So you’ve just gotten an Ear Trumpet Labs microphone. Great! We’ve compiled some tips and resources for new users to get the most out of their product.
Experienced live sound technician Jamie Peever gives an intro to Ear Trumpet Labs microphones for new users. If you're just getting started with Edwina or one of our other models, this is an ideal starting point with tips on unboxing, how to tell Edwina's front from the back, how to position the mic for best volume, and how to eliminate feedback.
Which side of the mic is the front?
Good question. This is something that’s not necessarily intuitive when you first start working with your Ear Trumpet mic, and that’s okay! Once you figure it out you’ll feel like you’re in a secret club of great sounding performers.
On the models with silver faceplates (Edwina, Edna, Myrtle, Delphina, and Evelyn) the silver screw heads are visible on the front of the microphone (faces the performer or sound source) and the brass nuts are on the back (faces the audience in a live setting).
On the mics made out of tea balls (yes, those were originally intended for loose leaf tea), the front is the side without a screw in the middle of the ball, and the back is the side with the screw.
The Mabel has perhaps to most subtle indicator of all— the screw on the copper body of the microphone indicates the back. The Omni indicator (O) on the top of the mic should be on the left-hand side, and the Figure-8 indicatior (8) should be on the right.
So if you’re rushing to set up for a show and something doesn’t sound quite right, or there’s a bit more feedback than normal— double check that the mic isn’t backwards. It happens to the best of us.
(We’ve had people tell us that ours was the best-sounding mic on stage— even backwards!)
Do they need Phantom Power?
Yes. All condenser microphones need phantom power to operate. In situations with a PA or house sound it should be a non-issue since virtually all mixing boards provide phantom power. However, musicians toting their own combo amp or portable PA to small venues need to make sure they have phantom power for their mics. If your system doesn’t provide phantom power (most newer ones do) it means you will have to carry a small external phantom supply and one extra mic cable. Phantom power supplies are inexpensive and commonly available. They are simple devices and don’t affect tone, so any reasonably sturdy one should do just fine. Even if you don’t bring your own vocal PA, sometimes things break, or don’t work as advertised, so it’s usually a good idea to keep that phantom box in your gig bag just in case.
Our mics require at least 24V of phantom power. Less than that won’t hurt them, but they may perform erratically.
