Samson Q1U - Manual (Page 11)

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ENGLISH
Operating the Q1U
Powering the Q1U
The Q1U is a dynamic microphone, however since it has internal electronics, e.g. digi-
tally controlled mic pre and analog-to-digital convert, the microphone requires an
active power supply. This is not a problem since the Q1U receives its power from the
USB bus. Simply connect the microphone to the computers USB port and the micro-
phone is ready to operate. The Q1U features a power on LED, which will illuminate
when USB power is present.
Polar Pattern
The most important characteristic of any microphone is its directionality or “pick-up
pattern”. There are three basic categories of pick up patterns; omni, bi and uni-direc-
tional. Omni mics pick up sound from all directions, bi-directional (figure 8) mics pick
up the sound directly in front and back of the microphone while rejecting the sound
on the left and right sides, and uni-directional (cardioid) mics pick up the sound in
front of the microphone.
While omni and bi-directional microphones are very useful for a variety of applica-
tions, the majority of “miking” situations in recording and live sound require uni-
directional or cardioid microphones. The Q1U's pick-up pattern is super-cardioid, or
uni-directional, which offers more rejection at the rear of the mic. The uni-directional
nature allows for better separation of instruments in the studio and more control over
feedback in live sound reinforcement. When positioned correctly the super-cardioid
pick-up pattern allows you to pick up more of the sound you want and less of the
sound you don’t want.
Microphone Placement
In order to maximize the sound quality, you must pay careful attention to the place-
ment of your Q1U and how it is positioned for the instrument or vocalist that you are
miking. All microphones, especially uni-directional or cardioid microphones, exhibit a
phenomenon known as “proximity effect.” Very simply put, proximity effect is a result-
ing change in the frequency response of a microphone based on the position of the
mic capsule relative to the sound source. Specifically, when you point a cardioid mic
directly at the sound source (on axis) you will get the best frequency response, how-
ever when you start pointing the microphone slightly away (off axis) you will notice
the high frequency response dropping off and the microphone will start to sound
more muffled.
For most vocal applications you’ll want to position the microphone directly in front of
the artist. The same may be true for miking instruments, however, you