Chameleon Labs TS-1MKII - Manual (Page 3)

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If you decide to take a break from using the microphone, you can lower the STANDBY
switch until you return. This will help to extend the life of the vacuum tube. Note: it is
not recommended that you leave the mic in its standby mode (POWER switch up and
STANDBY switch down) for periods longer than thirty minutes. When you are finished
using the TS-1 MKII, switch it off and store it in its box with the supplied desiccant.
There is no harm in using the microphone for very long periods of time but do not leave
the microphone running continuously. Some people feel that tube microphones should be
left on at all times. This is not true. A vacuum tube has a finite service life and you will
be using it up unnecessarily if you do this.
Application
The TS-1 MKII is a small diaphragm, condenser microphone with vacuum tube
electronics. It comes with interchangeable capsules, one of which has a cardioid pickup
pattern, and the other is omni-directional. A hyper cardioid capsule and a 1” large
diaphragm capsule are also available as an optional accessory. To change the capsule,
unscrew the capsule from the tip of the microphone and replace it with the other capsule.
When mounting a capsule, be very careful not to cross-thread it and never force a capsule
that is reluctant. The capsules should screw on smoothly and easily.
All capsules are marked to identify their pickup pattern. The cardioid capsule has a heart
shaped insignia printed on its side and the omni-directional capsule has a circle. The
cardioid capsule has vent slots on the side and the omni-directional capsule does not. Use
the cardioid capsule in situations where you desire to pickup specific sound sources, such
as one guitar within an ensemble, or only the higher strings of a piano. You can also use
the cardioid capsule when you wish to reduce the acoustic presence of the space in which
you are working, such as reducing crowd noise during live recording. Use the omni-
directional capsule when you wish to pickup a wider area, such as a group of backing
vocalists. Also, use the omni-directional capsule when you wish to include more of the
acoustic character of the space in which the microphone is being used, such as in concert
halls that have outstanding acoustics. The optional TS-1L, 1” large diaphragm capsule
will allow the microphone to perform as a conventional side address large diaphragm
microphone, suitable for vocal and full range instrument recording. The capsule is
switchable between omni directional and cardioid patterns by using the toggle switch on
the front of the microphone capsule. There is also an optional adaptor, model number
ADP-1, which allows CK Series capsules from AKG® to be mounted on the body of the
TS-1 MKII.
The TS-1 MKII can be used in very loud sonic environments without significant
distortion. If you hear distortion from the microphone, engage the “mic pad” on your
mixer, or move the microphone farther from the sound source. It is not recommended
that you use the TS-1 MKII as a hand held microphone, or as a vocal microphone without
a windscreen, or outdoors use on a windy day. This is because it has no internal shock
mount or pop filter. However, the TS-1 MKII is an excellent vocal microphone when
properly protected from plosive sounds, such as breath pops or wind. If you wish to use a