Taking care of my mic

  • Thread starter Thread starter Diffusion
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Diffusion

Future Astrophysicist
So I just got my V67G, and want to make sure it is being taken care of. First, is it ok to leave my mic on the mic stand covered by a plastic bag while not in use? Or should I put a windscreen over it also? I have a few windscreens I could use but the gold grille of the V67G is just... well... I dont want to cover it up. ;)
So what is the best and safest way to store my mic when not in use? I track in my bedroom, so the mic stays in there. Im just not sure about dust, moisture, etc. Also, will putting a few of those moisture-absorbing packets in my shockmount keep the mic safe from moisture or is it a waste of time?
Finally, I once heard that constantly handling mics and removing them from stands, etc, can damage them over time... is this true?
Thanks...
 
A mic like the v67 is really best stored in a moist environment.

I would recommend storing it close to a humidifier that is constantly turned on.

.
 
Awwww...come on....

Chess is just messing with you (I hope).

You "can" store it on the stand with a baggie over it but if you do, you might want to pick up one of those little dessicant packs and drop it in there with it.

You'll want to keep it dry and clean. On the other hand, I can't recommend storing it on the stand since there's always the chance it could get bumped and tip over. I would put it back into the little storage pouch it came in and keep a dessicant pack in there with it.

The wind screen isn't a storage tool/device it's for protecting the mic when in use from blasts of air. It also helps to minimize the "plosive" sounds you get when a singer gets up close and says supercalifragolisticexpialidotious or pisspotpete likes peppercorn pudding on his pickle pourage.
 
No!

No smoking/dust/particles!!! No spit! No liquids! No major humidity/temperature changes! No!
 
Your real enemy is dust on the diaphragm so when you are not using it, put it carefully back it its case or box. Many engineers cover the their mics with a cover. I used to do this and I made up some chamois leather (the beige ones you buy in car accessory shops for washing you car). covers witch were open at one end to let air in.

Humidity is another enemy of microphones so try and stop your vocalists from spitting, vomitting or urinating into the microphone. Also they should never, ever offer the microphone beer.
 
ErikTheRed said:
...microphone beer.
Click to expand...

mmmm...microphone beer.

or, perhaps, a beer microphone:
 

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Well, that's a perfect example of what happens when you don't use a pop filter. Notice the dried flem and bio matter all over the mic body. From the looks of this classic example, it seems that this mic has been used mostly for rap and stand up comedy. :D
 
Keep the mic in a ziplock bag with a small pouch of desecant (to control humidity). This cheap effective solution was recommended to me by Dave Pearlman, who makes high-end mics.
 
where can you buy a small pouch of desecant? It's those little packs that come in the package with various equipment right? Too bad I didn't save em.
 
ericlingus said:
where can you buy a small pouch of desecant? It's those little packs that come in the package with various equipment right? Too bad I didn't save em.
Click to expand...

It's easier to scrounge them. They are about $75 for 1000, which is probably more than you need. :D They come in everything these days.
 
scrubs said:
mmmm...microphone beer.

or, perhaps, a beer microphone:
Click to expand...

So that is how you get that "tin can" sound!!

Awesome! I have to have one! I think Guitar Center is having a "one time only" huge clearance sale this weekend :D maybe I can pick one up.
 
So putting a bag over the mic with a few desecant packs should be good then... am I supposed to completely seal the bag or leave one end open?
 
You have to seal it. If the bag is open, it is the same as if it were uncovered. Put a slice of bread in an open baggie, and one in a sealed bagiie with the air sucked out. Open 'em tomorrow and see if there's a difference.
 
Please do not forget that if you use desecant (silica gel) then it too needs looking after. This stuff is hygroscopic (cool word - means it absorbs water). Once it has absorbed all the humidity it can, then it cannot absorb any more. It is full (gosh).

If you want it to keep working for you then you have to get the water out of it (no, Jessica, don't wash it). You do this by cooking it in a low oven say 150C for 30 minutes and then it will start sucking up humidity again until it's full again.

There is a ral danger to the mic if you put it into a ziploc bag with a bag of silica gel that it already full. If the bag is now warmed (say left on a radiator) the silica gel will give up its moisture into the closed bag and your mic will get damp. BE CAREFUL.
 
ErikTheRed said:
Also they should never, ever offer the microphone beer.
Click to expand...

*as Homer Simpson* Awww, but it looks so thirrrsty....
 
go to target/walmart and look through the wiker baskets and you'll find all sorts of the stuff
 
Scottgman said:
So that is how you get that "tin can" sound!!

Awesome! I have to have one! I think Guitar Center is having a "one time only" huge clearance sale this weekend :D maybe I can pick one up.
Click to expand...

Over the years I have been responsible for about 100,000 mic bodies. :D
 
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