AKARSH SHEKHAR
Mic Maintenance :
How to Keep Them in Top Shape
Condenser microphones
• Put a plastic bag over the mic when you are not working , and always bag the mic before storing it in its case .
• Always use a stocking screen
pop filter when recording vocals . It will stop the saliva from the singer ’ s mouth from entering the diaphragm and turning it into a sticky fly paper for particles floating in the air .
• Ensure that the mic is at least six
inches away from the mouth . This stops the capsule from suffering damage .
• Always connect the cable from the power supply to the tube condenser mic before turning the power supply on . Hot plugging can cause severe damage to a tube or even destroy it completely .
• Never put your condenser mic where you would not put your ears . Condensers are very sensitive instruments that respond to minute sound pressure changes . Excessive sound pressure level ( SPL ) can go on to degrade the capsule ’ s diaphragm . It ’ s quite similar to how prolonged exposure to high sound pressure levels will damage your ears as well .
Ribbon microphones
• Handle your ribbon mics with extra care .
• Never put your microphone down without covering it first , especially not on the floor . Ribbon mics have very strong magnets which attract a lot of minute metallic particles which can damage recordings .
• Don ’ t let novices handle your ribbon mics . Many people don ’ t understand the proper methods for the care and handling of a ribbon mic . If a ribbon mic is treated in the same way as a dynamic microphone , it will most likely be damaged . If a person just blows into the mic and says “ check ”, it will probably have to go for repair .
• Always position your microphone slightly off-axis when close-miking high-energy sources , which will protect it from excessively loud sources . Ribbon microphones have a fairly even pickup pattern , so moving it slightly off-axis won ’ t have an adverse effect on your recording .
• When using a ribbon on a kick drum or any other instrument with a strong directional blast of air , angle the length of the ribbon at 45 degrees to the source , not parallel to the drumhead . This reduces the stress endured by the ribbon . This allows the ribbon to pick up the sound without the entire acoustic pulse hitting the ribbon all at the same time .
Dynamic microphones
• This is definitely the mic for rough and tough usage . If your mic has some kind of odour , you can eliminate them by removing the grill and washing it . If it ’ s really gummed up , try a toothbrush with soft bristles . You can leave the foam windscreen attached to the grille while you clean it .
• Don ’ t put the wet grill on the mic . Slow air drying is the way to go but if you are in a rush , go ahead and use a hair dryer on a low heat setting . Remember to detach the internal foam windscreen though .
• If your microphone doesn ’ t have a removable grille , hold the mic upside down and gently scrub it with a damp toothbrush . This position will stop moisture from reaching the cartridge . You can clean the foam over diaphragms in the same manner .
• If your microphone smells bad , gently scrub it with a toothbrush soaked in a diluted solution of mouthwash and water . You must hold the mic upside down while doing it . Disinfectants should never be used on the head of the mic . These chemicals can get inside the grille and cause extensive damage to the mic .
• If someone with lipstick was using your mic , you may find lipstick smeared all over the grille . Luckily , you can use makeup wipes to get rid of the lipstick stains from the grille .
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