Download pdf - 6399 Perception400 ek

User InstructionsPlease read the manual before using the equipment!

PERCEPTION 400

6399_Perception400_ek 30.01.2006 12:57 Uhr Seite 1

1 Precaution/Unpacking1.1 PrecautionPlease make sure that the

piece of equipment your microphonewill be connected to fulfills the safetyregulations in force in your countryand is fitted with a ground lead.

1.2 UnpackingCheck that the packaging contains all ofthe items listed below:

• Microphone• Spider suspension• Carrying case• Mini poster

Should any item be missing, please con-tact your AKG dealer.

2 Description2.1 IntroductionThank you for purchasing an

AKG product. This Manual containsimportant instructions for setting up andoperating your equipment. Please take afew minutes to read the instructionsbelow carefully before operating theequipment and keep the Manual forfuture reference. Have fun and impressyour audience!The PERCEPTION 400 is a heavy-duty,rugged true condenser microphone builtto the same strict quality standards as allother AKG products.Designed on the basis of AKG’s decadesof know-how and feedback from soundengineers around the world using AKGstudio microphones every day, this gen-eral-purpose 1-inch large-diaphragmmicrophone brings AKG studio quality tothe worlds of recording, live sound, and

broadcasting.

2.2 Features• Cardioid polar pattern: The micro-

phone is most sensitive to soundsarriving from in front of it while pick-ing up much less of sounds arrivingfrom the sides or rear (from monitorspeakers or neighboring instru-ments). This makes the microphoneequally suited for recording andonstage use.

• Gold-sputtered diaphragm: Thediaphragm is made of a plastic foilthat is gold-sputtered on one sideonly to prevent shorting to the backelectrode even at extremely highsound pressure levels.

• All-metal body: The all-metal bodyadds to the rejection of RF interfer-ence so you can use the microphonenear transmitter stations and alongwith wireless microphones or other

2 PERCEPTION 400


communications equipment. Theextremely rugged, heavy body andsturdy front grill protect the micro-phone from damage from tough han-dling on stage.

• High headroom, minimum distor-tion: Capable of handling soundpressure levels up to 135 dB withoutintroducing perceptible distortion andbuilt to resist high temperatures andhumidity, the microphone will giveexcellent results in a wide range ofapplications.

• Polar pattern selector: Selector 1 onthe microphone front (refer to fig. 1)sets the microphone polar pattern tofigure eight, cardioid, or omnidirec-tional.

• Switchable preattenuation pad:Selector 2 on the microphone rear(refer to fig. 2) lets you increase theheadroom by 10 dB for distortion-free close-in recording. The preatten-

3PERCEPTION 400

Fig. 1: Polar pattern selector (1) on PERCEPTION 400 front.

1

Fig. 2: Preattenuation (2) and bass cut(3) switches on PERCEPTION 400 rear.


3 2

uation pad prevents the micro-phone's output level, particularly atlow frequencies, from overloading theminiature transformers used in manymixer input stages, etc.

• Bass cut filter: Selector 3 on themicrophone rear (refer to fig. 2 onpage 3) further reduces low-end dis-tortion caused by footfall or windnoise, etc. The filter also minimizesthe proximity effect that close-in mik-ing from less than 4 inches causes inany unidirectional microphone.Thefilter rolls off at 12 dB/octave from300 Hz downward.

2.4 Optional Accessories• B 18 + A 48V battery supply and

DC/DC converter for 48-V phantompowering

• PF 80 studio pop screen• ST 305 floor stand• W 4000 external windcscreen

3 Interfacing3.1 GeneralThe microphone uses a true

condenser transducer designed for 48-volt phantom powering to DIN 45 596/IEC 268-15. Neither the diaphragm northe backplate are permanently polarized,

so the microphone needs an externalpower supply.The microphone provides a balancedoutput on a 3-pin male XLR connector:

Pin 1: groundPin 2: hotPin 3: return

4 PERCEPTION 400

2.2

2.3Mic

Mic

Phantom

Fig. 3: Connecting to a balanced input with (2.2) or without (2.3) phantom power.

1

2


You can connect the microphone eitherto a balanced microphone input with orwithout phantom power or an unbal-anced microphone input.

3.2 Input with Phantom PowerRefer to fig. 2 on page 4.1. Use an XLR cable to connect the

microphone (1) to a balanced XLR in-put with phantom power.

2. Switch the phantom power on. (Referto the user manual of the unit to whichyou connected your microphone.)

3.3 Input with No Phantom PowerRefer to fig. 2 on page 4.• If your mixer provides no phantom

power, connect an optional AKG B 18 + A 48V phantom power sup-ply (2) between the microphone andthe mixer.

Important: Using any power supplyother than those recommended byAKG may damage your micro-phone and will void the warranty.

