Break-in period

[CyanJaguar]

Is there a break-in period for mics and preamps, or are they sounding as good as they will ever sound when you get them from the factory?

[tubedude]

Well, with new mics its always good to take off the screen and stretch the diapragm by pushing it firmly with your finger.
"Breaks" em in....

[Gidge]

tubedude,
you should definitely attach a disclaimer to that post stating the obvious attempts at humor. if not 3 days from now we'll get a post like "I broke in my mic like tubedude suggested and now...."

[Markd102]

It's hard to believe that someone would do that... but unfortunately we have to

[CyanJaguar]

Tubedude,

that was NOT funny.

[fenix]

i would say there is no break in period but i'm not sure

[Michael Jones]

So, you mean I should not have pushed in on the diaphram of my new condensor like TD said??
Damn!

[fenix]

microphones are like virgins. if they are not broken in, they hurt.

[JFogarty]

Originally posted by fenix
microphones are like virgins. if they are not broken in, they hurt.

Dude, you're supposed to sing into it...


Note to self, don't buy a used mike from fenix

[Gidge]

Originally posted by Markd102
It's hard to believe that someone would do that... but unfortunately we have to

http://homerecording.com/bbs/showthr...ghlight=format

[Buffalo Bob]

"Note to self, don't buy a used mike from fenix."

LMAO

[Track Rat]

OK. I massaged the diaphram on my new Neumann KM-184 last night for a good hour and a half but now it just makes a loud humming noise. What ever could be the matter???

[Harvey Gerst]

You said your KM184 is new, right? That explains the humming; it hasn't learned the words yet. Try putting a lyric sheet in front of it.

[Track Rat]

That fixed it Harvey!

[TexRoadkill]

If it's a tube mic I would have to believe the tone changes somewhat over time with the age of the tube. But solid state shouldnt change at all.

[Harvey Gerst]

Actually, mics do change somewhat over time, and not just the tube mics. The original Meumann U47 used a PVC material - not mylar, as the diaphragm substrate, and that became brittle. Capacitors (used in the mic's electronics) age and change value. The electrostic charge on a condenser capsule attracts dust.

If any mic is used for a lot of low frequency work, the capsule resonance will drop over time. Ribbons sag in ribbon mics and it's a very good idea to use them upside down 50% of the time to even that sag out.

[smellyfuzz]

Once again I say, let's be glad we're on the recording side of the fence!

Yes.. You are right, be glad.

Audiophiles just have to sit & listen to thousands of horrible sounding recordings,
on their stereo investment, that sounds like a 10 year old mixed them on a portable
CB radio.

The sad thing is, that these so called engineers, get paid to torture people who spend much
money & time trying to make their lives a little better by enhancing their musical experience
at home in their living room & causing no one any harm at all.

AND GOD FORBID if there is a group of people (misguided or not) that actually
kind of hold a professional responsible for his quality of work.
I mean, if you guys work for Atlantic Records & fuck up every recording you make,
who is going to complain ?
The only thing that matters is that you get paid, right ?

I feel lucky to be on both sides!

Peace

Sean