User Manual

For curved horns—alto, tenor, and baritone saxes, bass clarinets, and similar—place your Bumblebee 8 to 12 inches (20 - 30 cm) in front of, and
to the side of, the bell. Angle the capsule up toward the mouthpiece to capture more air, brightness, and high notes. For a mellower sound, orient
the capsule toward the floor to emphasize the sax’s low range as well as tame the biting upper mids that project straight out of the bell. With all
woodwinds, avoid aiming directly down the bell—this makes the lowest notes “honk.”
For flute, start by placing the Bumblebee 2 feet (60 cm) in front and above the middle of the instrument. Remember that the flautist is moving a
lot of air, so avoid the jet stream! If you want more highs and breath sound, move the capsule closer to the mouthpiece.
Percussion Sonic Mode: Music (for small percussion), Vocal (for hand drums)
The Bumblebee’s slim profile and fast transient response make it a perfect choice for hand drums and percussion. For congas, djembes, or other
hand drums, begin by moving the base to the edge of the desk, and extend the arm out and up. Orient the capsule downward towards the drum,
aiming the microphone just inside the rim 2 to 4 inches (5 - 10 cm) above the head. Directing the capsule toward the point of impact emphasizes
attack and definition. Angling the capsule back toward the rim produces a rounder tone. To maximize separation and boost the fundamentals,
keep the mics close. Or raise the mics for a natural, ambient interplay between drums and their surroundings.
With its sparkling high-end qualities, the Bumblebee is an excellent pick for shakers and small hand percussion. For shakers, extend the arm
up and rotate the capsule forward. Play the shaker at a distance of about 12” (30 cm). For small percussion, arrange the instruments on your
desktop, using a towel to reduce unwanted noises. Raise the arm as high as possible and aim the capsule down towards the desk. For balance,
arrange the instruments so that the loudest ones are farthest from the mic and the softer ones are closer.
Podcasts and Voiceover Sonic mode: Vocal
Vocal mode delivers outstanding presence and clarity for all spoken word applications. Start with the mic at lip level at a distance of 4-6”
(10 - 15 cm). Always use the supplied Honeycomb pop filter to minimize breath pops and protect the diaphragm.
Proximity plays an important role in creating the “mood” of your spoken word. Move closer for more intimacy, or further back for a conversational tone.
If your podcast requires the calm, reassuring voice of a public radio host, switch to the Music mode for increased richness and air, speak softly,
and get very, very close to the mic.
However, if your tone is
MONSTER TRUCK BATTLES!...BATTLES!...BATTLES!..., move back and let loose!
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