Noisy Condensor Mics

[Kaevelson]

Hi Guys,

I'm in the possibility to buy a set of Superlux drum mics and a Behringer B2 Pro condensor mic for very little money (that's verrrryy little money), but I think one condensor overhead of the drummics and the B2 Pro are broken in some way. They both have an awkward noise like wind that's blowing right in the mic, sometimes more audible and sometimes barely audible. When I leave the mic alone for a minute it's silent, but the minute I say something into the mic it starts again..
Do you guys have any idea what this could be? And is it fixable? Otherwise it might be better to leave the Behringer for what it is and take the Superlux set only, with one useless condensor mic...

[Hugh Robjohns]

If the superlux mics are electrets or condensers then the chances are the mics are damp. Try placing them in a warm airing cupboard for a few days. ideally, place them in a clean polythene bag to keep the dust off the capsule, but leave the bag open at the bottom so the warm air can circulate.

hugh

[Kaevelson]

The superlux mic is a electret if I remember correctly.

I put the B2 in it's case with the little moisture eating bag (or how do you call it) next to the head of the mic. Leave it for a couplet of days there, if it doesn't work, I'm thinking of disabling (cutting it's wires) the front diaphragm, as I believe that one is damaged but the back one isn't. That way the mic might still work as a cardiod when i use it in Figure-8 mode..
Any comments on that?

I simply can't let this mic pass for 25 euro's complete with case, popfilter and micholder.

[SimonZ]

+1 for Hugh's advice above, including the B2.
They are damp.
Drying them out may take a few days but a 95% bet they will be fine.
Big silica bag is better than a small one, warmest place you can find.

[Kaevelson]

That would be awesome!
Although I already bought a secondhand replacement for the Superlux mic, a well, I can use that one as an extra hihat mic or something.

Thanks for the input, let you guys know if I get these suckers up and running again!

[ROLO46]

Gentle Hairdyer

[JeanMarie]

Gentle Hairdyer

Or simply put your mic on a stand and above a bulb. Put your hand where the mic is to be sure it's not too hot. You should just feel a little bit of warmth from the bulb.

My mics had the noise pb after a recording in a very humid chapel. After a night near a bulb, no more noise

[Kaevelson]

Great ideas here! I'll try the hairdryer idea on the Superlux and the bulb method on the Behringer!

So far the Silicagelpackage that came with the Behringer seem to have helped a little (noise kicks in fewer and later).

If this all doesn't work I'll record a sample of the noise I'm getting and post it here.

[John Willett]

Great ideas here! I'll try the hairdryer idea on the Superlux and the bulb method on the Behringer!

I wouldn't - do what Hugh says and put them in the airing cupboard in a plastic bag that's open at the end.

[Kaevelson]

So far the Silicagelpackage that came with the Behringer seem to have helped a little (noise kicks in fewer and later).

It seem to have worked even more, ran a quick test on the B2, the anoying noise was gone

I put the silicagel with the Superlux mic in it's case and I'll let it dry for a 2 nights, hope I can "fix" that one as well.

[Kaevelson]

So it seems that my problems are solved, ran a quick test on the Superlux condensor, and the strange noises seems to be gone. So it was damp on the capsule, which a little Silicagel package ate and now my mics are restored!

Thanks again for all the help guys!

[SimonZ]

Glad it worked out for you.

On a general note, silica gel bags don't absorb water forever and do need to be baked out or exchanged for new ones every now and again.

Hugh, perhaps a missive from your good self (or another moderator)on this subject would make a good sticky.

I'm sure it will come up fairly often.

[James Perrett]

I've just bought a couple of these for a wardrobe but I think I might buy another one for the mic box. They have a built-in heating element which you plug into the mains every so often to dry the silica gel crystals out.

Cheers

James.

[SimonZ]

Hi James
Excellent find, will have to get one.

Simon C

ps watercress soup soon ?

[James Perrett]

You have a PM Simon.

Cheers

James.