3.4 Unbalanced InputRefer to fig. 4.Use a cable with a female XLR connec-

tor and TS jack plug:1. On the XLR connector, use a wire

bridge to connect pin 1 to pin 3 andthe cable shield.

2. Connect the inside wire of the cableto pin 2 on the XLR connector andthe tip contact of the jack plug.

5PERCEPTION 400

Fig. 4: Connecting to an unbalanced input.

Mic Phantom

21


Note: Unbalanced cables may pick upinterference from stray magneticfields near power or lighting cables,electric motors, etc. like an antenna.This may introduce hum or similarnoise when you use a cable that islonger than 16 feet (5 m).

4 Using YourMicrophone4.1 General Hints

The PERCEPTION 400 is a general-pur-pose multipattern microphone for re-cording, broadcast, and onstage use.Every instrument radiates its sound in aspecific way. Therefore, to get the bestsound it is crucial to experiment withmicrophone placement.

• Whichever polar pattern you select-ed, it may be good to know whichway the transducer axis is facing: thefront of the microphone is the side ofthe body with the AKG logo andpolar pattern selector (1) on it.

• When recording wind instruments orvocals, make sure not to blow orsing directly into the microphone.To avoid unwanted wind and popnoise or moisture problems, place an

6 PERCEPTION 400

Fig. 5: Microphone front.

1


optional PF 80 pop screen from AKGbetween the microphone and vocal-ist/instrument.

• Keep the microphone dry. Moisturefrom blowing or singing directly at thecapsule from a short distance, orextremely high humidity may causethe microphone to start crackling orgo very quiet due to partial short cir-cuits in the polarization voltage.

• If you use the microphone in theopen, use an optional AKG W 4000windscreen to protect the micro-phone from moisture and reducewind noise.

• High volume instruments: You canuse this microphone for close-inrecording of very loud instruments(brass instruments, kick drum, etc.).Just switch the preattenuation pad into increase the microphone’s capabili-ty of handling sound pressure levels to145 dB.

• Low-frequency noise: To suppresslow-frequency noise such as air con-ditioning rumble, footfall noise, ortraffic sounds, switch the bass cut fil-ter in.

4.2 Selecting Polar PatternsEach of the PERCEPTION 400’s selec-table polar patterns is virtually frequencyindependent so that reflected sound, toowill be reproduced accurately and uncol-ored.

• Cardioid (center setting): This is astandard setting for recording andgives excellent results on all kinds ofvoices and a wide range of instru-ments. Remember to aim the micro-phone front (see fig. 5 on page 6) atthe sound source.

• Figure eight (left-hand setting): Themicrophone will pick up sounds arriv-ing from the front and rear with equal

sensitivity. Use this mode to mic upthe side signal in M/S stereo record-ing or to record two sound sources(talkers, instruments) facing eachother. It is also a good choice forcymbal overhead miking.

• Omnidirectional (right-hand setting):This is the preferred setting for "allaround the mic" recording, high qual-ity ambience (audience sound) mik-ing, or far-field recording in excep-tionally good-sounding large or smallrecording rooms, etc.

5 CleaningTo clean the surface of themicrophone body, use a soft

cloth moistened with water.

7PERCEPTION 400


8 PERCEPTION 400

No sound.

Distortion.

1. Power to mixer and/or amplifier is off.2. Channel or master fader on mixer, or

volume control on amplifier is at zero.

3. Microphone is not connected to mixeror amplifier.

4. Cable connectors are seated loosely.

5. Cable is defective.6. No supply voltage.

1. Channel gain control on mixer set toohigh.

1. Switch power to mixer or amplifier on.2. Set channel or master fader on mixer

or volume control on amplifier to de-sired level.

3. Connect microphone to mixer or am-plifier.

4. Check cable connectors for secureseat.

5. Check cable and replace if damaged.6. Switch phantom power on.

Phantom power supply: insert batteries.Check cable and replace if necessary.

1. Turn gain control down CCW.

Problem Possible Cause Remedy

6 Troubleshooting


9PERCEPTION 400

(Distortion)

Crackling noises or low output.

2. Microphone too close to soundsource.

3. Microphone sensitivity set too high.

• Partial short circuits due to excessivehumidity.

2. Move microphone further away fromsound source.

3. Switch preattenuation pad in.

• Place microphone in warm, dry roomand allow to dry.

