VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

...in one of my mic manuals, the manufacturer (Neumann) says to take the mic off the stand at the end of the day and put it back in the box to avoid dust from collecting on the diaphragm, etc....Is this overkill or actually a legitimate requirement for mic longevity?

allensco · Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 10:44 am Post subject:

Since putting my Lawson on the stand after receiving it, I have not removed it. It stays on the stand and I cover it with a lint free cloth.

TheVoiceOfBob · Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 10:48 am Post subject:

So I shouldn't take mine into the shower with me?
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Yoda117 · Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 10:54 am Post subject:

Only when you need to clean it Bob.

If you're not using an RCA-style cover (silk bag) for your mic, then put it back in the box. The design of a microphone makes it a well designed trap for dirt, dust, smoke, etc. All of which can/will shorten the lifespan of the mic between service appointments.
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Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 10:57 am Post subject:

Yoda117 · Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 11:05 am Post subject:

Jeff, maybe we ought to leave those two lovebirds alone...

*backs away slowly*
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Bailey · Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 11:05 am Post subject:

I have to leave it on the mic stand.
Where else am I going to hang my hat?
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Edo · Guest

Rob,

I had this conversation once @ the AES in Amsterdam with one of Sennheiser/Neumann's reps... he said that was a wise thing to do if you allow your clients to smoke in the studio. The residue of the smoke is likely to land on the capsule and cause corrosion. But... unless the Rolling Stones want to record at your facility -and the generated revenues make you not care-, most sound engineers will not let you near a mic with a lit cigaret anyway. I sure as hell won't Wink

I cover my microphones with the popscreens that came with it after I'm done working with them. I clean the pop filters once in a while as well. I soak them in distilled water with just a touch of dishwashing liquid and a squeeze of lemon juice. It removes any unwanted stuff that is likely to get in there from the different vocalists... including me Smile

TheVoiceOfBob · Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 12:48 pm Post subject:

I call my mic Angie.
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Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 12:51 pm Post subject:

Bob, if you haven't already, go rent Lawn Dogs. You won't regret it.
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Chrissy · Guest

I was just thinking about this subject today. Right now I cover it with a plastic bag. I'm going to check out the price of silk pillow cases. My mic can bed down with silk while I'm still using the "on sale" sheets from Sears.

Chrissy

Yoda117 · Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 3:11 pm Post subject:

Just snag a bag from AEA... at least you know you're getting the right thing.

Okay, next question... who tucks their mic in at night after "putting it to bed"?

Bedtime stories, perhaps?
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Hart · Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 3:36 pm Post subject:

I don't do jack to it from day to day - I know, I know, I should. But I don't. Now if I know I won't be using it for several days I'll put it in the box with some of those silica packs but otherwise it stays on the stand, no cloth or anything - all the time.
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Deirdre · Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 3:38 pm Post subject:

I leave things where they are with both of the mics I use all the time.
I figure that it's more of the strain on the connections to plug-and-unplug them all the dang time.
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scottnilsen · Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 4:26 pm Post subject:

I must confess to some relief in hearing I'm not the only one who leaves them there.
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