(Last updated 05/13/2008)

TETRAMIC USAGE

Getting a Copy of "VVMic for TetraMic", VST Plugins and Your Calibration Files

When you've received your TetraMic, please contact us. We'll send you a link to download "VVMic for TetraMic", VVTetraVST, VVMicVST and the calibration files for your specific TetraMic.

Which side of TetraMic is the front and which capsule is channel #1?

TetraMic's front side is indicated by the "Core" logo.

Channel number 1 is the capsule facing up on that side: the Left Front Up (LFU) capsule. Channel number 2 is the Right Front Down (RFD) capsule. Channel number 3 is the Left Back Down (LBD) capsule. And channel number 4 is the Right Back Up (RBU) capsule. The capsule ordering can also be found on the TetraMic Specifications page.

Cabling

TetraMic has a 6-pin mini-XLR-M jack in its base. The six pins carry four unbalanced microphone signals, power and ground. A variety of 6-pin cables are available, including 6-pin-Male-to-6-pin-Female extension cables in lengths of 6-, 10- and 20-feet. Extension cables can be chained for lengths beyond 20-feet, electrical noise conditions allowing.

The 6-pin male plug on an extension cable can plug into a dual-5-pin adapter cable for use with 4Mic.

Also available is a breakout cable to convert from TetraMic's single 6-pin connector to four 3-pin mini-XLR-F (P3) plugs. The P3 plugs connect to most common lavalier microphone power supplies including our Phantom Power Adapter (PPA), Audio Technica's AT8531 Power Module and many others.

(Note: some low cost phantom power adapters do not provide the correct voltage, do not create a correctly balanced signal and add significant noise of their own. If you want to use an adapter that is not explicitly mentioned here, please call us to discuss it.)

Powering TetraMic

TetraMic runs on 4.5 to 6 VDC. When used with 4Mic, TetraMic simply plugs into 4Mic via a 6-pin-to dual 5-pin adapter cable, and receives the power it requires -- no extra power supply or cabling is required for distances between TetraMic and 4Mic of up to 20-feet.

When used with other microphone pre-amps that provide standard 48 Volt phantom power, you'll need the "Four 3-pin mini-XLR-F Breakout Cable" and four phantom power adapters (PPAs).

If you're using 4Mic and want to position TetraMic more than 20-feet away, we recommend using 4Mic's 48 Volt phantom power, a breakout cable and the PPAs. This allows you to use balanced cables for the long distance runs, reducing noise pickup.)

The PPA has a standard XLR-M jack through which a balanced microphone signal is sent, and through which 48V phantom power is applied. TetraMic receives phantom power through all four PPAs.

The PPA also has a 3-pin mini-XLR jack (P3) that accepts one of TetraMic's unbalanced microphone signals and through which 4.5 to 6 VDC is supplied to TetraMic.

Microphone Pre-amplifiers and ADCs

Ideally, to preserve TetraMic's calibrated performance, all four TetraMic channels should be gain matched to within .1 dB. To do that requires either mic pre-amps and A-to-D converters that are designed to hold those gain tolerances, or you have to invest the extra effort to calibrate your mic pre-amps and ADCs.

We've found that a few commercial mic pre/ADCs will do the job. One is our 4Mic. Others are the MOTU Traveler, Prism Sound's Orpheus and Apogee's Ensemble.

The MOTU Traveler can be used as an excellent quality stand-alone mic pre-amp, in addition to its FireWire interface for PCs. Its Line level outputs can be connected to a Sound Device's 744T four-channel recorder's Line inputs to make fine sounding recordings.

Apogee's Ensemble is one of the few mic pre/ADCs that, like our 4Mic, can be battery powered.

Care of the Shock Mount

The shock mount has a rubber suspension that requires a bit of care. Please twist TetraMic as you insert it into the shock mount and as you remove it. Don't push it straight in or pull it straight out as it can tear.

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