Condenser Mic Requirements

  • Thread starter Thread starter gwayms
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gwayms

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I know this is probably a stupid question. But I bought a Mk319 yesterday and I'm not sure about it. I have a crappy mic (not sure of the brand) and i can plug it in anywahere and it works. If I plug in the MK it doesnt, so (here's the stupid question) I take it I need a pre amp or something. I have a mobile pre for recording so I guess I have to use that.
Also how are these mics for playing with a band?
 
The MK-319 is a condensor mic and requires phantom power. No phantom power, no output. This mics really belong only in a studio.
 
Just to give you the why - large diaphram side address condensors like the 319 are designed to be very sensitive, as in turn the gain up and you can hear a mouse fart inside the wall across the room. That kind of sensitivity requires an extremely thin and very delicate membrane that is quite susceptable to damage from mis-handleing. The damage isn't necessarily the "it doesn't work anymore" kind, but can instead be degrees of quality loss. They are also susceptable to environmental damage, like from smoke, dust, high humidity, and high temperatures........so take good care of any recording mic, and keep it in a smoke and dust free environment.
The other reason it won't work well in a band environment is feedback. The same nondiscriminatory sensitivity that makes it a good recording mic makes it very difficult to use onstage without serious feedback problems.

Regards,
RD
 
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