VO-BB - 19 YEARS OLD!

ConnieTerwilliger · Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 4:15 pm Post subject: Bad mic - bad mic

Hi there - do mics go "bad?" All of a sudden today, my recordings developed a much higher than normal noise floor - static - and even some hum. I cleaned and repatched everything - changed cables - intermittantly good (very briefly), then back to unusable, I finally switched mics and the sound has returned to it's normal state. The "bad" mic is an AKG C3000. The mic I am using now is my AKG 1000.

Tried to call the place where I bought my mics and they are not answering the phone today for some reason. Pro Sound in San Diego.

Just wondering it if could just need some service. Do they do that at ProSound or do I send it back to the manufacturer? Would hot dry weather affect one mic and not the other? Could dust in the mic be the culprit?
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Philip Banks · Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 4:27 pm Post subject:

I think it's a build up of moisture on the capsule. Some mic's it's possible to get them serviced but with the AKG3000 it may not prove practical.

ConnieTerwilliger · Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 6:43 pm Post subject:

Not sure about moisture, unless it's from my hot breath...it's hot and dry here today. But I'll certainly mention it when I reach Pro Sound.
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Yoda117 · Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 8:48 am Post subject:

Connie, it could still be moisture.

It could also be a warping of the capsule, or even a shrinking/splitting of the material which skins the capsule (though I see that more with vintage mics). It could also be something with the diaphragm (needs to be resputtered or replaced).

If you've got a clip it'll make it easier to tell Smile

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Jon Morss · Guest

Connie,

I've read somewhere (Maybe from Jeffery P. Fisher) that if it is moisture that has invaded the capsule of your mic, you can try to pack the mic in a bag or in the case it came in with moisture absorbing silica packs and let it sit for a day or two. Some times the silica will eliminate the moisture and the mic will be usable again. As a good practice, and is probably something that you already do, a mic should be pack away like this when it is not being used especially for an extended period of time.

It’s worth a shot.

Jon

ConnieTerwilliger · Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 4:49 pm Post subject:

I'll give that a try - waiting on a call back from AKG.
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Ed Gambill · Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 4:56 pm Post subject:

Connie

I have an AKG 414 EB and it got so bad with moisture that from time to time I would put it into the oven with the oven light on and let it dry for several hours. I had to get it re-skinned and now it’s fine.

If you use a pop filter that will help shield the microphone form the hot breath.

Ed
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ConnieTerwilliger · Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 5:39 pm Post subject:

I always use a pop filter - the C3000 is very "poppy." I'll try using the silicon stuff and put it away for a while. (See TOF for response to a different thread.)
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