One inSync reader, Chris A took umbrage with our recent advice on microphone care (TTOTD 8/5/98):
“I must disagree with the advice given in this newsletter concerning whether to put your mics away when not in use. The argument to put them away has to do with avoiding dust on the capsule, especially on large diaphragm mics. When dust is allowed to accumulate on the diaphragm it turns to a mudlike substance when combined with the fine particles of saliva inevitable from a singer’s mouth. Eventually, the ‘mud’ becomes slightly conductive and can change the characteristics of the diaphragm. Near the end the engineer will experience large level fluctuations as portions of the diaphragm short out. My advice: put ’em away after every session.”
Thanks Chris. We told you this was a controversial subject. Many newer microphones are equipped with windscreens that will all but stop most of the dust issues, and with the quality pop filters in use most studios spit isn’t too bad either. However some microphones do leave the element exposed to whatever wants to enter it and those may be a problem, though I personally know of U87’s and U47’s that have been sitting on stands for 20 to 30 years with no adverse affects. On the other hand, why not put them away if you can?