MXL DRK-MAC User Manual

Page 3

Unpack Your Microphone
Begin by examining the contents of your MXL USB kit.
You should have the following components:
• Protective vinyl travel case
• One MXL DRK-USB microphone
• A 10-foot USB 2.0 high speed cable
• A windscreen
• A desktop microphone stand plus the mounting ring
• Owners manual
• Microphone applications guide

Getting Familiar With Your Microphone
In addition to speaking or singing into the side of the microphone with the RED
LED facing you, you should also understand the use of the three-position attenu-
ation switch on the microphone’s back side.

What’s an attenuation switch?
An attenuation switch reduces the signal strength
in an electronic device. As the microphone con-
verts acoustical energy (your voice) into electrical
energy (the signal that feeds your computer), it is
possible that a loud, “boomy” voice, or a vocalist
who is really “belting out those notes” may exceed
normal recording levels. In this case, you will want
to reduce the signal strength by using the micro-
phone’s attenuation switch.
The attenuation switch (see Figure #1) on the back side of the USB mic provides
three positions: High, Medium, and Low - identiﬁed as: Hi, Med, Lo. Normally,
you’ll want to keep the microphone’s attenuation switch in the Hi position. If,
however, you need to “back off” the signal to compensate for a loud voice, sim-
ply move the switch to the desired setting. You may also need to move further
away from the microphone which will also reduce the level.

PLEASE NOTE: Recording is a creative process, so there are no hard and fast
rules. Experimentation is the key to best results.

Using the Supplied Desktop Microphone Stand
1. After opening the stand’s tripod leg system and placing it on the table or desk,
loosen the angle adjuster and orient the large portion of the microphone holder
so that it faces upward, or horizontal.
2. Place the base of the microphone into the microphone holder with one hand
while holding it upright with your other hand.

Figure #11

5. Click OK
6. To select an audio input source for Garage Band, click on Garage Band from
the top menu bar and select Preferences as shown in Figure #12 below.

Figure #12

Figure #1