Are mics working when not on?

[ritelec]

My mics are set up around the drum kit. Never break them down and store them in "mic cabinet" as I would think vocal mics get stored. Why do the vocal mics get stored. So they don't get damaged or stolen? Humidity? Not used very often? Anyway as I was playing the drums today (system wasn't on and wasn't recording) I was wondering if the mics were still "working" and getting ware and tear on them from just being there doing what they do (mechanically speaking).

 

[dintymoore]

Are mics working when not on?
If a bear shits in the woods and there's no one around, does it make a sound?

... Why do the vocal mics get stored. So they don't get damaged or stolen? Humidity? Not used very often? Anyway as I was playing the drums today (system wasn't on and wasn't recording) I was wondering if the mics were still "working" and getting ware and tear on them from just being there doing what they do (mechanically speaking).

I think it's all the above. Humidity in particular is real nasty for electronics.

Of course the diaphragm would still be vibrating when it's not turned on but I don't see why that would amount to much.

When you buy cheap umbrellas they often come with small little covers you're supposed to use but no one does. They make nice covers for mics and if I want to leave mics up for awhile I use them.

 

[mshilarious]

Dynamic mics are happily generating a current. Electret condensers are too, but that signal never gets past their FETs without power to the FET. Externally biased condensers aren't doing anything, although the diaphragm would still move.

Practically speaking, there is not really any "wear and tear" on the mics other than damage from extreme air pressure, such as the hole of a kick drum or a nuclear blast or something . . .

 

[Clark Grizwald]

Put a sock over the mic

 

[ritelec]

...other than damage from extreme air pressure, such as the hole of a kick drum or a nuclear blast or something . . .

So there is something going on.
The sock's a good idea !

thanks

 

[PhilGood]

Actually something like a ziplock bag for condensers is preferable instead of a sock. Condenser capsules can retain a bit of static charge and small particles are readily attracted to it and can end up stuck on the diaphragms. Any sort of fabric or foam that can break down will give off particles or fibers that can muck things up fairly quickly.

 

[dintymoore]

Put a sock over the mic

tube socks are warm

 

[PhilGood]

And a really bad idea.

 

[darrin_h2000]

Best to just put condensers away...but its OK to leave out dynamics...even if you put the plastic bag over the condensers there is still more likelyhood of an accident happening.

 

[mshilarious]

Bad things are dust and moisture. But a bag won't stop the diaphragm from moving (which again doesn't matter). Put a bag over your head--hear anything?

























You can take the bag off your head now

 

[ritelec]

That's good Ms!!!