Taking Care of Your Mic in 5 Easy Steps

If you are an owner of a home studio, you know how important a microphone is. In order to improve the lifespan of your microphone and maintain its performance, take good care of it. Here are the things you need to do.
Keep water and moisture away from the mic. Of course, you don't need to be informed that you shouldn't pour water into your mic because it's already a given. But there are other cases when moisture can still get through the microphone capsule. A common way to do this is to speak directly into the microphone or when blowing through brass and woodwind instruments. Something else to consider is to air dry your mic after use especially when performing in a closed venue with plenty of people. Our bodies radiate heat and can create moisture. When this moisture combines with smoke, it becomes a deadly combination for your microphone. Air dry your mic prior to storing them in a closed box.
Obtain a pop filter. Some microphones have wind screens that help in keeping saliva away from the diaphragm. Most of the time, this is not enough so you need a pop filter in order to have added protection against moisture. A pop filter is really built to reduce popping sounds from vocals but it can also have the advantage of protection from accidental saliva and spittle getting into the mic. When using a Blue Yeti mic, see some Blue Yeti pop filter reviews first before buying one.
Correct microphone storage. Keep your mics in a cabinet or box that is away from direct sunlight or any source of heat and moisture. Heat can encourage moisture to form so keeping your mic in a cool dry place will help lengthen your mic's service. Again, let your mics air dry before storing them in a tight place without ventilation.
Keep your mic from power surges. Hot plugging your microphone can destroy the delicate electrical circuits inside your microphone. In order to prevent this make sure all connections are intact before turning on the power. Even condenser mics with their own power supplies should still follow this simple tip.
Tube condensers mics should be warmed up before use. These mics need around two to fifteen minutes of warming up before use. This is said to improve the lifespan of the mic's tube. Be sure to read manufacturer instructions before doing this.

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