sE Electronics 534241 DynaCaster Active Dynamic Mic User Manual

534241 DynaCaster Active Dynamic Mic
User Manual

Thank you
Thank you for choosing an sE microphone! In addition to some basic safety precautions, this manual includes details and specifications to help you get the most out of your DynaCaster. Please take a few minutes to read through it.
Capturing excellent audio is our passion. We sincerely hope you’ll enjoy the sound of this mic as much as we’ve enjoyed designing and building it for you.
Happy Broadcasting,
The sE Team

Brief Description

The DynaCaster has been designed from scratch to set a new standard for broadcast-style microphones. Its brand-new DMC8 capsule and integrated DYNAMITE preamp provide better sonic reproduction, more sensitivity, and less noise than the standards of decades past. The capsule has a patented shock absorption system built into its body, preventing the need for a bulky external shock mount. Best of all, the three recessed switches on the rear of the microphone allow you to tune the DynaCaster to your specific tonal needs.
The DynaCaster is compatible with all broadcast boom arms. Furthermore, the XLR jack is integrated into the stand mounting point for unobtrusive cabling and a low profile for on-camera applications. The internal three-layer pop filter is removable for cleaning and designed to offer enough plosive protection to be used without an external “chunky“ pop filter. However, we’ve included an external windscreen, just in case that suits your preference.
The DynaCaster is not just a speaking microphone. It can be used for singing, acoustic instruments, and miking amplifiers. All of the features that make it great for broadcast applications double as tone-tailoring options when recording and performing music!

What’s in the box

• DynaCaster microphone
• External windscreen
• Microphone stand thread adapter

Controls

The DynaCaster has three switches. The middle switch toggles the internal DYNAMITE preamp on and off. On the left and right are acoustic trim switches, allowing you to fine-tune the overall voicing of the microphone.

DYNAMITE I/O Switch
When the DYNAMITE I/O Switch [middle] is in the “on” position, the DynaCaster’s internal DYNAMITE preamp provides 30 dB of additional gain, ideal for speech and softer sources. This requires Phantom power. In the “off” position, the DynaCaster functions as a completely passive microphone, not requiring any external or Phantom power.
Low-Frequency Trim
The microphone’s Low-Frequency Trim [left] switch gives you three different options for it low-end character. The center position is flat, or unaffected. The downward position attenuates the lows to reduce boominess, also known as the proximity effect. In the upward position, the lows are slightly boosted, giving the microphone’s sound some extra richness. This can be helpful when speaking from a farther distance or miking an instrument that sounds a bit thin.

High-Frequency Trim
The microphone’s High-Frequency Trim [right] switch gives you three different options for its present character. The downward position is flat, or unaffected. The center position creates a slight high-frequency boost to add clarity and help your voice cut through a busy background. The fully upward position boosts the highs through the presence range, helping to correct for rooms where acoustic treatment has absorbed too much treble.

The Three-Layer Pop Filter
Broadcast microphones are a staple of social media channels that are distributed as video, in addition to audio. One of the issues we tried to address in designing the DynaCaster is the visual disruption of external windscreens and pop filters. To keep your video looking clean, the DynaCaster has an internal three-layer pop filter. This concept has been extensively tested to stand up to plosives, without the need for any external protection.

The three-layer pop filter and microphone grille can be easily removed and cleaned as needed. Simply turn the speaking surface of the microphone counter- clockwise to remove it. From there, the pop filter will easily lift out. Use a soft cloth, moistened with water only. Do not use anycleaning agents or aggressive liquids. Once clean, reassemble the mic and turn the speaking surface clockwise until tight. You’re ready to go!

Tips for practical use

When using the DynaCaster at close range for speech recording, start with the DYNAMITE preamp engaged and the Low-Frequency Trim in the downward position. Begin with the High-Frequency Trim in the downward position; evaluate the high-frequency tone of your voice. If it sounds acceptable, leave it there. If your “s” sounds are sharp and piercing, move the High-Frequency Trim into the center position. If your voice sounds muffled or unintelligible, move the High-Frequency Switch into the fully upward position to boost its presence range.
When recording instruments or a vocalist singing, you can think of the DynaCaster’s switches as tone-shaping controls. Unless Phantom power is not available, we’d generally recommend keeping the DYNAMITE preamp engaged, as the built-in microphone preamps on a mixing console or audio interface can introduce more noise than desirable at higher gain settings. If you’re experiencing overload, i.e. your mixer’s preamp is clipping despite the gain being all the way down, then go ahead and disengage the DYNAMITE preamp, and reintroduce gain on the mixer as needed.

Powering

Risk of damage
Do not connect the microphone to any power supply other than a 48V Phantom power source. Phantom power is often integrated into both mixers and audio interfaces, and engaged via a switch on the unit’s panel. Verify that any potential external power source is a direct substitute for integrated 48V Phantom power.

Please be aware that Phantom power cannot pass through TRS connectors. A balanced microphone cable with XLR connectors at both sides is required to provide Phantom power to a microphone.

Safety and maintenance

Risk of damage
Please make sure that the piece of equipment to which your microphone will be connected fulfills the safety regulations enforced in your country and is fitted with a ground lead.
Cleaning the microphone
The microphone should only be cleaned with a soft cloth. Do not use any cleaning agents or aggressive liquids.

Technical Specifications

Support

In the event that you experience any problems or have any questions regarding your sE product, please contact your dealer first for the fastest and most direct service. If authorized service is required, it will be arranged by that dealer: http://www.seelectronics.com/dealers
If you are still having difficulties with support or assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us directly: http://www.seelectronics.com/contact-us
Lastly, please remember to register your new gear with sE to extend your warranty to a full three years: http://www.seelectronics.com/registration

Contact

Feel free to contact us:
sE Electronics International, Inc.
448 Ignacio Blvd, STE 411
Novato, CA 94949 USA
www.seelectronics.com
contact@seelectronics.com

Our international distributors & sales representatives: http://www.seelectronics.com/contact-us
This product conforms to the standards listed in the Declaration of Conformity. Please contact us if you want to order a free copy of the Declaration of Conformity. Technical data is subject to change without notice.

IMPORTANT

WARRANTY REGISTRATION

Thank you for purchasing an sE product! You are automatically entitled to a two-year warranty but can extend this to a full three years with registration. To register your new equipment and to read the full warranty details, please go here: http://www.seelectronics.com/registration

Most Sincerely,
The sE Team

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