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SM Pro Audio
Operating Manual - SM MC03
Version 1.0 Jan 2003

www.SMProAudio.com

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not remove the cover of the microphone or
power supply of this unit while plugged into the mains power.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock do not expose this appliance to rain or
moisture.
DETAILED SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS:
All safety and operation instructions of this manual should be read and adhered to before
operation.
Retain Instructions:
Please retain all safety and operating instructions for future reference.
Follow instructions:
All operation and user instructions should be followed.
Water, liquid and Moisture:
The appliance should not be used near water, rain or other liquids. Make sure that no liquid can
leak, spill or otherwise seep into the appliance.
Ventilation:
Please place the power supply appliance so no obstacles interfere or impede the flow of air
through the ventilation openings.
Heat:
The power supply should be situated away from other heat sources such as heaters, radiators,
ovens, or other appliances that produce heat.
Power Source:
Make sure your power supply is the correct voltage for the country in which it will be used.
Grounding and Polarization:
Precautions should be taken so that the grounding or polarization means of an appliance is not
defeated.
Power-Cord Protection:
Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on, pinched, damaged, worn, or rubbed by any other device or obstacle.
Cleaning:
The microphone and power supply should be cleaned only with a light soft cloth. Do not use any
damaging or corrosive products on the unit.
Periods of inactivity:
The power cord of the appliance should be unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long
period of time.
Damage Requiring Service:
The appliance should be serviced by qualified service personnel when:
- The power supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or
- Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the appliance; or
- The appliance has been exposed to rain; or
- The appliance does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in
performance; or
- The appliance has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.
Servicing:
The user should not attempt to service the appliance beyond that is described in the Operating
Instructions.
All other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel.
2

Safety

SM MC03 Main Features
The MC03 is a well-balanced recording microphone that provides exemplary performance under
a variety of applications. It comes supplied with a power supply, shockmount, case, and two
microphone cables (one is a special multi-pin cable for the power supply).
With its classic vintage look, the MC03 features the same extraordinary sound and performance
of legendary vacuum tube microphones from years gone by, at a fraction of their original cost. It
is only now possible to attain the superior technology of these classic microphones at a modest
price available even to the home project studio.
Featuring 9 selectable polar patterns the SM MC03 is extremely versatile and suited to a whole
range of applications. Powerful, warm and extremely versatile, the MC03 meets the requirements
of even the most demanding digital recording and live broadcasting applications.
FOREWORD
Dear Customer,
Congratulations on purchasing the SM Pro Audio MC03 Vacuum Tube Condenser Microphone.
The MC03 has been designed to be used as a standard tool for recording engineers and as such
is perfect for recording studio vocals, acoustic instruments, orchestras, chiors, and many other
live sound applications. With much experience in the audio industry over a long period of time,
and along with valuable suggestions from our customers, our engineers have developed a product we know you will be satisfied with. We guarantee you uncompromising quality as well as
excellent technical and audio properties at an extremely affordable price.
Regards,
SM ProAudio

3

Features - Foreward

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION
2. THE DESIGN CONCEPT
2.1 High quality components and design
2.2 Connections
3. INSTALLATION & CONNECTIONS
3.1 Mounting the microphone into the shockmount and boom stand
3.2 Power supply
3.3 Connecting the required cables
4. APPLICATION GUIDE
4.1 Powering up the SM MC03
4.2 Selecting a polar pattern for use
5. STORAGE & CARE
5.1 Cleaning your microphone
5.2 Replacing the tube of your microphone
6. SPECIFICATIONS
7. WARRANTY

4

Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION
Valve microphone....retain your warmth!
With the advent of pristine digital studio recording facilities nowdays, more and more recording
engineers are wanting to retain as much warmth and roundness in their recordings as possible.
One way to achive this is to use valve or tube devices on your input stage (microphones, preamps, etc).
The SM MC03 is a dedicated large diaphragm, gold sputtered, tube/valve condesnser microphone. Perfect for capturing recordings with the full rich sound of a valve.

