Operating the CL7
Powering the CL7 The CL7 is a condenser microphone and therefore needs to be operated by connecting a phantom power supply. Phantom power is standard on most quality mixers, outboard mic-pres and hard disk recorders. If necessary, an external phantom supply can also be used. The CL7 receives the phantom power directly from a mic cable when connected to a mixer or other microphone input that includes a phantom supply. The power is sent OUT of the microphone INPUT, riding silently along with the audio signal. (Fairly mysterious, eh?) Most mixers have a switch to engage the phantom power so be sure to check that the phantom power is on.
Setting Up the Signal Level When connecting the CL7 to a mixer or recorder input, be sure that the input is of microphone level. Also, be sure that the phantom power is engaged as explained the previous section �Powering the CL7�. Most mixers and recorders of reasonable quality will offer a microphone input with mic trim (usual called Trim or Gain) control. The purpose of the mic trim control is to optimize the amount of good signal to any noise associated with the mixers electronics. A good mic pre with trim also will have a PEAK or CLIP LED. To set a good level on the mic, set the CL7 up in front of the desired sound source and slowly raise the mic trim control until you see the PEAK LED light up. Then, turn the mix trim control down until the LED does not light any more. On most mixers, the ideal setting is that the trim control is turned up as much as possible without lighting the PEAK LED.
1 Using the PAD Switch
The CL7 includes a PAD switch, which you can use to lower the input sensitivity of the microphone. When the PAD switch is set to the 0dB position the PAD is by-passed and there is no effect on the signal. When the PAD switch is set to the �10dB position, the microphone�s input sensitivity will be lowered by 10dB. You can use the PAD when you are miking loud sound sources with a high SPL (Sound Pressure Level).
