What happens to a Condensor mic when not properly stored correctly?
- Thread starter frank_1
- Start date
I'll leave a comprehensive response to my betters on this board, but if you live in a particularly moist area, you'll want to store your mics in a cabinet or box in which you can control the humidity, ideally with some gentle air circulation, but if that is not possible, then at least with some carefully placed dessicant. Do not blow on the capsule; neither use a hair-dryer. ::--)))
I haven't been able to find a source of Silica Gel yet, but the local hardware store sells Calcium Chloride dessicants as "DriZair" and "Damp-B-Gone." Dessicants suck the excess moisture out of the air, but in doing so, they get wet -- so you don't want (for instance) to lay your condenser on top of a sack of "Damp-B-Gone."
When the dessicant becomes wet (i.e., doubles in weight), you can dry it out in the oven or microwave and reuse it, several times over.
We live in an area where the RH is probably 80% or higher year round -- it's definitely an issue here. Florida is even worse, because the high humidity is combined with heat = mold.
They call condenser microphones "condensers" because they condense the moisture out of the air. That "warm" sound is actually what your voice sounds like under water. (Sorry, I was channeling Dr. Science for a moment there -- don't believe him.)
If your microphone isn't sustaining mold growth on its capsule, it may just need some time in dry storage.
Also, although as far as I know only Electro-Voice has addressed this as an actual feature (specifically in the RE2000, which has a capsule heater), many tube mics create quite a bit of heat, which also helps to keep them dry. I tend to leave my AT 4060 plugged in when it is not in storage just for that reason.
Don't give up on your mic!
Mark H.
I haven't been able to find a source of Silica Gel yet, but the local hardware store sells Calcium Chloride dessicants as "DriZair" and "Damp-B-Gone." Dessicants suck the excess moisture out of the air, but in doing so, they get wet -- so you don't want (for instance) to lay your condenser on top of a sack of "Damp-B-Gone."
When the dessicant becomes wet (i.e., doubles in weight), you can dry it out in the oven or microwave and reuse it, several times over.We live in an area where the RH is probably 80% or higher year round -- it's definitely an issue here. Florida is even worse, because the high humidity is combined with heat = mold.
They call condenser microphones "condensers" because they condense the moisture out of the air. That "warm" sound is actually what your voice sounds like under water. (Sorry, I was channeling Dr. Science for a moment there -- don't believe him.)
If your microphone isn't sustaining mold growth on its capsule, it may just need some time in dry storage.
Also, although as far as I know only Electro-Voice has addressed this as an actual feature (specifically in the RE2000, which has a capsule heater), many tube mics create quite a bit of heat, which also helps to keep them dry. I tend to leave my AT 4060 plugged in when it is not in storage just for that reason.
Don't give up on your mic!
Mark H.
Last edited:
frank_1
New member
I asked that because I just bought a Marshall V67 off of ebay from some guy that is selling all of his equipment. It looks brand new, but I didn't ask him how long he as had it for, or if he took care of it (come to think of it, he would of lied to me anyhow).
Thanks for the response.
Thanks for the response.
I recognize Isaiah's "editor's humor" -- try to ignore it. ;-)
It may be possible to damage a condenser with smoke (discussed elsewhere), by blowing on it (why DO people test microphones with a puff of air?), and with excessive moisture, but keep in mind that every day another U47 or other vintage mic exchanges hands for THOUSANDS of dollars, and their buyers are generally happy with what they get.
So those of us scrambling to buy what we can at the lower end of the spectrum probably don't need to worry too much about how a mic has been treated, except in the grossest sense. As you noted, a dishonest seller isn't going to tell you the truth anyway, and despite their supposed sensitivity and claims of being fragile, your second-hand condenser will probably sound great.
As a clever fellow wrote in another thread, "I wouldn't suggest you dunk it in a glass of beer or anything...." I loved the image of that!
Mark H.
It may be possible to damage a condenser with smoke (discussed elsewhere), by blowing on it (why DO people test microphones with a puff of air?), and with excessive moisture, but keep in mind that every day another U47 or other vintage mic exchanges hands for THOUSANDS of dollars, and their buyers are generally happy with what they get.
So those of us scrambling to buy what we can at the lower end of the spectrum probably don't need to worry too much about how a mic has been treated, except in the grossest sense. As you noted, a dishonest seller isn't going to tell you the truth anyway, and despite their supposed sensitivity and claims of being fragile, your second-hand condenser will probably sound great.
As a clever fellow wrote in another thread, "I wouldn't suggest you dunk it in a glass of beer or anything...." I loved the image of that!
Mark H.
wheelema
Boner-obo
Mark H.,
I used Google (http://www.google.com/) to find this source for silica gel... http://www.dehumidify.com/
If you can (a) find it and (b) afford it, a broadband connection to the internet is truly wonderful.
I used Google (http://www.google.com/) to find this source for silica gel... http://www.dehumidify.com/
If you can (a) find it and (b) afford it, a broadband connection to the internet is truly wonderful.
alanhyatt
PMI Audio Group
The elements can destroy a mic, especially in moist conditions. If a mic is left in a smoky room all the time, residue will build up on the capsule...not to mention it would stink. The mic will be useless quick enough.
Storing a good mic in its case at room temperature is a good idea. If you take care of you're mic, it will last a very long time, provided you do not use it as a hammer.
Alan Hyatt
PMI Audio Group
Storing a good mic in its case at room temperature is a good idea. If you take care of you're mic, it will last a very long time, provided you do not use it as a hammer.
Alan Hyatt
PMI Audio Group
mixmkr
we don't need rest!!
alanhyatt said:If you take care of you're mic, it will last a very long time, provided you do not use it as a hammer.
Alan Hyatt
PMI Audio Group
aahhh....would you happen to remember the advertisement for the ElectroVoice 666 dynamic??
;D
philboyd studge
New member
I take offense at that, my remaining EV 664 mic has made a great hammer since I bought it 32 years ago and it sounds just the same as it did new.