2. THE DESIGN CONCEPT
2.1 High quality components and design
The philosophy behind SM ProAudio products guarantees a no-compromise circuit design and
employs the best choice of components.
The MC03 components feature:
• Hand-tooled brass capsule with a 3-micron gold-sputtered mylar dual diaphragm (1 inch) for
maximum sensitivity, long life, subtle sonic detail and unsurpassed tone
• Tube preamplifier circuitry with vacuum tube (a classic 12Ax series valve)
• A specially developed output transformer designed for ultra transparency and natural warm
reproduction of sound
• Dedicated AC power supply with built in phantom power and balanced XLR output for connection to any mixing console
• Nine remotely selectable different polar patterns on power supply for outstanding versatility and
ease of operation: omnidirectional, cardioid, figure 8, and six intermediate stages
• Sturdy shockmount
2.2 Connections
All connection points on the microphone and power supply are secured firmly to the exterior
chassis housing. This ensures robust quality and confidence in performance under all conditions.
A special multi-pin microphone cable is provided for connection between the microphone and
dedicated power supply.

5

Introduction - Design Concept

3. INSTALLATION
Your SM ProAudio SM MC03 was carefully packed in the factory and the packaging was
designed to protect the unit from rough handling. Nevertheless, we recommend that you carefully
examine the packaging and its contents for any signs of physical damage, which may have
occurred in transit.
+ If the unit is damaged, please do not return it to us, but notify your dealer and the shipping
company immediately, otherwise claims for damage or replacement may not be granted.
Shipping claims must be made by the consignee.
Your SM MC03 comes bundled with:
• SM MC03 large diaphragm valve/tube condenser microphone.
• Lockable flight case to provide maximum protection for your microphone
• Dedicated power supply.
• 7 pin cable to connect to your SM MC03 to the dedicated power supply.
• Elastic suspension shock-mount to prevent transmission of vibrations through the microphone
stand.
• Spare suspension elastic for shockmount assembly.
3.1 Mounting the microphone into the shockmount and boom stand
The use of the Shock Mount will reduce the risk of floor-borne vibrations being picked up when
critical recordings are being made.
You will notice that there is a small threaded hole on an adjustable mounting clip fixed to the side
of the shockmount assembly. This is where you can connect to any standard boom stand. Screw
the shockmount to the boom stand firmly.
Place the base of the microphone into the shockmounts’ bottom centre hole, and screw in a
clockwise direction to secure. You will see that by screwing the threaded locking nut of the cable
to the threaded base of the microphone, the microphone is now seated firmly in its mount.

6

Installation & Connections

3.2 Power supply
The SM MC03 has a professional external power supply. On one side of the power supply there
is the microphone cable connectors and polar pattern selctor switch. On the other side of the
power supply is the power switch and mains power cable connector slot.
3.3 Connecting the required cables
• Connect the microphone to the power supply
Using the included special 7 pin microphone cable, connect one end of the cable to the base of
the MC03 microphone, and the other to the connector labelled “MIC IN” on the front of the dedicated power supply unit.
• Connect the powersupply microphone output to your mixer or recording device of choice
Using a standard microphone cable, connect one end of the cable to the connector labelled
“OUT” on the front of the dedicated power supply unit, and the other to the input connector of
your mixer of other recording device.
We strongly suggest you use a high quality cable. The cable should be as short as it can be
practically be in your situation. Long cables may adversely affect sound quality.
• Connect the Mains Lead from the Power Supply socket to your mains power.
Connect one end of the included power cable to the rear of the dedicated power supply to the
connector labelled either “110V” or “220V” (depending on which country you purchased the MC03
in), and the other to your mains power source.

7

Installation & Connections

4. APPLICATION GUIDE
4.1 Powering up the SM MC03
It is very simple to power up the microphone. Make sure your power supply is connected to the
mains power of the correct voltage for your unit. Then simply activate the power switch on the
dedicated power supply.
Your microphone You should allow several minutes for the MC03 to ‘warm up’ and stabilize
before you begin recording. All valve microphones must go through this stage, as the tube
requires this for correct operation.

