TAKSTAR SM-10 Unidirectional Recording Microphone User Manual

1. Introduction

The TAKSTAR SM-10 is a professional unidirectional recording microphone designed for high-quality audio capture. Featuring a φ34mm gold-plated large-diaphragm capsule, it offers a wide frequency response and excellent sound pressure level (SPL) processing capability. Its robust metal construction, combined with advanced noise reduction and filtering options, makes it suitable for a variety of recording applications, from studio vocals to instrument recording and voiceovers.

Image: The TAKSTAR SM-10 microphone, shown with its included shock mount and pop filter, ready for use.

2. Package Contents

Please check the package carefully to ensure all items are present and in good condition:

• 1 x SM-10 Microphone
• 1 x Windscreen (foam)
• 1 x Shock Mount (metal)
• 1 x Pop Screen (metal blowout preventer)
• 2 x Elastic Bands (for shock mount)
• 1 x User Manual (English)

Image: All included components of the SM-10 microphone system, including the microphone, shock mount, pop screen, foam windscreen, elastic bands, and manual.

3. Features

• High-Quality Capsule: φ34mm gold-plated large-diaphragm capsule with wide frequency response.
• Excellent SPL Handling: Capable of processing high sound pressure levels for diverse audio sources.
• High Sensitivity: Captures rich acoustic details with high sensitivity for superior performance.
• Low Cut Filter: An adjustable filter (100Hz, 6dB/oct) to effectively reduce ambient noise and ensure clean recordings.
• Attenuation Pad: A -10dB attenuation pad for recording high SPL sources, preventing overload distortion.
• Robust Construction: Full metal appearance design with a high-precision woven metal net head, offering rust and scratch resistance.
• Effective Noise Reduction: Single-pointing (unidirectional) design reduces noise from the back and sides, minimizing echoes and screams for smooth and natural sound.
• Accurate Calibration Circuit: Features a highly accurate calibration circuit with strictly selected electronic components, ensuring very low background noise and strong resistance to electromagnetic interference.
• Professional Accessories: Includes a first-class metal shock mount for shock absorption and a dedicated pop screen to filter out plosive sounds.
• Versatile Applications: Ideal for studio recording, personal recording, voiceovers, and various professional audio capture scenarios.

Image: Detail of the SM-10 microphone, highlighting the low frequency attenuation switch (below 150Hz) and the sensitivity attenuation switch (0dB or -10dB) for managing sound levels and ambient noise.

Image: Illustration of the microphone's unidirectional polar pattern, demonstrating its ability to reduce noise from the back and sides, ensuring clear sound capture from the front.

Image: A detailed view of the φ34mm gold-plated large diaphragm sound head, emphasizing its high sensitivity and wide frequency response for capturing rich audio details.

Image: An illustration of the microphone's highly accurate calibration circuit and SMT processing, designed for low background noise and reduced electromagnetic interference.

4. Setup Guide

1. Mount the Shock Mount: Secure the metal shock mount onto a compatible microphone stand.
2. Insert the Microphone: Carefully place the SM-10 microphone into the shock mount. Ensure it is seated firmly within the elastic bands to absorb vibrations.
3. Attach Pop Screen: Connect the pop screen to the microphone stand or shock mount, positioning it a few inches in front of the microphone capsule. This helps to filter out plosive sounds (P's and B's).
4. Apply Windscreen (Optional): If desired, place the foam windscreen over the microphone head for additional protection against light wind noise or breath sounds.
5. Connect XLR Cable: Connect one end of a standard XLR cable to the microphone's XLR output.
6. Connect to Audio Interface/Mixer: Connect the other end of the XLR cable to an input on your audio interface, mixer, or preamplifier. Ensure this device provides 48V phantom power.
7. Activate Phantom Power: Turn on the 48V phantom power on your audio interface or mixer. The SM-10 requires phantom power to operate.

