Older Microphones

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philboy

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Does the components of a microphone gets fragile through the years eventhough it was not used a lot???
I'm asking because i often see on eBay vintages microphones from the seventies, used only a couple of times and sold in a virtually brand new condition... Eventhough the mic was well-taken cared of, in a dust/moist free environement, is there something about the age to be aware of ??? These are still old microphones... Like old speakers that gets dry and fragile over the years... Eventhough my question is general, to be more precise i'm looking for a used Sennheiser 421, some people say the older ones sound better , but what about the condition? ... Thanks for any input!

Regards,

Phil
 
Obviously, you want to avoid mics that have been much exposed to wetness.

Moving-coil dynamics (Senn 421 is one) can last virtually indefinitely. Condensors with modern diaphragms can also last a very long time if they are kept dry. Ribbons can last decades if the ribbon doesn't get stretched from its own weight and they're kept away from magnetic dust (I own a couple of Shure ribbons from the 50s and they are wonderful).

So don't worry about it.
 
Almost every mic I use every day was made a long time ago.
They work well. There are a lot of great deals still left in the world, especially when you are talking about non-german-tube-condensers for sale.
The 421's on the other hand: just get the best deal you can. There is not that big a difference between the ones made now and the 90's ones, or the 80's ones, or the cream colored ones with the scriptface logo. They are all surprisingly alike. The difference is not worth freaking out about.
I have a few neumann M7 capsules for my CMV563's that are almost consecutive serial numbers, and they sound very different from each other!
 
Joel Hamilton said:
The 421's on the other hand: just get the best deal you can. There is not that big a difference between the ones made now and the 90's ones, or the 80's ones, or the cream colored ones with the scriptface logo. They are all surprisingly alike. The difference is not worth freaking out about.
Click to expand...

True; but the model currently being made IS significantly different from the older ones...
 
Ok, i see. So as long they were not exposed to moisture and dust (and well-treated, of course), they should be fine... thanks evryone!!!

Regards

Phil
 
AGCurry said:
True; but the model currently being made IS significantly different from the older ones...
Click to expand...

For sure, "different." Better or worse? Subjective.

Unless you are making recordings that will reveal the subtle tonal color change between a well treated old one, and a decent newer one... ya know?

Just like preamps: until you can hear the difference, there isnt one.
 
Mics made in the 60's and 70's were build to a higher standard. Everything was built to a higher standard. It was a golden age of manufacturing. Not to mention most of the older mics I use are superior in sound to the newer ones as well.
 
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