Problem Possible Cause Remedy

6 Troubleshooting


Type: 1-inch dual-diaphragm, true con-denser pressure-gradient micro-phone

Polar patterns: cardioid, omnidirectional, figure eight

Open-circuit sensitivity at 1kHz (cardioid): 28 mV/Pa (-31 dBV ±2 dB)Frequency range: 20 Hz to 20 kHz

(see frequency response graphs)Impedance: ≤200 ohmsRecommended load impedance: ≥1000 ohmsEquivalent noise level to CCIR 468-2: 26 dBEquivalent noise level to IEC 60268-4 (A-weighted):16 dB-ASignal/noise ratio re 1 Pa (A-weighted): 78 dBMax. SPL for 0.5% THD: 135 / 145 dB SPL (0 / -10 dB)Preattenuation pad: -10 dB (switchable)

Bass cut filter slope: 12 dB/octave, 300 HzEnvironment: temperature: -10°C to +60°C

R.H.: 80% (+25°C)Powering: 48 V ±4 V phantom power

to DIN 45 596 / 268-15IECCurrent consumption: ≤2 mAConnector: 3-pin XLR (pin 2 hot)Dimensions: 53 dia. x 160 mm high / 2 x 6.3 in.Net weight: 525 g / 1.2 lbs.

10 PERCEPTION 400

FFCCCC SSttaatteemmeenntt

The device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation issubject to the following two conditions:

(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, includ-

ing interference that may cause undesired operation.

7 Specifications


Frequency Response (cardioid)

Cardioid Polar Diagram

Frequency Response (omnidirectional)

Omnidirectional Polar Diagram

11PERCEPTION 400

7 Specifications


PERCEPTION 40012

7 Specifications

Frequency Response (figure eight)

Figure Eight Polar Diagram


PERCEPTION 400 13

EnglishThis product conforms to the standardslisted in the Declaration of Conformity.To order a free copy of the Declaration ofConformity, visit http://www.akg.com orcontact [email protected]

DeutschDieses Produkt entspricht den in derKonformitätserklärung angegebenenNormen. Sie können die Konformi-tätserklärung auf http://www.akg.comoder per E-Mail an [email protected].

FrançaisCe produit est conforme aux normescitées dans la Déclaration de Con-formité, dont vous pouvez prendre con-naissance en consultant le sitehttp://www.akg.com ou en adressant une-mail à [email protected].

ItalianoQuesto prodotto corrisponde alle normeelencate nella dichiarazione di confor-mità, che è disponibile al sitohttp://www.akg.com oppure all'indirizzoemail [email protected].

EspañolEste aparato corresponde a las normascitadas en la declaración de conformi-dad. Esta última está disponible en elsitio http://www.akg.com o puede serso l ic i tada a l correo e lect rón [email protected].

PortuguêsEste produto corresponde às normascitadas na declaração de conformidade,que pode pedir na nossa página da webhttp://www.akg.com, ou enviando-nosum email para [email protected].

The International Page


14 PERCEPTION 400

Notizen • Notes • Notes • Note • Notas • Notas


15PERCEPTION 400

Notizen • Notes • Notes • Note • Notas • Notas


Mikrofone · Kopfhörer · Drahtlosmikrofone · Drahtloskopfhörer · Kopfsprechgarnituren · Akustische KomponentenMicrophones · Headphones · Wireless Microphones · Wireless Headphones · Headsets · Electroacoustical ComponentsMicrophones · Casques HiFi · Microphones sans fil · Casques sans fil · Micros-casques · Composants acoustiquesMicrofoni · Cuffie HiFi · Microfoni senza filo · Cuffie senza filo · Cuffie-microfono · Componenti acusticiMicrófonos · Auriculares · Micrófonos inalámbricos · Auriculares inalámbricos · Auriculares con micrófono · Componentes acústicosMicrofones · Fones de ouvido · Microfones s/fios · Fones de ouvido s/fios · Microfones de cabeça · Componentes acústicos

Technische Änderungen vorbehalten. Specifications subject to change without notice. Ces caractéristiques sont susceptibles de modifications.Ci riserviamo il diritto di effettuare modifiche tecniche. Nos reservamos el derecho de introducir modificaciones técnicas. Especificações sujeitas à mudanças sem aviso prévio.

AKG Acoustics GmbHLemböckgasse 21–25, P.O.B. 158, A-1230 Vienna/AUSTRIA, Tel: (+43 1) 86 654-0*, Fax: (+43 1) 86 654-7516, www.akg.com, e-mail: [email protected], Hotline: (+43 676) 83200 888, [email protected]

AKG Acoustics GmbHBodenseestraße 228, D-81243 München/GERMANY, Tel: (+49 89) 87 16-0, Fax: (+49 89) 87 16-200, www.akg.com/de, e-mail: [email protected], Hotline: (+49 89) 87 16-22 50, [email protected] ACOUSTICS, U.S.914 Airpark Center Drive, Nashville, TN 37217, U.S.A., Tel: (+1 615) 620-3800, Fax: (+1 615) 620-3875, www.akgusa.com, e-mail: [email protected] other products and distributors worldwide see our website: www.akg.com

12/05/9100 U 1194
