Should I be wary?

[OneRoomStudios]

I have two stereo pairs, a crapy one I don't care to mention and a pair of NT5's. I like the NT5's a lot on acoustic guitar and I think they sound amazing on cello. Here comes the question: if I use one mic more than the other (that's one NT5 more than the other NT5, not one pair more than the other), should I worry about the general use causing the mics to somehow sound different. This might sound stupid, but if one mic is sitting happily in its foam case with silicate beads and the other one is out in the open all the time, being exposed to everyday recording (not to mention humidity), couldn't that cause the capsule to wear in some way? And if so, am I going to end up with a mismatched pair?

And if that is the case, is the best plan just to alternate the mic I use for each session when I'm not using them in a pair?

 

[distortedrumble]

...yeah depending on how bad the conditions are where your recording.

 

[deepwater]

Alternate between the two

 

[DJL]

I have two stereo pairs, a crapy one I don't care to mention and a pair of NT5's. I like the NT5's a lot on acoustic guitar and I think they sound amazing on cello. Here comes the question: if I use one mic more than the other (that's one NT5 more than the other NT5, not one pair more than the other), should I worry about the general use causing the mics to somehow sound different. This might sound stupid, but if one mic is sitting happily in its foam case with silicate beads and the other one is out in the open all the time, being exposed to everyday recording (not to mention humidity), couldn't that cause the capsule to wear in some way? And if so, am I going to end up with a mismatched pair?

And if that is the case, is the best plan just to alternate the mic I use for each session when I'm not using them in a pair?

It depends on the environment and etc...

I like the old saying "whenever in doubt, play it safe"... alternating between the two mics couldn't hurt.

 

[Micsales]

I have two stereo pairs, a crapy one I don't care to mention and a pair of NT5's. I like the NT5's a lot on acoustic guitar and I think they sound amazing on cello. Here comes the question: if I use one mic more than the other (that's one NT5 more than the other NT5, not one pair more than the other), should I worry about the general use causing the mics to somehow sound different. This might sound stupid, but if one mic is sitting happily in its foam case with silicate beads and the other one is out in the open all the time, being exposed to everyday recording (not to mention humidity), couldn't that cause the capsule to wear in some way? And if so, am I going to end up with a mismatched pair?

And if that is the case, is the best plan just to alternate the mic I use for each session when I'm not using them in a pair?

This is a great question. Having "matched pairs" means that you have to always use both mics, all the time. The use of 1 mic alone "unmatches" the condensor magnetic field. You should put BOTH mics on the same stand and use them both. What you do is leave 1 mic unconnected. But, both mics have to "see" the same signal at all times. The mics can be "rematched" for a nominal cost of $7.00 each. The condensor elements must be removed an put in a special oven for 72 hours to relax the element. Then, the pair will be "rematched". Phantom power should be +48Vdc +/- .05Vdc

 

[MadAudio]

Excellent tip! Thanks. I just got a pair of 603's and I want to treat them right.

 

[DJL]

This is a great question. Having "matched pairs" means that you have to always use both mics, all the time. The use of 1 mic alone "unmatches" the condensor magnetic field. You should put BOTH mics on the same stand and use them both. What you do is leave 1 mic unconnected. But, both mics have to "see" the same signal at all times. The mics can be "rematched" for a nominal cost of $7.00 each. The condensor elements must be removed an put in a special oven for 72 hours to relax the element. Then, the pair will be "rematched". Phantom power should be +48Vdc +/- .05Vdc

Now that's some pretty funny bull crap... lol.

 

[MadAudio]

Hmmm, oh yeah, now I remember. "Micsales" is the same guy who was offering us mics made on a barge.

 

[Big Kenny]

No, although, young girls they do get wary.

 

[StevenLindsey]

yeah. so you need to try a little tenderness.

 

[Track Rat]

This is a great question. Having "matched pairs" means that you have to always use both mics, all the time. The use of 1 mic alone "unmatches" the condensor magnetic field. You should put BOTH mics on the same stand and use them both. What you do is leave 1 mic unconnected. But, both mics have to "see" the same signal at all times. The mics can be "rematched" for a nominal cost of $7.00 each. The condensor elements must be removed an put in a special oven for 72 hours to relax the element. Then, the pair will be "rematched". Phantom power should be +48Vdc +/- .05Vdc

You sir, are my new hero. I love you.

 

[Tonio]

This is a great question. Having "matched pairs" means that you have to always use both mics, all the time. The use of 1 mic alone "unmatches" the condensor magnetic field. You should put BOTH mics on the same stand and use them both. What you do is leave 1 mic unconnected. But, both mics have to "see" the same signal at all times. The mics can be "rematched" for a nominal cost of $7.00 each. The condensor elements must be removed an put in a special oven for 72 hours to relax the element. Then, the pair will be "rematched". Phantom power should be +48Vdc +/- .05Vdc

Do you have any more words of wisdom?? I can't wait.

 

[c7sus]

This is a great question. Having "matched pairs" means that you have to always use both mics, all the time. The use of 1 mic alone "unmatches" the condensor magnetic field. You should put BOTH mics on the same stand and use them both. What you do is leave 1 mic unconnected. But, both mics have to "see" the same signal at all times. The mics can be "rematched" for a nominal cost of $7.00 each. The condensor elements must be removed an put in a special oven for 72 hours to relax the element. Then, the pair will be "rematched". Phantom power should be +48Vdc +/- .05Vdc

Um, if you leave one of the mics disconnected, how does it "match" the "condensors magnetic field"????

And how does a mic "see" a signal???

Condensor mics "pick up" differences in sound pressure waves that eminate from a sound source, not a "signal" source, as I understand their operation. In my limited experience "signal" usually denotes a voltage flowing through an electronic circuit.

And again, if one of the pair of condensors is disconnected, how could it possible "see" a signal at all???

 

[Treeline]

Mics see everything. Even the CIA uses them. Just ask them. "Oh, Mr. Spook - do you use mics?" "No. I have my own."

 

[c7sus]

Mics see everything. Even the CIA uses them. Just ask them. "Oh, Mr. Spook - do you use mics?" "No. I have my own."

Oh, okay. Now I "see".