HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR MICROPHONES

 

I started writing songs and poetry way back in 2005 after i lost my mom early that year January, i plunged headlong into rap music as an escape route from having to face the reality that she is no more. Fast forward to 2016 when i was in my second year in the University - i was rapping to hip hop beats almost everyday so i took all my savings then which was roughly about $54 and bought a Microphone. I was more of experimenting with sound recording, trying to hone my skills as i was an amateaur. 

 

On this note, the importance of a microphone to a music producer, artist or in general anyone who makes use of a micropone can not be overemphasized. Microphones are of different types and made for various purposes, hence - the type, quality and working condition of a microphone can adversely affect the quality of the song which in turn determine how much the song will generate in the market.

 

 

The history of Microphone can be traced back to 1665 when an English Physicist in person of Robert Hooke invented the "Lover Telephone" made of stretched wire with a cup attached at each end. In 1856, Antonio Meucci went on to invent a dynamic microphone based on the generation of electric current by moving a coil of wire to various depths in a magnetic field. It is important to note that, since Robert Hooke's attempt in making a microphone in 1665 - this great product has undergone a tremendous evolution and hence the emergence of the voice condenser microphones and various types which we make use of today.

 

In as much as it is important to have a microphone, it is also very important that they are properly maintained. On this note, below are some tips on how to maintain your microphone;

1. Prevent frequent falls or dropping at all
   Frequently dropping a mic can lead to permanent damage or stopsome of its components from functioning. Dynamic mics, which are even more durable than their Condenser counterparts, it is also very important to prevent them from frequent falls to the floor or other hard surfaces. 
2. Protect them from dust
   When a microphone is exposed to dust, it can get into the diaphragm and cause it to lose its sensitivity. One way to keep dust away from your microphone is to ensure that your studio is always kept clean. Wipe surfaces often to prevent dust from settling. Another way of protecting from dust is to cover your microphones in a plastic bag. But this can only work well if your studio is situated in a low humidity region. If your studio’s temperature is generally warm, covering your microphones with a plastic bag can turn out to be a disaster.
3. Always make use of a Pop Filter
   A pop filter protects your condenser mic by preventing saliva from settling on your mic. It intercepts saliva that would have found its way to the microphone from a singer’s mouth during a recording session. This helps to keep the capsule of your microphone clean and dry.
4. Don’t kiss your microphone
   What this means is that you should maintain a little distance between your mouth and the microphone where a pop filter is not available.
   Plosives from ‘P’s and ‘T’s can damage the capsule of your mic. A distance of about 6 inches works fine to prevent plosives from damaging your microphone capsule.
5. Properly store your mics when not in use
   When your mic is not in use (Condensers), you can protect it from dust and particles by keeping it in a plastic bag. This will keep dust away from the microphone capsule, so it can continue to serve you better.
   You can also make use of a padded storage container or a locker to keep your microphone in.
6. Avoid contact with water or fluids
   Water splashes on a microphone can damage a microphone, and also result in electric shock. It is also important that whatever storage facility you’re using for your mics is kept solid dry at all times. Get cases that are waterproof, and avoid exposing your mics to extreme temperatures.
7. Properly Turn Your Microphone On and Off
   Take time to turn on your microphones properly. Cables that supply power to the mic tube should be connected before turning on the power supply.
   When this isn’t done, it can result in electric shock which can damage the microphone.
   After using your microphone, you should ensure it is properly turned off as well before leaving the studio.
8. Regular Servicing
   It is paramount to carry out regular check-up of your microphones, especially if someone borrowed it. Regular check-ups will help you detect any problem early on before it graduates into something more serious.
   Also, there is need to patronize the services of a professional to service your studio microphones regularly. Using the services of quacks for servicing can damage or reduce the audio quality of your microphones, and you don’t want that.  It is no doubt that your microphone is one of the most cherished gadget in the studio, hence endeavour to take good care of it. To get amazing microphones for your studio works or podcasting, kindly check our Amazon associate store using this link https://amzn.to/3SHAkbm