Takstar SM-18 PRO Professional Recording Microphone User Manual
Model: SM-18 PRO
Brand: Takstar
Preface
Dear Customer, Thank you for purchasing the Takstar SM-18 PRO Professional Recording Microphone. To better understand and use the product, please read this manual carefully. If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact your local dealer.
Features
- Doubleside gold-plated diaphragm for accurate pickup pattern and wide frequency response.
- High-precision correction circuit and electronic parts ensure clear original sound.
- Three selectable pickup patterns (uni-directional, bi-directional, omni-directional) for various recording scenarios.
- High SPL (Sound Pressure Level) processing capability for diverse sound sources.
- Low residual noise, meeting studio recording requirements.
- Low cut control effectively reduces low-frequency (LF) noise.
- Attenuation pad accommodates high SPL recording and prevents overload distortion.
- Includes a dedicated, high-performance shock mount.
- Specialized pop screen effectively eliminates plosive sounds.
- Supplied with an aluminum case for easy storing and carrying.
Applications
Suitable for studio recording, broadcast stations, stage performances, post-production, and personal/instrument recording.
Package Contents
- Microphone: 1 pc
- Shock Mount: 1 pc
- Pop Screen: 1 pc
- Aluminum Case: 1 pc
- User Manual: 1 pc
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| 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
Polar Pattern Control
"Q" (Uni-directional): The most common pickup pattern, used to capture sound from the front, typically from a single source. It is effective for feedback control, environmental noise suppression, and sound isolation between multiple performers.
"8" (Bi-directional): Equally sensitive to sound from the front and back, while rejecting sound from the sides. Suitable for bi-directional recording and often used for stereo pickup.
"O" (Omni-directional): Captures sound equally from all horizontal directions (360°). This pattern is suitable for recording multiple vocals or instruments with a single microphone, maintaining environmental details without proximity effect.
Low Cut
"—" (Off): Records sound as it is, generally used in a quiet environment (e.g., anechoic room).
"~" (On): Filters out low-frequency environmental noise below 150Hz (e.g., traffic, air-conditioner, stage floor vibration) and effectively reduces plosives for clearer sound.
Attenuation Pad
"0dB": No attenuation.
"-10dB": Attenuates sensitivity by 10dB for recording higher sound pressure, typically used in areas with high SPL (e.g., instruments like bass drum or trumpet in an orchestra).
Operation Instructions
- Assemble the shock mount onto the microphone stand or boom arm and tighten the fixing nut. It is recommended to keep the shock mount upwards and the bottom screw downwards to prevent accidental mic drop.
- The front of the microphone is marked with "SM-18 PRO" and a "Q" cardioid symbol. Face this front side towards the sound source and mount the microphone into the shock mount, securing it with the bottom screws.
- Fasten the pop screen onto the shock mount using the bottom clip.
- Connect the microphone to an audio device (e.g., audio interface, mixing console) using an XLR male-to-female cable. Ensure the audio device has 48V phantom power supply, or use an external 48V power supply if needed.
- Phantom Power Requirement: DC 48V±4V / 2.8mA±20%.
- Connection for audio device with built-in 48V phantom power: Connect the microphone via a Male/Female XLR Cable to the audio interface. The PC connects to the audio interface via a USB Data Cable.
- Connection for audio device without built-in 48V phantom power: Connect the microphone via a Male/Female XLR Cable to a 48V Phantom Power unit. Then connect the phantom power unit to the audio interface using a Female XLR to 3.5mm Audio Cable. The PC connects to the audio interface.
- Fix the connection cable to the microphone stand or boom arm, leaving a loop of cable at the microphone. This helps to isolate vibration.
- When operating, turn the volume on the audio device to minimum before switching on the phantom power. Gradually increase the volume to an appropriate level. This helps prevent speaker damage from high sound pressure and avoids feedback howling by maintaining a proper distance between the microphone and speakers.
- The microphone output uses a three-pin XLR male 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:
- Verify that the power of connected equipment matches this product. Adjust volume to a proper level during operation. Do not operate at over-power or high-volume levels for extended periods to prevent product malfunction or hearing impairment.
- If any abnormality occurs (e.g., smoke, strange odor), immediately switch off the power, unplug the power source, and send the product to a local dealer for repair.
- Keep the product and accessories in a dry and ventilated area. Avoid humid or dusty environments, fire, rain, liquid intrusion, bumping, throwing, vibrating, or blocking ventilation openings.
- If mounting on walls or ceilings, ensure it is fixed firmly with adequate strength to prevent falling.
- Abide by safety rules during operation. Do not use the product in places prohibited by laws or regulations.
- Do not disassemble or repair the product yourself to avoid injury. Contact your local dealer for any questions or service needs.
- Only use phantom power specified for the product. Applicable altitude (≤2000m) and climate (non-tropical) conditions should be considered.
About This Manual
This manual contains up-to-date technical specifications as of printing. However, specifications may not conform to your specific product as Takstar continuously improves its offerings. For the latest version or more information, please visit: https://www.takstar.com/
Label Meanings
CE Mark: Indicates compliance with European Community EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) Directive and Low Voltage Directive, based on test results.
WEEE Symbol: This symbol indicates that the product is Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). It should not be discarded with household waste due to potentially hazardous substances. Hand it over to an authorized WEEE collection facility for recovery and recycling.
Product Service Warranty
This document serves as the warranty certificate. Please keep it safe.
Warranty Period: Twelve (12) months from the date of purchase.
Warranty Coverage: Free repair is provided for damages not caused by force majeure, improper storage, or misuse. Repairs for damage due to improper handling or unauthorized disassembly may incur charges.
Market Limitation: These warranty terms are limited to the China market and do not include Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan.
Contact Information
Guangdong Takstar Electronic Co., Ltd.
Address: No. 2 Fu Kang YiRd., Longxi Boluo Huizhou, Guangdong 516121 China
Service Hotline: 400-6828-333
Fax: 86 752 6383950
Email: sales@takstar.com
Website: www.takstar.com
