Milab DC-196 Condenser Microphone Instructions

: June 1, 2024
: Milab

Table of Contents

Milab DC-196 Condenser Microphone
Product Information
Product Usage Instructions
Package Includes
Connection
Guidelines for Use
Service & Cleaning
Lifetime Warranty
Speciﬁcations
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

Milab DC-196 Condenser Microphone

Milab-DC-196-Condenser-Microphone-PRO

Product Information

Specifications

Model: Milab DC-196
Type: Condenser Microphone
Powering: Phantom power at 48V (P48, IEC 1938)
Connection: XLR
Manufacturer: Milab Microphones AB

Product Usage Instructions

Connection
The Milab DC-196 condenser microphone can be connected to any mic input, mixer/amplifier, or mic preamp using a standard microphone cable (XLR). Ensure phantom power at 48V is available with positive voltage on the audio lines versus the cable shield.

Microphone XLR Pinout:

1: Ground (shield)
2: Hot (+ phase)
3: Cold (- phase)

If phantom power is not supported, use an external power supply between the microphone and the input. Be cautious with connections to unbalanced inputs without a transformer.

Guidelines for Use
Handle the microphone with care and follow the instructions outlined in the manual. Avoid direct exposure to extreme temperatures and humidity. Do not drop or subject the microphone to physical stress.

Service & Cleaning
All service and repair should be done by authorized personnel. Clean metal surfaces with alcohol or methylated spirits. Exercise caution to protect the membrane during cleaning.

Declaration of Conformity CE
The Milab DC-196 conforms to all applicable EU directives/regulations for audio purposes only. Use in configurations approved by the manufacturer.

Lifetime Warranty
Your Milab DC-196 microphone is covered by a lifetime warranty against manufacturing and material defects. Contact the point of purchase for assistance with any issues.

Contact Information
Milab Microphones AB
Norra Strandgatan 4 S-252 20 Helsingborg SWEDEN
Phone : +46 (0)42 381620
Fax: +46 (0)42 136350
E-mail: milab@milabmic.com
Website: www.milabmic.com

FAQ

Q: What should I do if my microphone stops working?
A: If you experience any issues with your microphone, please contact the seller for further instructions on warranty claims or repairs.
Q: Can I use this microphone for live performances?
A: Yes, the Milab DC-196 can be used for live performances when connected to compatible equipment with phantom power.

Thank You for Choosing a Milab Microphone!
With a history that goes back to the 1930s, Milab is one of the oldest, continuously operating microphone manufacturers in the world. Every one of our microphones is handcrafted in our plant in southern Sweden. Our quality control is meticulous and all microphones have to pass several stages of testing, including rigorous audio tests in our anechoic chamber. We believe in our products, which is why every microphone is delivered with its own individual frequency chart and our industry-leading lifetime warranty. Congratulations on your purchase and welcome to the Milab family!
Thomas Nöjdh, President

Package Includes

Milab DC-196 condenser microphone
Milab 3227 shock mount
Milab 3403 windscreen
Individual frequency chart
Quick guide manual

The Milab DC-196 Condenser Microphone
The DC-196 is a versatile multi-pattern condenser microphone built around the Milab 2900 model rectangular capsule. It oﬀ ers low noise, three selectable patterns (cardioid, omni, bidirectional), excellent SPL handling and an extre-mely smooth oﬀ -axis response – all in a very compact format. In fact, the DC-196 is one of the smallest large-diaphragm microphones ever produced. The DC-196 shines on transient-rich sources like acoustic instruments and, thanks to the unique properties of the rectangular capsule, it excels in recording situations where a smooth oﬀ -axis response is crucial, such as string ensembles and choirs, but also coincident stereo setups where large-diaphragm microphones are usually avoided.

Connection

The DC-196 can be connected to any mic input, mixer/ampliﬁ er, or mic preamp using a standard microphone cable (XLR). The microphone is designed for phantom powering at 48 V (P48, IEC 1938) with positive voltage on the audio lines versus the cable shield.

Microphone XLR pinout:

Ground (shield)
Hot (+ phase)
Cold (- phase)

If the input device does not support phantom power, an external power supply has to be connected between the microphone and the input. Make sure that the extra phantom power has a DC-free output against the mixer, otherwise an RC network has to be incorporated to block the 48 VDC.

Connecting the microphone to an unbalanced input: $Milab-DC-196-Condenser- Microphone- $2$$

Connecting the microphone to an unbalanced input without a transformer. Pin 2 is the “hot phase“ and should be connected to the input. Pin 3 should be left open: $Milab-DC-196-Condenser-Microphone- $3$$

Guidelines for Use

The DC-196 should be aimed with the Milab logo towards the sound source (in cardioid mode).
The DC-196 is a multi-pattern microphone and offers three different polar patterns. Firmly turn the knob to set the microphone polar pattern in cardioid, omni or bidirectional mode. Please note that the system may need a few minutes to stabilize.
The DC-196 is equipped with a pre-attenuation pad switch. In situations where sound levels may exceed 132 dB SPL, set the switch to the -12 dB position. The system may need a few minutes (2-5) to stabilize.
The DC-196 must be placed in a stand holder or in a shock mount. It is not intended to be used as a handheld device.
For outdoor recordings, use the enclosed windscreen to minimize wind noise.
Use the enclosed windscreen or an external pop ﬁlter to reduce popping sounds when recording close-up vocals.
Protect the microphone from dust and dirt which may damage the membrane.
The microphone should not be exposed to water, extreme temperatures or humidity.

Service & Cleaning

All service and repair of the microphone should be performed by authorized personnel. All metal surfaces may be safely cleaned from time to time with alcohol or methylated spirits.
CAUTION! Protect the membrane when cleaning.

Declaration of Conformity CE
Milab Microphones AB declares that this device conforms to all applicable EU directives/regulations. The aforementioned product may only be used for audio purposes and in conﬁ gurations approved by the manufacturer.

Lifetime Warranty

Your microphone is covered by our lifetime warranty. If you experience any problems, please contact the place where you purchased it for further instructions.
The warranty is intended to protect the customer from manufacturing and/or material defects. It does not cover careless or improper handling (intentional or unintentional), such as physical negligence, electrical overload etc.
Terms and conditions apply and are available on request. Please visit www.milabmic.com/warranty for more information.

Contact Information
Milab Microphones AB Norra Strandgatan 4 S-252 20 Helsingborg SWEDEN
Phone: +46 (0)42 381620
Fax: +46 (0)42 136350
E-mail: milab@milabmic.com
Website: www.milabmic.com
Milab Microphones is a trademark of Milab Microphones AB, Sweden.
Copyright © Milab Microphones, Sweden. All rights reserved. Errors excepted. Subject to changes.
Legal notice/user agreement: Milab Microphones assumes no liability for damages, direct or consequential, which may result from the use of the supplied product. Under no circumstances and under no legal theory, tort, contract, or otherwise, shall Milab Microphones be held liable to you or any other person for any indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages of any kind, including, without limitation, damages for loss of goodwill, work stoppage, computer or equipment failure or malfunction, or any and all other commercial damages or losses. This limitation of liability shall not apply to liability for death or personal injury to the extent applicable law prohibits such limitation. This User Agreement shall be exclusively subject to the laws of Sweden.