Takstar SM-18 PRO Professional Recording Microphone

Preface

Dear Customer,

Thank you for purchasing Takstar SM-18 PRO Professional Recording Microphone. In order to better understand and use the product, please read this manual carefully. If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact our local dealer.

Features

• Doubleside gold-plated diaphragm, accurate pickup pattern, wide frequency response.
• High-precision correction circuit and electronic parts ensure clear original sound.
• 3 selectable pickup patterns (uni-/bi-/omni-directional) for various occasions.
• High SPL processing capability for various sound sources.
• Low residual noise, up to studio recording needs.
• Low cut control effectively reduces LF noise.
• Attenuation pad caters for high SPL recording, prevents overload distortion.
• Dedicated, high-performance shock mount included.
• Specialized pop screen greatly eliminates plosives.
• Supplied with an aluminum case for easy storing and carrying.

Applications

Studio, broadcast station, stage performance, post-production, personal/instrument recording.

Package Contents

• Microphone: 1 pc
• Shock Mount: 1 pc
• Pop Screen: 1 pc
• Aluminum Case: 1 pc
• User Manual: 1 pc

Specifications

Capsule: Ø34mm, with doubleside gold-plated diaphragm

Polar Pattern: Uni-/Bi-/Omni-directional

Frequency Response: 20Hz-20KHz

Cardioid Sensitivity: -39dB±3dBV (0dB=1V/Pa at 1KHz)

Sensitivity Attenuation: -10dB

Low Cut: 150Hz (6dB/oct)

Equivalent Noise Level: ≤20dBA (IEC 581-5)

Peak SPL: 130dB (THD≤1% at 1KHz)

Output Impedance: 150Ω±30% (at 1KHz)

Power Requirement: 48V phantom power

Mic Dimensions: 157x55x38mm

Mic Weight: approx. 372g

Note: The above data is measured by Takstar laboratory, and Takstar has the final interpretation right!

Function Descriptions

1. Polar Pattern Control:

• Switch to "Q": uni-directional, the most common pickup pattern used to pick up sound from the front, usually from a single source. Most effective in terms of feedback control, environmental noise suppression, and sound isolation between multiple performers.
• Switch to "8": bi-directional, equally sensitive when recording from the front and back while excluding sound from the sides. Suitable for bi-directional recording, often used for stereo pickup as well.
• Switch to "O": omni-directional, equal and even recording from all horizontal directions (360°). Able to record multiple vocals or instruments via one mic. No proximity effect, maintains environmental details. Suitable for multi-source recording.

2. Low Cut:

• Switch to "—": records sound as it is, generally used in a quiet environment (e.g., anechoic room).
• Switch to "~": filters out low-frequency environmental noise below 150Hz (e.g., traffic, air-conditioner, stage floor vibration), and effectively reduces plosives for clearer sound.

3. Attenuation Pad:

• Switch to "0dB": no attenuation.
• Switch to "-10dB": attenuates sensitivity by 10dB for recording higher sound pressure, usually used in areas with high SPL (e.g., instruments like bass drum, trumpet in a symphony orchestra).

Operation Instructions

1. Assemble the shock mount onto the mic stand or boom arm, and tighten the fixing nut on the shock mount. It is recommended to keep the shock mount upwards and bottom screw downwards, to prevent accidental mic drop and damage in case of loose mic clamping.

[Diagram showing shock mount assembly]

2. The front side of the mic is silkscreened with the model number “SM-18PRO” and a "Q" cardioid symbol. Face the front side towards the sound source. Install the mic onto the shock mount by tightening the bottom screws until fully secured.

[Diagram showing microphone orientation and securing to shock mount]

3. Fasten the pop screen onto the shock mount via the bottom clip.

[Diagram showing pop screen attachment]

4. Using the XLR male-to-female cable, connect the mic to an audio device (e.g., audio interface, mixing console) with built-in 48V phantom power supply, or use an external 48V power supply (not included) if none.

