User manual BLUE MICROPHONES 8BALL

[. . . ] (No chalk required. ). 8-Ball suggested applications The 8-Ball was designed for both stage and studio use. Because of its rugged construction, cardioid pickup pattern and high-frequency extension, you can use The 8-Ball anywhere you'd use a traditional condenser mic where clarity and high frequency detail is essential: snare drum, acoustic and clean electric guitars, mandolin, banjo, drum overheads, hihats, strings, orchestral recording, and male and female vocals. The 8-Ball features a unique swivel mount located on the bottom center of the mic body. [. . . ] Connect the female end of your balanced XLR microphone cable to The 8-Ball's output jack located on the back of the mic body directly opposite the Blue logo. Connect the male end to your balanced console input or balanced mic preamp input. Un-mute all previously muted signal paths and adjust mic preamp gain as necessary. To disconnect or reroute The 8-Ball, be sure to mute all audio signal paths before you disengage phantom power. Wait 30 seconds to allow all components in the signal path to discharge before disconnecting the mic. Once The 8-Ball is on the stand and powered up, make sure that the active, on-axis side of the diaphragm (the side with the BLUE logo) is facing the desired source. "Ok, so how do I get the most out of my 8-Ball?" The following application hints are intended to give you a good starting point to get the most out of this unique audio tool both in the studio and on stage. As with all applications however, there are no rules, only guidelines. If it sounds good, it is good! On Stage These mic placement recommendations apply to the studio as well as the stage but with one caveat. Due to the lack of acoustic isolation in the live environment, it is generally desirable to employ "close-miking" techniques to achieve better separation between instruments and to avoid monitor bleed, which can cause feedback problems. Due to its anti-resonant ABS shell and spherical shape, The 8-Ball exhibits excellent off-axis rejection and feedback suppression characteristics, opening up a whole new world of sound reinforcement miking possibilities. Vocals For a "big" vocal sound, position the vocalist within one to four inches of the diaphragm. There is no need to worry about overloading the microphone, but be sure to use a high-quality sonically neutral pop filter to control plosives and protect the diaphragm. For lead vocals, tilt the microphone slightly upward (toward the forehead) for more projection and head tone, straight on at the mouth for maximum brightness The 8-Ball is the result of countless hours of intense scientific research and intelligibility, or down toward the chest for more robust full lows and smoother highs. For background vocals, position The 8-Ball 2 ­ 4 inches from the vocalist for an airier sound. Electric Guitar Because of its extended high frequency response and detail, The 8Ball is an excellent mic for any clean or distorted guitar amp. Position the diaphragm toward the center of the speaker or dust cap to capture more highs, or toward the edge of the speaker cone for a fuller sound with more low end. To experiment with overdriven or distorted tones, move the mic towards the outer edge of the speaker cone, or back it away from the amp a foot or more to blend room tone with direct pickup and soften high frequencies. Give The 8-Ball a try on blues harmonica and organ too! Acoustic Guitar Condenser mics require careful placement when used on acoustic guitar, and The 8-Ball's rich tone and detail are well-suited to this task. For a balanced sound with plenty of sparkling high end, position the diaphragm facing the neck where it joins the body (usually between the 12th and 14th frets. ) Initially, keep the mic as close to the instrument as possible, tilting the diaphragm toward the soundhole to capture a blend of low frequencies and pick sound. If you need more low frequencies, move The 8-Ball closer to the soundhole. For more high frequency detail, move The 8-Ball farther away from the guitar, either at the same neck position, or above the instrument near the guitarist's head. Strings Because of its detailed natural highs and slightly attenuated midrange characteristics, The 8-Ball is an excellent choice for miking all members of the bowed string family. [. . . ] On flute, start by placing The 8-Ball above the middle of the instrument, and move the diaphragm closer to the mouthpiece if more high frequencies and breath sounds are desired. For other members of the saxophone family, start by placing The 8-Ball two to six inches in front of the lip of the bell. Angle the mic upward toward the mouthpiece to capture more air, brightness, and high notes. [. . . ]