4.2 Selecting a polar pattern for use
There are 9 Polar Patterns available on the MC03. These can be selected from the rotary switch
on the dedicated Power Supply. Select the preferred Polar Pattern (commonly Cardioid for regular vocal recording). Experiment with the microphone, listen to the various patterns and decide
what suits your current application best.
We suggest you use a ‘pop-stopper’ wind screen when recording vocals; this will help reduce
high-level plosives.

8

Application Guide

5. STORAGE & CARE
5.1 Cleaning your microphone
The MC03 should be kept in clean dry environment. Try to avoidt temperature extremes. If the
housing of the microphone becomes soiled for any reason, you can clean it with a soft textured
cloth moistened in isopropyl alcohol.
(WARNING: The capsule is the heart of the condenser microphone. If it becomes dirty or wet, the
sound will be degraded. Never spray any liquid on the microphone head. Always use a foam
windscreen or pop filter if you talk or sing close to the microphone grill screen.)
5.2 Replacing the tube of your microphone
The tube used in the MC03 has been hand selected for low noise, and burned in to provide years
of service. However, as with all “tube” technology products, over time your tube may fail and
need replacing. The tube used in the MC03 is a very popular type (12AX7) and is used in a variety of music and recording related products. You should be able to obtain from your local music
retail outlet when required to do so.
To gain access to the tube, first disconnect the microphone from its power supply. Remove the
microphone from the shock mount and unscrew the base of the mic near the cable connector in
an anti-clockwise direction. This is a section of the base about 1cm in thickness.
You can then carefully remove the remaining tubular shaft to expose the inner workings and tube
of the microphone.
Remove the tube through the side opening in the microphone chassis. Hold the tube with a finger
and thumb on either side of the tube, holding onto the rubber protector ring. Wiggle gently to
remove.
When replacing your new tube try not to touch the actual valve. Oils can be transferred by fingers
which can reduce the operating life and performance of your tube. Be sure to handel as much as
possible without physically touching with your fingers. If your new tube does not have a rubber
protector ring, please use the one provided surrounding your old tube.
Make sure that the replacement tube is seated firmly in the socket. Replace the body by sliding it
over the chassis. Screw on the 1cm base, and replace the microphone in the shock mount.

9

Storage & Care

6. SPECIFICATIONS
Microphone type:

True pressure gradient condenser microphone with 1 in (25
mm) diameter dual diaphragms and vacuum tube preamplifier

Vacuum tube:

12AX series widely available valves

Frequency range:

20 to 20,000 Hz

Capsule capacitance:

50 pF

Polar pattern:

Omnidirectional, cardioid, figure 8, and six intermediate stages
(silent switching)

Open circuit sensitivity
@1KHz:

-36dBV +/-2dBV (0dBV=1V/Pa) for all patterns

Rated output impedance:

Low, 200 Ohms (nominal)

Recommended
load impedance:

1000 Ohms

Max. SPL
(0.5% THD @1000Hz):

130 dB

Equivalent noise
level (A weighted):

18 dB-A

S/N ratio re 1Pa:

74dB

Dynamic range (max SPL to
A-weighted noise level):

116 dB

Ambient temperature range:

14°F to 140°F (-10 °C to +60 °C)

Connector:

7-pin XLR (gold plated)

Dimensions: Diameter:

2.36 in (60 mm), length: 7.1 in (180 mm)

Net weight:

29 oz (800 g)

Power requirement:

Dedicated SM Pro MC03 powering unit required to power
valve, no additional phantom power needed.

