Studio Projects C1 gone damp

[Eigil]

Greetings fellow forum members.
I know that the C1 has had it's share of attension, but I need to ask ya'll something anyway. Today I recieved my new "Studio Projects C1" microphone. Here in Norway we have been struck by some heavy snowy weather and I guess my mic was brought from a very cold truck to my very varm room. When I tried it on my soundcard I only got the crackling sound that is said to occur when the mic has become damp. So my question to you guys is; have I done any harm to my mic by trying it out and leaving it in a noisy room in it's damp state? Should I leave it in a more quiet room? Both silly questions I guess. But anyway.

 

[distortedrumble]

let it hang upside down and leave it for a few hours in a corner while it gets back to room temp and dries out. as long as its not hanging right on the drum set or plugged in, i think it'll be better in a few hours

 

[Eigil]

Thank's a bunch! I have'nt had time to get a stand yet, so I guess I'll leave it on a table near the heater.

 

[apl]

Very bad to get moisture on the diaphragm! Hope it's OK.

 

[Reggaesoldier]

Try to see if you can find a few desiccant packs, and place them in the case with your mic to suck up some moisture.

 

[Eigil]

Aaaaargh! So what you are saying is that my brand new C1 is not so brand new anymore??

 

[apl]

Aaaaargh! So what you are saying is that my brand new C1 is not so brand new anymore??

If the crackles were arcing of the diaphragm it may have pits burned into it. The moisture may leave residues on the diaphragm, too.

This'll stick in your head every time you don't like the sound of a recording!



.

 

[Eigil]

You bastards! How about calming me down with; "No, no, there is nothing wrong with your C1, It's perfectly all right"??

 

[Reggaesoldier]

Well, you're still uncertain as to it being wet right? Just because it came on a cold truck doesn't mean it's damaged. Maybe you're paranoid? but try the desiccant packs and see what happens.

 

[acorec]

You bastards! How about calming me down with; "No, no, there is nothing wrong with your C1, It's perfectly all right"??

IF the moisture is from condensation, your mic will be fine as the evaporated water is pure. IF the water was directly applied to the diaphram (like a drip) then the dia COULD be damaged as un-comdensed water has minerals in it.

 

[Eigil]

Praise the lord..! That's good news! I don't think that there was that much condensation in the case. I unpacked the sealed package (which covered the hardcase and the sealed plastic bag with the C1 and the desiccant pack inside) in a warm room. Now I feel much more relaxed. Youre not bastards after all.

 

[crazydoc]

..When I tried it on my soundcard I only got the crackling sound that is said to occur when the mic has become damp...

What is your signal chain? I assume you are plugging it into a preamp (or mixer) with phantom power, before it goes to your soundcard?

 

[reshp1]

Try putting it under a light bulb (but some distance away) to speed up the process a little. It'll probably be fine.

 

[distortedrumble]

AAAAAHH DONT PUT IT NEAR THE HEATER!!!!!!!!!!!!!! just let it hang upside down in the corner!!!!!

 

[Neeps]

If I'd bought a new mic and it arrived in a less than perfect condition (and to me that includes temperature) I wouldn't be messing around trying to fix it with heaters, light bulbs and desiccant packs.

If it doesn't work send it back man.

 

[scrubs]

If it doesn't work send it back man.

Now, you're just being reasonable. There's no place for that here.

 

[distortedrumble]

yeah! homeboy lives in norway....sending it back down the mountain may not be one of his alternatives

 

[ozraves]

Here is some advice for dealing with mics in cold climates:

http://recforums.prosoundweb.com/index.php/t/2622/8165/?SQ=d062455c946ee9ba87d8e04c9f9bb7f1

 

[Herm]

Someone tell me what kind of dumb bastard turns a mic on as soon as it comes out of a cold damp place into a warm dry place?
If it doesnt work its your fault you dumb bastard.

Do you feel better now?

 

[Richard Monroe]

That's cruel, Herm. Just put a 60 watt light bulb about 30 cm from the capsule for 24 hours, then try it.-Richie