The Earthworks SR40 is a multi-purpose cardioid high-definition condenser microphone designed for a wide range of audio applications, from studio recording to live performances. It features a first-order cardioid pickup pattern, directly coupled to a dedicated wideband, low-output impedance transformerless preamplifier. This design allows the SR40 to provide excellent uncolored rejection of sounds arriving off-axis, ensuring clear and focused audio capture.
Function Description
The SR40 is engineered to capture sound with high fidelity and precision. Its core function is to convert acoustic energy into an electrical signal, which can then be amplified and recorded. The microphone's cardioid polar pattern makes it particularly effective at isolating sound sources by minimizing pickup from the sides and rear, making it suitable for environments where sound isolation is crucial. The fast impulse response and uniform polar pattern contribute to its ability to reproduce sound accurately across its entire frequency range, without introducing coloration or distortion. It is designed to handle high sound pressure levels (SPL), making it versatile for capturing loud instruments or vocals without clipping. The SR40 is a pre-polarized condenser microphone, meaning it requires external phantom power to operate.
Important Technical Specifications
- Frequency Response: 20Hz to 40kHz, providing an exceptionally wide range for capturing detailed audio.
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid, offering focused sound capture and off-axis rejection.
- Sensitivity: 20mV/Pa (-34dBV/Pa), indicating its ability to convert sound pressure into an electrical signal.
- Power Requirements: 24-48V Phantom, 10mA. The microphone relies on standard phantom power from a preamplifier or mixer.
- Peak Acoustic Input: 139dB SPL, demonstrating its capacity to handle very loud sound sources without distortion.
- Output: XLR-3, a standard professional audio connector.
- Output Impedance: 65Ω, balanced between pins 2 & 3, ensuring signal integrity over long cable runs.
- Minimum Load: 600Ω between pins 2 & 3.
- Noise: 16dB, A equivalent, indicating a low self-noise floor for clean recordings.
- Dimensions L x D: 229 x 22 mm (9 x .860 in.), a compact and manageable size.
- Weight: 225g (.5lb), making it relatively lightweight and easy to position.
Each SR40 microphone comes with its own calibration chart, detailing its individually measured frequency response curve, ensuring consistent performance.
Usage Features
The SR40 is designed for ease of use and versatility across various applications:
- Connectivity: It connects to a microphone preamplifier using a standard XLR microphone cable. The preamplifier must supply 24-48V phantom power.
- Settling Time: It is recommended to allow up to one minute for the microphone to settle after being connected. Plugging in the microphone while phantom power is already present ("hot") is preferred for faster settling and will not damage the microphone.
- Power-Up Considerations: When phantom power is applied, a "pop" in the audio system is normal. To prevent damage to speakers or headphones, it is advised to mute the signal when phantom power is first applied.
- Versatile Applications: The SR40's excellent performance characteristics make it suitable for a wide array of uses in both studio and stage environments. It is an ideal choice for instruments such as sax, flute, trumpet, guitar, piano, and percussion. For vocals or choirs, it excels by uniformly picking up an entire section without "spotlighting" individual voices. Its open, uncolored sound also makes it popular among concert tapers and jazz enthusiasts for capturing explosive performances while preserving subtle artistic nuances.
- Non-Removable Parts: The microphone does not have any removable parts, simplifying its structure and reducing potential points of failure.
Maintenance Features
To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of the Earthworks SR40, specific care guidelines are recommended:
- Protective Screen: Avoid touching the front protective screen to prevent damage or degradation of performance.
- Disassembly: Never attempt to disassemble the microphone, as it cannot be opened. This prevents accidental damage to the internal components.
- Environmental Protection: Protect the microphone from extreme heat and condensing humidity. If the microphone is brought in from cold weather, allow it to warm up in its case before use to prevent condensation.
- Handling: Avoid rough handling, as this can damage the microphone even if no visible external marks are present.
- Storage: When not in use, always keep the SR40 in its case to protect it from physical damage and environmental factors.
For product registration, users can visit earthworksaudio.com/register to maximize their purchase benefits. For service and repair, Earthworks provides dedicated support via email at returns@earthworksaudio.com or by telephone at (603) 654-2433, ext. 119.
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