NADY SCM 960 USER GUIDE Congratulations on purchasing a Nady SCM 960 Condenser Microphone. These superior microphone is perfect for recording studio vocals, acoustic instruments, orchestras and choral groups, ambient instrument audio, and many live sound applications. Powerful and versatile, the SCM 960 microphone meets the stringent requirements of even the most demanding digital recording and live broadcasting applications. This guide covers the operation of the SCM 960 microphone and the available optional accessories. To take full advantage of the superb features of your microphone, and to enjoy long and trouble-free use, please read this user's guide carefully. UNPACKING, INSPECTION, STORAGE AND TRANSPORT Your SCM 960 microphone was carefully packed at the factory, and the shipping carton (or carrying case) was designed to protect the unit during shipping. Please retain this container for subsequent transport and in the highly unlikely event that you ever need to return your microphone for servicing. The optional SMCC-2 aluminum carrying case is highly recommended for the most convenient and safe transport or permanent storage. It has roomy compartments for your SCM 960 microphone and all available accessories, plus XLR cables. STANDARD ITEMS SUPPLIED SCM 960 microphone User guide Warranty card OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES 48V phantom power supply (SMPS-1) Aluminum flight case (SMCC-2) Shockmount (SSM-3) Foam windscreen (FW-1) FEATURES The SCM 960 offers transformerless output and true condenser design (element constantly biased by the pre-amp) for exceptionally low self noise and increased dynamic range, enhanced low and high end response with improved linearity across the frequency range and maximum SPL capacity. It features a large diaphragm capsule (1 inch), three-way pad switch with 0dB, 10dB and 20dB of attenuation, and two selectable polar patterns: omni and cardioid. The SCM 960 uses a carefully selected Field Effect Transistor (FET), specially chosen for its low distortion and superior signal-to-noise ratio. (Note: For optimum performance, it is best to let the microphone warm up for 5 to 10 minutes) The SCM 960 is manufactured with the finest materials and features a machined housing with advanced internal shock mount construction for the highest structural integrity and rugged reliability. It requires 48V phantom power to operate, typically supplied by the microphone pre-amplifier or mixing console. The optional Nady SMPS-1 phantom power supply can also be used. WARNING The capsule is the heart of your condenser microphone. If it become dirty or wet , the sound will be degraded. Never spray any liquid on the microphone head. Always use a foam windscreen if you talk or sing close to the microphone grill screen. USING THE OPTIONAL MICROPHONE SHOCK MOUNT Your SCM 960 microphone can be used with the optional Nady SSM-3 spider shock mount (or equivalent), which uses an elastic suspension to isolate the microphone from vibration, thereby lowering noise transmitted to the microphone from the stand. This is a useful tool in many situations, such as when the performer is tapping his or her feet, or when there is noise pickup from the rumbling of traffic outside of the building. The disadvantage of using the shock mount is that the weight of the microphone may make it drift in the elastic suspension, so mic placement may take a little longer. To insert your SCM 960 microphone into the SSM-3 shock mount, pinch close the levers on the sides of the mount to the open position, then slide the microphone into place. USING THE FOAM WINDSCREEN The FW-1 optional foam windscreen can also be used with your SCM 960. This windscreen fits over the grill portion of the microphone and is designed primarily to decrease bass rumble (from wind noise pickup during outdoor live or recording use. It is also useful in keeping mouth spray out of the microphone head. The FW-1 or some other windscreen should be used whenever someone is close miked to both protect the microphone and to also eliminate "popping" from percussive breath sounds. (Note: Be aware that the foam windscreen will slightly attenuate the high frequency response of the microphone.) CONNECTING THE SCM 960 The SCM 960 can be used in live sound reinforcement and broadcasting and in studio or live recording. It must be powered by 48V phantom power (such as supplied by the optional Nady SMPS-1 phantom power supply or a mixing console with phantom powering), and amplified by a microphone pre-amp (such as built into a mixer, or a stand-alone unit). (Note: Make sure to set the pre-amp to the proper gain level--too much gain may distort subsequent amplifiers and too little may result in a noisy signal) The SCM 960 can be connected to your mixer or phantom power supply using a standard balanced 3-pin XLR microphone cable. Before connecting to a mixer directly, turn the channel to which you're connecting to its lowest gain setting. If you are using the Nady SMPS-1 Phantom Power Supply, connect in the following order: 1. Connect the SCM 960 to the SMPS-1 2. Connect the SMPS-1 Signal Output to your mixer 3. Connect the SMPS-1 to the AC power supply (115--230VAC) 4. Turn on the SMPS-1 Power ON/OFF switch 5. Slowly turn up the channel gain in your mixer to the desired level SERVICE (U.S.) Should your Nady microphone require service, please contact the Nady Service Department via phone at (510) 652-2411 or e-mail at service@nady.com (INTERNATIONAL) For service, please contact the Nady distributor in your country through the dealer from whom you purchased this product. Do not attempt to service this unit yourself as it will void your warranty SPECIFICATIONS Type: True condenser pressure-gradient microphone w/1" diaphragm and FET pre-amplifier Polar pattern: Cardioid /Omni Sensitivity: 16mV/Pa Power requirement: +48VDC phantom power Current consumption: <3mA Controls: Cardioid/Omni pattern select, -10dB, 0, -20dB attenuation select Connector: 3-pin XLR (gold plated) Mic cable: 3-pin XLR standard cable (not supplied) Size: Diameter: 2.0" (50.5mm), Length: 5.25" (133mm) Net weight: 11 oz (311g) Frequency range: 25Hz to 20KHz Impedance: < 200 Ohms Max. SPL (1% THD @1000Hz): 125dB Equivalent noise level to IEC 268-4(A weighted): 19dB S/N ratio re 1Pa: 76dB Specifications subject to change for improvement purposes 05/5/05 ...