Introduction
The Apogee MiC Plus is a studio-quality USB microphone designed for pristine sound capture. It features a cardioid condenser mic capsule, a built-in mic pre-amp, and a zero-latency headphone output, making it ideal for recording vocals, podcasts, and instruments on various platforms including macOS, iOS, and Windows.
Figure 1: Apogee MiC Plus with included desktop tripod.
What's in the Box
- Apogee MiC Plus Microphone
- Lightning iOS cable
- USB-C cable
- USB-A cable
- Desktop Tripod
- Microphone Clip
Figure 2: Contents of the Apogee MiC Plus package.
Setup
Connecting to Your Device
- Choose the Right Cable: Select the appropriate cable for your device. Use the Lightning cable for iOS devices, and either the USB-C or USB-A cable for computers (macOS or Windows).
- Connect the MiC Plus: Plug the micro-USB end of the chosen cable into the MiC Plus.
- Connect to Device: Plug the other end of the cable into your computer or iOS device.
- Power On: The MiC Plus is bus-powered and will power on automatically when connected. The status LED will illuminate.
Figure 3: MiC Plus connected to a laptop for recording.
Headphone Monitoring
The MiC Plus features a powerful headphone output with a blend feature for zero-latency monitoring. This allows you to hear your input signal directly without any delay, which is crucial for accurate recording.
- Connect Headphones: Plug your headphones into the 3.5mm headphone jack on the MiC Plus.
- Adjust Blend: Use the control knob on the MiC Plus to adjust the blend between your input signal (microphone) and playback from your device. This ensures you can monitor your performance clearly.
Figure 4: Close-up of the MiC Plus ports, including the headphone jack.
Operating the MiC Plus
Gain Control
The MiC Plus features 46dB of mic preamp gain, digitally controlled for greater precision. This allows you to set the optimal input level for your recordings.
- Adjusting Gain: Use the control knob on the MiC Plus to increase or decrease the microphone's input gain. Monitor the input levels in your recording software to avoid clipping (distortion).
- Mute Function: To mute the microphone, press the control knob in. The status LED will change to indicate mute status.
Figure 5: The control knob on the MiC Plus for gain adjustment and muting.
Recording with "First Take" Application
"First Take" is a free podcast recording application that allows you to connect up to 4 different Apogee mics to a single computer or USB Hub. It simplifies the podcast recording process.
Video 1: Introduction to First Take, demonstrating multi-mic podcast recording with Apogee microphones.
- Install First Take: Download and install the "First Take" application on your compatible computer.
- Connect Microphones: Connect your Apogee MiC Plus (and up to three other compatible Apogee mics) to your computer or a USB hub.
- Launch First Take: Open the application. It will automatically detect connected Apogee microphones.
- Adjust Levels: Use the individual faders within the "First Take" interface to set the recording levels for each microphone.
- Start Recording: Click the "REC" button to begin your podcast recording.
- Access Recordings: Your recordings will be saved and can be accessed directly from within the "First Take" application.
Figure 6: Multiple MiC Plus units used for a podcast recording session.
Maintenance
- Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior of the MiC Plus. Do not use liquid cleaners or solvents.
- Storage: When not in use, store the MiC Plus in a protective case or bag to prevent dust and damage.
- Cable Care: Handle cables carefully. Avoid sharp bends or kinks that can damage the internal wiring.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No sound from microphone | Incorrect cable connection, software input not selected, microphone muted, low gain. | Ensure cables are securely connected. Check your recording software's audio input settings to confirm MiC Plus is selected. Press the control knob to unmute. Increase gain. |
| Distorted audio | Input gain too high (clipping). | Reduce the input gain using the control knob on the MiC Plus or within your recording software. |
| No sound from headphones | Headphones not connected, headphone volume too low, blend knob setting. | Ensure headphones are fully plugged in. Adjust headphone volume on your device or the MiC Plus. Check the blend knob to ensure you are monitoring the correct source. |
| Microphone not recognized by device | Driver issue (Windows), incompatible device, faulty cable. | Try a different USB port or cable. For Windows, ensure drivers are up to date (usually plug-and-play, but check Apogee's website if issues persist). Verify device compatibility. |
Specifications
- Model Name: Apogee MiC Plus
- Brand: Apogee
- Microphone Type: Cardioid Condenser
- Polar Pattern: Unidirectional
- Connectivity Technology: USB
- Hardware Interface: USB 2.0
- Audio Sensitivity: 94 dB
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 46 dB
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 KHz
- Bit Depth/Sample Rate: Up to 24-bit/96kHz
- Power Source: USB Bus-Powered
- Compatible Devices: Smartphone, Tablet, macOS (OS X 10.9 or later), Windows (Windows 10)
- Item Weight: 1 Pounds (approx. 0.45 kg)
- Product Dimensions (L x W x H): 5.02 x 2.13 x 7.8 inches (approx. 12.75 x 5.41 x 19.81 cm)
- Manufacturer: Apogee Electronics Corp.
- UPC: 805676302034
Warranty and Support
Apogee products are known for their quality and reliability. For detailed warranty information and technical support, please refer to the official Apogee website or the documentation included with your product.
You can also find additional resources and FAQs on the Apogee Store on Amazon or download the User Guide (PDF) for comprehensive details.
For customer service inquiries related to your purchase, please contact the seller, Apogee Electronics Corp., directly through Amazon's platform.
