How can I tell if I've damaged my mics?

[policenauts03]

Hey all, I think I might have done some not-so-smart things with my mics. Examples are I recorded my friend's band with my Shure Beta 52, placing it directly at the hole (he doesn't use too much kick though, and it wasn't for very long) and also my Studio Projects B-1 has fallen down a couple times, which I'm sure has gotten a little air into the diaphragm, plugging it in when the phantom is already turned on... should I be worried? Is there any sure-fire way to tell if a mic has been damaged? They sound fine to my ears though... Thanks!

 

[sile2001]

Hey all, I think I might have done some not-so-smart things with my mics. Examples are I recorded my friend's band with my Shure Beta 52, placing it directly at the hole (he doesn't use too much kick though, and it wasn't for very long)

Well, I'm assuming you mean that you placed the 52 right at the hole in kick drum head. If that's the case, then no you didn't damage it, it's actually designed to be used that way. Whenever I use my Beta 52 live or in recording, we actually run it inside the drum, just a few inches from the batter impact point.

 

[Farview]

If you want to make sure your mic are broken, spray some lighter fluid on them and light them on fire.

seriously, the beta 52 is not fragile and made for what you are using it for. In fact, you could put the studio projects in the kick and not kill it.

 

[Innovations]

How do you know if your mics are damaged?

They sound like crap.

Plgging in the mic with the power turned on is hazardous mostly because you are handling it with the power turned on.

 

[Farview]

Plgging in the mic with the power turned on is hazardous mostly because you are handling it with the power turned on.

This shouldn't make a difference. Lip lightning is caused by bad grounding, not phantom power.