Warm Audio WA-14 Manual Del Usuario página 6

THEORY & PRACTICE
MICROPHONES IN THEORY AND IN PRACTICE
In this chapter, we will go over some general descriptions and advice on how to use your WA-14
microphone. We will begin with what the WA-14 is and is not, and then briefly discuss different
applications and ways to get the best results from your microphone.
The WA-14 is primarily a studio condenser, which is to say it is a microphone that requires +48v
phantom power and a balanced XLR to XLR microphone cable, and a preamp (or a mixer or an
interface with built in preamps) with a 3 pin XLR microphone input. It is not primarily a live stage
microphone, for a number of reasons which include its relative size and its relative sensitivity compared to most live
performance dynamic microphones. Though it's capsule is electrically isolated, it is not internally
shock-mounted as most live performance microphones are, utilizing some form of internal suspension
mechanism.
The WA-14 is capable of delivering three polar patterns: omnidirectional, cardioid, and figure of
eight. We will go into the benefits of each pattern in greater detail shortly. The WA-14 is considered a
side-address microphone in the sense that it's capsule is mounted upright, projecting outward from either
side of the microphone when the microphone is stood upright or suspended upside down. The front face
of the microphone body is the side which bears the Warm Audio (WA) badge and switches, and this is
considered the 'front side' of the capsule, with the opposite side of the microphone being the 'back side'.
MICROPHONE CARE AND MAINTENANCE
When recording vocals, a quality pop filter does more than just prevent loud plosives from affecting your
recording. It also prevents moisture from reaching the microphone, which can cause the headbasket to rust
or the capsule membrane to begin accumulating film or particles.
The XLR connection is the microphone's only gateway to the outside world. After many years of
exposure to the elements, the pins of an XLR can begin to dull and affect signal continuity, even if they
are gold-plated. Occasional treatment (no more than once per year or so) with a quick shot of contact
cleaner/enhancer such as DeOxit(™) will prolong the life of the connector almost indefinitely.
To reduce exposure to dust and humidity, it is good practice to keep your microphone in its pouch
with its absorbent packet for storage, when not in regular use. As with any condenser microphone, neither
its capsule or electronics are particularly tolerant of humidity or dust. The included silica packet is not
merely for shipping; it serves a vital purpose in keeping your microphone capsule and electronics free
from humidity, and should be replaced if ever lost or worn out.
GENERAL USES IN CARDIOID MODE
The classic microphone our WA-14 emulates was known as an all-around studio workhorse. It has
been used to capture powerful vocal performances in rock, country, hip-hop, gospel, blues, metal,
voiceover/spoken word, and just about every genre out there. The classic style microphone has also
become a top choice for recording electric guitar cabinets, drum toms and overheads. A pair of these classic
microphones in an X-Y configuration can also be a great way to achieve a big acoustic guitar sound.
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