Image: The TAKSTAR SM-10 professional recording microphone fully assembled and ready for use on a stand, demonstrating proper setup with the shock mount and pop filter.

5. Operating Instructions

• Phantom Power: The SM-10 is a condenser microphone and requires 48V phantom power to function. Ensure your connected audio device supplies this power.
• Microphone Placement: Position the microphone with the front (where the "SM-10 Recording Microphone" text is visible) facing the sound source. The unidirectional polar pattern is designed to pick up sound primarily from the front, minimizing off-axis noise.
• Low Cut Filter:
  • Engage the low cut filter switch (often marked with a symbol or "100Hz") to reduce low-frequency ambient noise below 150Hz. This is useful for eliminating rumble, handling noise, or proximity effect.
  • For capturing the full frequency range, ensure the low cut filter is disengaged (0dB position).
• Sensitivity Attenuation Pad:
  • The microphone has a sensitivity attenuation pad. In its default state (0dB), it is suitable for most voice recordings.
  • If recording very loud sound sources (e.g., loud instruments, drums), engage the -10dB attenuation pad. This prevents the microphone's capsule from overloading and causing distortion in your recording.
• Monitoring Levels: Always monitor your recording levels on your audio interface or software to ensure they are not clipping (too loud) or too low. Adjust the gain on your preamplifier as needed.

Image: Examples of the SM-10 microphone being used in different recording scenarios, including traditional opera, cross-talk, chorus, professional music recording, and film dubbing, showcasing its versatility.

6. Maintenance

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the microphone body. Do not use liquid cleaners or solvents, as they may damage the finish or internal components.
• Storage: When not in use, store the microphone in a dry, dust-free environment, preferably in its original packaging or a protective case.
• Avoid Moisture: Keep the microphone away from water, high humidity, and extreme temperatures. Moisture can damage the sensitive electronic components.
• Handle with Care: Avoid dropping or subjecting the microphone to strong impacts, as this can affect its performance and durability.
• Cable Care: Always disconnect XLR cables by gripping the connector, not the cable itself, to prevent damage to the cable or microphone port.

7. Troubleshooting

• No Sound Output:
  • Ensure 48V phantom power is activated on your audio interface or mixer.
  • Check all XLR cable connections for proper seating and integrity.
  • Verify that the input gain on your audio device is turned up.
  • Confirm the correct input is selected in your recording software.
• Distorted Sound:
  • If the sound is distorted, especially with loud sources, engage the -10dB attenuation pad on the microphone.
  • Reduce the input gain on your audio interface or mixer.
  • Ensure the microphone is not placed too close to an extremely loud sound source.
• Excessive Hum or Noise:
  • Check for faulty or unshielded XLR cables.
  • Ensure the microphone and cables are away from power sources, fluorescent lights, or other electronic devices that might cause interference.
  • Engage the low cut filter on the microphone to reduce low-frequency rumble.
  • Test with a different XLR cable or audio input if possible.
• Weak or Low Output:
  • Confirm 48V phantom power is active.
  • Increase the input gain on your audio interface or mixer.
  • Ensure the -10dB attenuation pad is not engaged unnecessarily.

8. Specifications

9. User Tips

• Required Equipment: Remember that the SM-10 is a condenser microphone requiring 48V phantom power. You will need an audio interface, mixer, or dedicated preamplifier that can supply this power and has an XLR input to connect the microphone to your computer or other audio recording equipment. Standard USB or 3.5mm jack inputs on a PC or HiFi system will not work directly.
• Optimal Placement: Experiment with microphone distance and angle to your sound source. For vocals, starting with 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) and adjusting from there is a good practice. The pop filter should be between you and the microphone.
• Room Acoustics: While the unidirectional pattern helps, recording in a room with good acoustic treatment (e.g., sound-absorbing panels, blankets) will further improve sound quality by reducing unwanted reflections and reverb.

10. Warranty and Support

For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the official TAKSTAR website or contact your authorized dealer. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for any warranty claims.