Microphone Maintenance

 

 

Use a pop screen: A pop screen not only prevents the occurrence of plosive pop noises in vocal recordings, but also efficiently prevents unwanted particles such as respiratory moisture and food remnants from settling on the diaphragm.

 

Avoid old wind shields: As the foam material of a wind shield ages it can become brittle and crumbly. Instead of protecting the microphone, an old wind shield can thus lead to soiling of the microphone capsule. Therefore please dispose of worn-out wind shields.

 

Function testing: Although modern condenser microphones are not harmed by high sound pressure levels, one should under no circumstances use a pop-test to check whether the microphone is connected and the channel on the mixing console is pulled up, since this can result in sound pressure levels of over 140 dB! Normal speech is quite sufficient for function testing.

 

Clean environment: Use the microphone in a smoke free environment, smoking can contaminate the capsule. Keep the microphone in a non humid environment, this prevents water from settling on the diaphragm.

 

Use a dust cover: Microphones not in use should not be left on the stand gathering dust. This can be prevented by the use of a non-fluffy dust cover.

 

Storage: A microphone which is unused for a prolonged period should be stored under normal atmospheric conditions, and should be protected from dust. For this purpose, use a lint-free, air-permeable dust cover or the original packaging of the microphone.