PERCEPTION 820 TUBE USER INSTRUCTIONS MODE D'EMPLOI ........ Please read the manual before using the equipment! ................ p. 2 p. 20 Veuillez lire cette notice avant d'utiliser le système! Table of Contents Page 1 Safety and Environment...............................................................................................................3 1.1 Symbols Used .......................................................................................................................3 1.2 Safety Instructions .................................................................................................................3 1.3 Environment..........................................................................................................................3 2 Description ..................................................................................................................................4 2.1 Introduction...........................................................................................................................4 2.2 Packing List ..........................................................................................................................4 2.3 Optional Accessories..............................................................................................................4 2.4 Microphone...........................................................................................................................4 2.5 Remote Control Unit ...............................................................................................................4 2.5.1 Front Panel...................................................................................................................5 2.5.2 Rear Panel ...................................................................................................................5 3 Setting Up....................................................................................................................................7 3.1 Important Note ......................................................................................................................7 3.2 Connecting the Microphone....................................................................................................7 3.3 Connecting the Remote Control Unit to Power...........................................................................7 3.4 Powering Up..........................................................................................................................7 3.5 Powering Down .....................................................................................................................8 4 Using the Microphone..................................................................................................................9 4.1 Introduction...........................................................................................................................9 4.2 Bass Cut Filter .......................................................................................................................9 4.3 Preattenuation Pad ..............................................................................................................10 4.4 Hints on Microphone Placement............................................................................................10 4.4.1 Lead Vocals................................................................................................................10 4.4.2 Choir/Backing Vocals...................................................................................................10 4.4.3 Trumpet, Trombone .....................................................................................................11 4.4.4 Electric Guitar/Bass.....................................................................................................12 4.4.5 Violin, Viola .................................................................................................................12 4.4.6 Double Bass, Cello ......................................................................................................13 4.4.7 Acoustic Guitar ...........................................................................................................13 4.4.8 Flute ..........................................................................................................................13 4.4.9 Clarinet ......................................................................................................................14 4.4.10 Tenor and Soprano Saxophones .................................................................................14 4.4.11 Grand and Upright Pianos ..........................................................................................14 4.4.12 Drums .....................................................................................................................15 5 Cleaning ....................................................................................................................................16 6 Troubleshooting .........................................................................................................................16 6.1 Replacing the Fuse ...............................................................................................................16 6.2 Solving Problems..................................................................................................................17 7 Specifications............................................................................................................................18 7.1 Microphone.........................................................................................................................18 7.2 Remote Control Unit .............................................................................................................18 Frequency Response and Polar Patterns.......................................................................................19 Conformity....................................................................................................................................38 2 PERCEPTION 820 TUBE 1 Safety and Environment L ! L ! L 1.1 Symbols Used The lightning flash with arrowpoint in an equilateral triangle means that there are dangerous voltages present within the unit. The exclamation point in an equilateral triangle on the equipment indicates that it is necessary for the user to refer to the User Manual. In the User Manual, this symbol marks instructions that the user must follow to ensure safe operation of the equipment. 