(Last updated 12/21/2011)

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.

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 2 (PPA2), 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 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 (PPA2s).

The PPA2 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 PPA2 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.

If you are supplying PPA2 with 48 Volt phantom power, you needn't install a battery in the PPA2. If you can't provide 48 Volt phantom power, you can install a 1.5 Volt alkaline AA battery in PPA2 and it will provide an adequate voltage to power your TetraMic for most recordings. (48V phantom power allows TetraMic to have a higher maximum SPL.)

Each of the four PPA2s must be turned on using the switch on its side.

Microphone Pre-amplifiers and ADCs

Ideally, to preserve TetraMic's calibrated performance, all four TetraMic channels should be gain matched to within 0.1 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. They are the MOTU Traveler, MOTU 4Pre, Metric Halo's ULN-8, Prism Sound's Orpheus, Apogee's Ensemble and RME Fireface UFX.

The MOTU Traveler can be used as an excellent quality, low-cost, 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. The MOTU 4Pre is similar, uses both Firewire and USB, costs less than the Traveler, and is easily powered by a battery for mobile use.

The excellent sounding Metric Halo ULN-8 can also be used as a stand-alone mic pre/ADC. Orpheus and Ensemble can also operate stand-alone once they have been configured with a computer.

Apogee's Ensemble Mobile is one of the few mic pre/ADCs that can easily 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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