Note: The phantom power supply requirement for this product is DC 48V±4V/2.8mA ±20%.

① Connection for audio device with built-in 48V phantom power:

[Diagram showing connection to PC and audio interface with phantom power]

② Connection for audio device without built-in 48V phantom power:

[Diagram showing connection to PC and audio interface without phantom power, using a separate 48V phantom power supply]

5. Fix the connection cable onto the mic stand or boom arm, and leave a section/loop of cable at the mic. This helps to effectively isolate the vibration.

6. Please turn the volume to the minimum on the audio device before switching on the phantom power. Then gradually increase the volume to an appropriate level. This helps to prevent speaker damage by high sound pressure. Keep a proper distance between the mic and the speakers to avoid feedback howling.

7. The mic output uses a three-pin XLR male connector, as shown below:

[Diagram showing XLR connector pinout: Pin 1 (ground), Pin 2 (+), Pin 3 (-)]

Safety Instructions

To avoid electric shock, overheat, fire, radiation, explosion, mechanical risk and injury or property loss due to improper use, please read and observe the following items before use:

• Please check if the power of the connected equipment matches with that of this product before operation. Adjust the volume to proper level during operation. Do not operate at over-power or high-volume level for extended time to avoid product malfunction or hearing impairment.
• If there is any abnormality during use (e.g., smoke, strange odor), please kill the power switch and unplug from power source, then send the product to the local dealer for repair.
• Keep this product and its accessories in a dry and ventilated area. Do not store in a humid or dusty area for extended time. Keep away from fire, rain, liquid intrusion, bumping, throwing, vibrating, or from blocking any ventilation openings, to prevent malfunction.
• The product must, when installed on walls or ceilings, be fixed firmly in place at adequate strength to prevent from falling.
• Please abide by safety rules during operation. Do not use the product in places prohibited by laws or regulations to avoid accident.
• Do not disassemble or repair the product by yourself to avoid injury. If you have any questions or require any services, please contact our local dealer.
• Only use phantom power specified for the product. The applicable altitude and climate conditions are subject to those described on the phantom power, for example:

[Icon indicating suitability for altitudes below 2,000m] Suitable only for altitudes below 2,000m

[Icon indicating suitability for non-tropical climates] Suitable only for non-tropical climates

About This Manual

This manual contains up-to-date technical specifications as of printing. However, specifications contained herein may not conform to your particular product since Takstar is constantly improving its products. For the latest version/more information, please visit our website: https://www.takstar.com/

Specifications, devices or accessories available may vary from region to region. If you have any questions, please contact our local dealer.

Label Meanings

CE According to the test results obtained based on RL2004/108/EG (Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive) and RL2006/95/EG (Low Voltage Directive), this product complies with the limits specified in the European Community EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) Directive, an integration of relevant laws from its member states.

[WEEE symbol] This symbol indicates that, according to WEEE (Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Directive (2012/19/EU) and national laws, this type of waste should not be discarded along with your household waste, as it contains potentially hazardous substances that may pose a negative impact on the environment and human health. It should be handed over to an authorized WEEE collection facility for recovery and recycle. Herewith you will be helping. For more information on disposal of WEEE products, please contact your local municipality, waste management bureau or household waste disposal service.

Product Service Warranty

Precautions:

1. This form is the warranty certificate, please keep it properly. No warranty or return will be provided if lost.
2. Warranty Period: Twelve months from the date of purchase.
3. Except for damage caused by force majeure, it will be repaired free of charge by our company.
4. For damage caused by improper storage or use, the repair center will charge fees at its discretion.
5. No warranty will be provided for unauthorized disassembly and repair.
6. The above warranty terms are limited to the Chinese market (excluding Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan regions).

Warranty Record (to be filled by the repairman)

◆ Guangdong Takstar Electronic Co., Ltd. Tel: 400-6828-333 Address: No. 2 Fu Kang YiRd., Longxi Boluo Huizhou, Guangdong 516121 China

Guangdong Takstar Electronic Co., Ltd. Website: www.takstar.com