User manual BLUE MICROPHONES KICKBALL

[. . . ] While this principal has been used for years in everything from guitar pickups to generators, and of course microphones, it exhibits some problems when it comes to accurate sound reproduction. When you connect your dynamic microphone to a fixed-impedance console input or outboard mic preamp, you create a resistive load in the transducer that varies with frequency. That would be fine if you wanted a tone control on your microphone, but in a recent very unscientific poll conducted by the AAK (Association of Arcane Knowledge), most respondents indicated that they did not want such a device -- particularly one over which they had no control!Being the creative thinkers that we are, we solved this problem to give you the finest dynamic microphone ever made. [. . . ] Once mounted, you can gently pivot the Kickball back and forth for optimum positioning in front of the sound source. For added isolation from low frequency-induced rumble, we recommend The Ringer universal shockmount, available from your Blue dealer. ! HEADS UP!: Forceful positioning of the swivel mount can result in damage not covered by the warranty, so there. The Kickball requires +48 volt phantom power which most FOH consoles, recording consoles and outboard mic preamps supply. If your preamp does not have a phantom power facility, several external power units are available from various manufacturers. It is important to note that some units, though rated at +48 volts, may supply insufficient or unstable power which can result in distortion or degraded performance when used with the Kickball. To avoid damage to audio components when connecting phantom power, always follow this simple procedure: 1. Mute console master, stage monitor and mains feeds, headphones or foldback sends, and studio monitors. Connect the female end of your balanced XLR microphone cable to the Kickball'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 Kickball, 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 Kickball 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, unless you're recording your Aunt Hildy's kazoo recital, in which case turn the logo away and cover your ears. Great, so now I'm ready to go!How do I get the most out of my Kickball? 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. However, you may want to experiment with The Kickball on stage as well. Due to its anti-resonant ABS shell and spherical shape, The Kickball exhibits excellent off-axis rejection and feedback suppression characteristics, opening up a whole new world of sound reinforcement miking possibilities. [. . . ] For a balanced and natural sound, position the diaphragm facing the neck where it joins the body. Initially, keep the mic as close to the instrument as possible, tilting the diaphragm toward the f-hole on an upright, or soundhole on a dreadnaught-style acoustic to capture a blend of low frequencies finger articulation. If you need more low frequencies, move the Kickball closer to the f-hole or soundhole. For more high frequency detail, move the Kickball farther away from the instrument, either at the same neck position, or above the instrument near the bassist's head. While not optimal for playground use, the Kickball promises hours of playtime on stage or in the studio The Kickball's in your court We're sure that you'll be delighted with the results you get from the Kickball, whether it's in the studio or on stage. [. . . ]