condenser mic gave out on me

[Charles Luciano]

i have a sterling audio mic, been using it for a while now its never gave out on me. tonight i was recording, through out the whole track i had no problem but once i picked my energy up from laying down my vocals in the i just all of a sudden lost a signal. the signal comes back like every 10 sec but if i even blow in the mic the signal will go away again. i ran some test on my preamp which i proven not to be my preamp. i even reinstalled protools but it still does it. i know it aint my digi 002 control bard cause everything else work on protools. that leaves me with either the cord or the mic. what are the chances a mic going on on me like that, a 300.00 mic at that? i notice when the signal comes back it'll stay on when im talking in the mic but if i blow or get loud in the mic the signal will go away.somebody please help me, this is not natural to me i never seen nothin like this

 

[witzendoz]

Sounds like a dying diaphragm, I had this in a rode mic which they fixed under warranty.

Alan.

 

[xaudia]

It is most likely moisture and/or dirt and salt on the capsule diaphragm. This isusually due to saliva or smoke, and is a common problem with condenser mics, particularly if you don't use a pop shield.

Try this test. Put the mic in a dry place like an airing cupboard for 24 hours, or in a platic bag with a couple of dry silica gel packets. Test the mic again. It should be better.

Next breath gently in to the mic. It will probably drop out agin, but should recover in just couple of seconds. If so then you are good to go. Keep the mic dry and use a pop shield.

If it doesn't recover then your diaphragm needs cleaning or replacing.

Hope that helps

Stewart
Xaudia