Power Supply
Dimensions and Weight:

10

2" X 5.5" X 7" (51 X 140 X 178 mm), 3.25 lbs (1.46 Kg)

Specifications

11

Specifications

7. WARRANTY
1 WARRANTY CARD
To be protected by this warranty, the buyer must complete and return the enclosed warranty card
(signed/stamped by retail dealer) within 14 days of the date of purchase to SM ProAudio (see
address below 3). Failure to return the card in due time (date as per postmark) will void any
extended warranty claims.
2 WARRANTY
1. SM ProAudio warrants the mechanical and electronic components of this product to be free of
defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the original date of
purchase, in accordance with the warranty regulations described below. If any defects occur
within the specified warranty period that are not caused by normal wear or inappropriate use, SM
ProAudio shall, at its sole discretion, either repair or replace the product.
2. If the warranty claim proves to be justified, the product will be returned freight prepaid by SM
ProAudio within Australia. Outside of Australia, the product will be returned at the buyer's
expense.
3. Warranty claims other than those indicated above are expressly excluded.
3 RETURN AUTHORIZATION NUMBER
1. To obtain warranty service, the buyer must call SM ProAudio during normal business hours
BEFORE returning the product (Tel.: +61 3 9555 8081). All inquiries must be accompanied by a
description of the problem. SM ProAudio will then issue a return authorization number.
2. The product must be returned in its original shipping carton, together with the return
authorization number, to the following address:
SM Pro Audio
Service Department
W25, 26-28 Roberna St
Moorabbin
Melbourne, Victoria
Australia 3189

12

Warranty

4 WARRANTY REGULATIONS
1. Warranty services will be furnished only if the product is accompanied by an original retail
dealer's invoice. Any product deemed eligible for repair or replacement by SM ProAudio under
the terms of this warranty will be repaired or replaced within 30 days of receipt of the product at
SM ProAudio.
2. If the product needs to be modified or adapted in order to comply with applicable technical or
safety standards on a national or local level, in any country which is not the country for which the
product was originally developed and manufactured, this modification/adaptation shall not be
considered a defect in materials or workmanship.
The warranty does not cover any such modification/adaptation, irrespective of whether it was
carried out properly or not. Under the terms of this warranty, SM ProAudio shall not be held
responsible for any cost resulting from such a modification/adaptation.
3. Free inspections, maintenance/repair work and replacement of parts are expressly excluded
from this warranty, in particular if caused by inappropriate use. Likewise, the warranty does not
cover defects of expendable parts caused by normal wear of the product. Expendable parts are
typically pots, potentiometers, switches and similar components.
4. Damages/defects caused by the following conditions are not covered by this warranty:
- Misuse, neglect or failure to operate the unit in compliance with the instructions given in the
user or service manuals.
- Connection or operation of the unit in any way that does not comply with the technical or safety
regulations applicable in the country where the product is used.
- Damages/defects that are caused by any other condition beyond the control of SM ProAudio.
5. Any repair carried out by unauthorized personnel will void the warranty.
6. Products which do not meet the terms of this warranty will be repaired exclusively at the
buyer's expense. SM ProAudio will inform the buyer of any such circumstance. If the buyer fails
to submit a written repair order within 4 weeks after notification, SM ProAudio will return the unit
C.O.D. with a separate invoice for freight and packing. Such cost will also be invoiced separately
when the buyer has sent in a written repair order.

13

Warranty

5 WARRANTY TRANSFERABILITY
This warranty is extended exclusively to the original buyer (customer of retail dealer) and is not
transferable to anyone who may subsequently purchase this product. No other person (retail
dealer, etc.) shall be entitled to give any warranty promise on behalf of SM ProAudio.
6 CLAIM FOR DAMAGES
Failure of SM ProAudio to provide proper warranty service shall not entitle the buyer to claim
(consequential) damages. In no event shall the liability of SM ProAudio exceed the invoiced
value of the product.
7 OTHER WARRANTY RIGHTS
This warranty does not exclude or limit the buyer's statutory rights provided by national law, in
particular, any such rights against the seller that arise from a legally effective purchase contract.

The information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice. No part of this
manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording of any kind, for any purpose, without the express written permission of SM ProAudio.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2003 SM ProAudio
SM Pro Audio
Service Department
W25, 26-28 Roberna St
Moorabbin
Melbourne, Victoria
Australia 3189
PH: +61 3 9555 8081
FAX: +61 3 9555 8083
14

Warranty



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