1. Do not spill any liquids on the equipment and do not drop any objects through the ventilation slots in the equipment. 2. Use the equipment in dry rooms only. Do not expose the equipment to rain or splash water. Never place objects containing liquids (e.g., vases) on or near the equipment. 3. There are no user-serviceable parts inside the equipment. Do not attempt to service the equipment yourself. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel. Opening the chassis for any reason will void the manufacturer's warranty. 4. Before connecting the equipment to power, check that the AC mains voltage stated on the power supply included with the equipment is identical to the AC mains voltage available where you will use the equipment. Also check that the power outlet is a standard type with a protective ground connection. Disconnecting the protective ground lead or using non-standard power plugs or non-standard power outlets is illegal. 5. Operate the equipment with the power supply included with the equipment only. Using a different power supply may cause serious damage to the unit. 6. If any solid object or liquid penetrates into the equipment, shut down the sound system immediately. Disconnect the equipment from power immediately and have the equipment checked by AKG service personnel. 7. If you will not use the equipment for a long period of time, disconnect the equipment from power. Please note that the equipment will not be fully isolated from power when you set the power switch to OFF. 8. Disconnect the equipment from power during storms to prevent damage. 9. Make sure to route power supply cords so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the equipment. 10. To avoid hum or interference, route all audio lines, particularly those connected to microphone inputs, away from power lines of any type. If you use cable ducts, be sure to use separate ducts for the audio lines. 11. Make sure to replace the built-in fuse with a standard fuse of the same type and rating only. Using any other type of fuse may cause excessive heating and/or a risk of fire. 12. Do not place the equipment near heat sources such as radiators, heating ducts, or amplifiers, etc. and do not expose it to direct sunlight, excessive dust, moisture, rain, mechanical vibrations, or shock. 13. Clean the equipment with a moistened (not wet) cloth only. Be sure to disconnect the equipment from power before cleaning the equipment! Never use caustic or scouring cleaners or cleaning agents containing alcohol or solvents since these may damage the enamel and plastic parts. 14. Use the equipment for the applications described in this manual only. AKG cannot accept any liability for damage resulting from improper handling or misuse. 1. When scrapping the equipment, separate the case, circuit boards, and cables, and dispose of all components in accordance with local waste disposal rules. 2. The packaging of the equipment is recyclable. Dispose of the packaging in an appropriate container provided by the local waste collection/recycling entity and observe all local legislation relating to waste disposal and recycling. 1.2 Safety Instructions 1.3 Environment PERCEPTION 820 TUBE 3 2 Description 2.1 Introduction Thank you for purchasing an AKG product. This Manual contains important instructions for setting up and operating your equipment. Please take a few minutes to read the instructions below carefully before operating the equipment. Please keep the Manual for future reference. Have fun and impress your audience! · · · · · · · PERCEPTION 820 TUBE microphone Remote Control Unit Audio/control cable Spider-type shock mount US type power cord UK type power cord European type power cord 2.2 Packing List · Check that the packaging contains all of the items listed above. Should any of these items be missing, please contact your AKG dealer. 2.3 Optional Accessories 2.4 Microphone · For optional accessories, refer to the current AKG catalog or folder, or visit www.akg.com. Your dealer will be glad to help. The PERCEPTION 820 TUBE is a high quality, true condenser microphone with a 1-inch dual large-diaphragm transducer. What sets it apart from other condenser microphones is that it uses a vacuum-tube preamplifier. Unlike conventional solid-state electronics, a tube preamplifier adds even-order harmonics to the signal. Although these are low in level, they create a rich, warm, three-dimensional sound. This characteristic in conjunction with the typical response of the large-diaphragm transducer will give your recordings a degree of warmth and "musicality" that is difficult to achieve with solid-state microphones. The microphone incorporates a carefully selected ECC 83 tube. If the tube needs replacing, you may alternatively use a 12AX7 tube. This type is similar to the ECC 83. Other features of the PERCEPTION 820 TUBE include: · Selectable polar patterns: The microphone's transducer uses a dual diaphragm. This sophisticated technology allows you to select the optimum polar pattern (cardioid, omnidirectional, figure eight, and six intermediate patterns) for every application. · Gold-sputtered diaphragm: The diaphragm is made of a plastic foil that is gold-sputtered on one side only to prevent shorting to the back electrode even at extremely high sound pressure levels. · All-metal body: The all-metal body adds to the rejection of RF interference so you can use the microphone near transmitter stations and along with wireless microphones or other communications equipment. The extremely rugged, heavy body and sturdy front grill protect the microphone from damage from tough handling on stage. · High headroom: Capable of handling sound pressure levels up to 155 dB and built to resist high temperatures and humidity, the microphone will give excellent results in a wide range of applications. 2.5 Remote Control Unit The Remote Control Unit delivered with your microphone · provides the filament and plate voltages for the vacuum tube, · supplies the polarization voltage for the transducer, · lets you select one of nine different polar patterns, · provides a 20-dB preattenuation pad, and · allows you to switch ...