Crane Song FLAMINGO - Manual (Page 7)

INPUT IMPEDANCE SWITCH
This switch changes the impedance to a lower value from the standard Flamingo value. This lower value
has been recommended by David Bock, of Soundelux Microphones. This will match Flamingo’s input
impedance for optimum performance with the Soundlux Microphones. This will also work with other tube,
and transistor type microphones that use an output transformer in the microphone. If the impedance is to
low, the mic would have a loss of low frequency and, an increase in distortion. If the impedance is to high
the output transformer in the microphone will ring or have a high frequency rise that could result in a thin or
harsh sound.
THE GAIN SWITCH
The gain switch is a stepped switch with a 6db change per step starting with 6 db of gain and with maxi-
mum gain of 66 db. This approach was chosen for those who do stereo recording and would like to have
matched gain of the stereo channels.
THE ATTENUATOR
The attenuator is continuously variable to allow gain trim when needed. The gain range is from maximum
gain as set by the gain switch to no output. In normal operation this control is operated all the way up.
Some engineers like to be able to pull down the pre-amplifier’s output at the end of takes to prevent
recording unwanted room noise. This is easily done with the attenuator.
An additional function that can be done is to increase the pre-amplifiers gain with the gain switch and turn
down the attenuator to allow for over drive of the fat or iron amplifiers. In some cases this will allow an
increased level of fatness in the sound however, in some cases this may not be useable.
THE PHASE SWITCH
The phase switch allows phase reversal of each channel with the “+” symbol indicating no phase change
through the channel. Each channel has a separate switch.
PHANTOM POWER SWITCH
This switch allows the user to supply or not supply 48 volts to the microphone. Each channel has a
separate switch.
THE POWER SWITCH
Turns the unit on or off.
THE METER
The meter is an LED bar graph with 22 led’s and follows a VU type scale with +4 dbm considered to be 0
VU. The clip light indicates clipping in the input stage of the pre-amp and is calibrated to turn on at .5 db
below clipping.
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