Blowing Up ECM8000's

[Beatnik]

Ok, I know that high SPL can ruin most condensor mics, but what about Electret condenser mics??

basically i'm about to buy some Behringer ECM8000's and I was wondering how careful i have to be with them, granted their practically disposible, but i can't afford to blow one up by trying it in front of a guitar cab or kick drum

Thanks in advance

[Badger]

Originally posted by Beatnik
Ok, I know that high SPL can ruin most condensor mics, but what about Electret condenser mics??

basically i'm about to buy some Behringer ECM8000's and I was wondering how careful i have to be with them, granted their practically disposible, but i can't afford to blow one up by trying it in front of a guitar cab or kick drum

Thanks in advance

I've never managed to blow mine...IIRC Harvey said they could handle some pretty high levels.

[wilkee]

Either the moving element will reach its mechanical limit or the electronics will clip. Either way NO damage will be caused.

[Rimshot]

I've used them for kick when I didn't have anything else. The ones that I own now are much quieter than the ones I was using several months ago. All in all, this is one of the few "winners" that comes from Behringer.
Watch your gain on these little suckers, especially if you have headphones on. They are extremely sensitive, and you have more chance of blowing an eardrum.
Because they are so sensitive, I keep the gain way down and adjust with the faders. That's the only way I've found to aleviate the noise that can come from these mics. Then they work well for me.
Where else can you get a pair of usable sdc's to use as overheads for $70.00? They may not be the best, but they ain't half bad.

You will definitely need room treatment. That should be your next purchase.

[Michael Jones]

The pick up pattern of the ecm8000 is omni.
The room acoustics will play a major roll in how these mics sound.
Treat your room. That is the single best investment in your audio chain that you can make.