as well as many instruments.
The following sections contain general hints on using the microphone and
suggestions on how to place the microphone for voices and various instruments.
Please remember that vacuum tubes with their heater filaments are more delicate
than solid-state components. Even a drop from moderate height may cause the
filament to break and the microphone to fail. So always handle the microphone
with extreme care.

Whichever polar pattern you select, it may be good to know which way the
transducer axis is facing: the front of the microphone is the side of the body
with the AKG logo on it.

When recording wind instruments or vocals, make sure not to blow or sing
directly into the microphone.
To get professional sounding results with no unwanted wind and pop noise
(exaggerated "p" and "t" sounds), place an optional PF80 pop screen from
AKG between the microphone and vocalist/instrument.

Keep the microphone dry. Moisture from blowing or singing directly at the
capsule from a short distance, or extremely high humidity may cause the
microphone to start crackling or go very quiet due to partial short circuits in
the polarization voltage.

If you use the microphone in the open, use an optional AKG W4000
windscreen to protect the microphone from moisture and reduce wind
noise.

Loud instruments: You can use this microphone for close-in recording of
very loud instruments (brass instruments, kick drum, etc.). Just switch the
preattenuation pad in to increase the microphone's capability of handling
sound pressure levels to 155 dB.
 To switch the preattenuation pad in, set the preattenuation switch on
the Remote Control Unit front panel to "-20 dB".
 To switch the preattenuation pad out of circuit, set the preattenuation
switch to "0".

Low-frequency noise: The supplied spider type shock mount reduces
footfall or other mechanical noise to a minimum.
The switchable bass cut filter at 80 Hz will effectively suppress any
remaining low-frequency noise such as fan noise from air conditioning
systems, etc., or floor vibrations, handling noise, etc. without affecting the
sound of the recorded voice or instrument on tape.
Operation
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