Samson G Track - Manual (Page 16)

ENGLISH
14
Operating the G Track
A Note on Powering the G Track
The G Track is a condenser microphone, and like all condenser microphones, it
has internal electronics that require an active power supply. Traditional studio
condensers are almost always powered by a Phantom Power supply which is usually
derived from the mixing console. The G Track receives its power from the USB bus.
Simply connect the microphone to the computer's USB port and the microphone is
ready to operate. The G Track features a power on LED, which will illuminate when
USB power is present.
Setting Up the Signal Level
You can adjust the G Track's internal analog input gain stage by using the G Track’s
INSTRUMENT and MIC level control knobs. The purpose of the level, or gain,
controls are to optimize the amount of good signal relative to any associated noise.
A good mic or instrument pre-amplifier, like those inside G Track, will also have a
PEAK indicator to show when the input signal is clipping. To set a good level on
the mic, set the G Track up in front of the desired sound source and slowly raise
the input trim control until you see the CLIP or Peak indicator light up. Then, turn
the input trim control down until the indicator does not light any more. Repeat
the same process for the instrument. Once you set the INSTRUMENT and MIC input
level control you shouldn’t need to change them during recording. Use the level
controls on the DAW to set the balance between the instrument mic and stereo mix
from the DAW.
Stand Mounting the G Track
The G Track can be mounted to the included desk stand or on a standard
microphone stand like the Samson BT4, BL3 or SB1 using the included swivel
mount adapter. If you are using a U.S. 5/8” mic stand, you will need to remove, by
unscrewing, the Euro stand adapter. Simply screw the swivel adapter on to your mic
stand or boom arm. Now, loosen the thumbscrew and adjust the microphone to the
desired angle. Once set, tighten the thumbscrew to secure the microphone in place.
You can also use the optional SP04, spider shock mount for increased isolation. For
more information see the section, “Using the Optional SP04 Shockmount”, following in
this manual.
Polar Pattern
The most important characteristic of any microphone is its directionality or “pick-
up pattern”. There are three basic categories of pick up patterns; omni, bi and
unidirectional. Omni mics pick up sound from all directions, bidirectional mics
pick up the sound directly in front and back of the microphone while rejecting the
sound on the left and right sides, and unidirectional (cardioid) mics pick up the
sound in front of the microphone.