3
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 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 is 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.
Both 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. If
the insignias wear off with use or become illegible, you can still identify the pickup
patterns. 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. There is an optional
adaptor, model number ADP-1, which allows CK Series capsules from AKG® to be
mounted on the body of the TS-1.
The TS-1 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 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 is an excellent vocal microphone when properly protected from
plosive sounds, such as breath pops or wind. If you wish to use a foam windscreen that
fits tightly over the microphone capsule, make sure that the foam has not begun to
degenerate. Wipe the foam on a white piece of paper. If you can see any traces of the
foam transferring to the paper, discard the windscreen. Condenser microphones create
electrostatic charges in the capsule. This attracts lint, dust, and other materials and these
materials can become attached to the diaphragm. Over time, this will degrade the sound
of your microphone.
