LD condenser question

  • Thread starter Thread starter riotshield
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riotshield

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Apologies if this belongs in the Newbie section, but I got my Studio Projects B1 today and the instructions say to avoid wind or air blasts directly onto the capsule. Does this mean you should always use the windscreen with vocals? How can you tell if the capsule has been wind damaged?

BTW it seems to be working fine. Good deal, except the zipper on the carrying bag seems to be broken :(
 
A pop filter is usually a good idea, but the basic idea is not to blow directly into the diaphragm or use it for recording tornados etc. The windscreen can help you until you get a pop filter just as a simple response.

SoMm
 
Thanks. What's the difference between a windscreen and a pop filter?
 
The windscreen is the built in metal mesh "screen" that is on the mic. A pop filter is a separate, usually plastic and nylon piece attatched to a gooseneck to prevent plosives... popped "b" sounds and "p" sounds. The pop filter is way more efficient.

Pete
 
A wind screen covers the whole mic capsule and is primarily designed to protect against... that's right... wind. Some mics have wind screens built into the grill. You can purchase very inexpensive foam ones (they're like big condoms) that are very useful if you are working outdoors on a windy day.

The pop filter is usually made of a nylon type material or soemtimes a steel mesh. It's often disc shaped, and is placed between a vocalist and the microphone. It often is designed so it doesn't touch the mic itself, but mounts on the mic stand. Many people have made home-grown ones using embroidery hoops and pantyhose. In addition to protecting the microphone, it alleviates popping p's, t's, and certain other consonants. Contrary to popular belief, though, it doesn't do much for sibilance.
 
As long as you don't use it an inch from your mouth and scream for hours straight i think you will be ok.

I think it's in your best interest to use it will a pop filter and sing about 6-8 inches from it to avoid exaggerated silibance.

If you still find there's alot of 'ssssssss' try and sing off the axis of the diaphragm as that will often cut down on silibance as well.

Enjoy,
Brandon
 
Thanks for the responses. I guess I'll stick with the foam windscreen that came with the mic for now. That pantyhose idea sounds interesting, I wonder if I can get away with buying a pair at the store :)
 
It's ok to sing into the mic, or hell, scream into it, it's what it's for. Just don't blow on it to clean off dust, etc. Always use the wind screen outdoors, in case of gusts, and just to reduce wind noise. And I'll tell you, send the defective zipper pouch back to PMI Audio, and I'll bet they'll just replace it. A pop filter is a good thing, and in my experience, a wind screen can dull the highs on a vocal mic. You notice we use foam to block high frequency noise in studios, right? Why would you wrap your mic in it unless you have to? Go to a sewing store and buy a 6" embroidery hoop, maybe $5. Stretch 2 layers of panty hose over the inner ring, slide the outer ring over it and tighten it down. You can use some coat hanger and a mic clip or an office paper clamp to fix it to the mic stand. This is needed only for vocals as a rule, but can also be used for wind instruments such as flute.
Good singers who use proximity effect as a tool will want the pop filter as close to the mic as it can get without touching it. You may however, place it further from the mic, say 6"-8", to keep less experienced singers a minimum distance from the mic. Put one of those silica gel packets in the bag with the mic to keep it dry. High humidity or rapid changes in humidity can cause condensation that will make the mic crackle. You can dry it out and it will be OK, but it takes time.-Richie
 
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