In his video "Vocal Microphones Go Bad" Dave Rat goes over how to test your microphones with simple gear that you already own. He also indicates how important it is to do maintenance on your microphones as spit and other foreign objects can collect on the diaphragm and alter its frequency response after just one singing session. Something I did not put much thought into. So its important to have multiple microphones especially for vocalists.
Vocal Microphones are often offered at great prices on the used market. And some of you are also into sound recording as a business venture. Being able to verify the performance of your used microphone purchase second hand should be obvious. Especially if you are buying parts or doing a rebuild.
Saving a Buck? Makes you a buck. When dealing with more then 2 microphones? The costs savings really add up.
Lets take the Audix OM-7 that has a Retial price of $$249.00.
Used examples can go for as little as $50 USD to $150 on Reverb depending on condition. That's a FANTASTIC deal compared to a new model at $240. And that before Taxes and VAT for those of you out of the USA.
Rarely do you use just one microphone, so being able to test its performance out in the field can be essential for live and on the road gigs. This method that Dave Rat showcases in the video is not only easy? But can be done Quickly without special tools or calibration gear.
Voice matching of Microphones is where I have had the most issues. And when you only got one shot to get it right? Finding out this info before the gig would really put my mind at ease. Its not often easy to test this with just a simple Mic Check. And often you don't have much time to get things tested before a gig. Not a problem most times. But this can be really helpful. But not Foolproof as Dave Indicates.
Since the OM-7 and other microphones are often serviceable? Verifying that you are getting replacement parts that match up to the characteristics of the OEM parts is nice since there are a TON of counterfeit stuff out there right now.
Prices for these parts can vary. And this is a helpful way to rule out if you are getting the Real McCoy.
Or saving money on Aftermarket or N.O.S. Part in the future.
I'm not sure how well it would work for calibration or directional microphones, so I will leave that to others that would be more versed on this subject & hardware. I am making the assumption that the technique would be the same with a higher level of difficulty. But not as good as using software and a professional calibration Laboratory.
I have included a Link bellow about the OM7 from Dave's Website that goes over how to build the excellent Audix microphones and some tips and tricks that might be useful or could apply for other Microphone brands.
Also a Fun Bonus Video about a Microphone Capsule Speaker.
Might be a cool way to use those Old Capsules.
Vocal Microphones are often offered at great prices on the used market. And some of you are also into sound recording as a business venture. Being able to verify the performance of your used microphone purchase second hand should be obvious. Especially if you are buying parts or doing a rebuild.
Saving a Buck? Makes you a buck. When dealing with more then 2 microphones? The costs savings really add up.
Lets take the Audix OM-7 that has a Retial price of $$249.00.
Rarely do you use just one microphone, so being able to test its performance out in the field can be essential for live and on the road gigs. This method that Dave Rat showcases in the video is not only easy? But can be done Quickly without special tools or calibration gear.
Voice matching of Microphones is where I have had the most issues. And when you only got one shot to get it right? Finding out this info before the gig would really put my mind at ease. Its not often easy to test this with just a simple Mic Check. And often you don't have much time to get things tested before a gig. Not a problem most times. But this can be really helpful. But not Foolproof as Dave Indicates.
Since the OM-7 and other microphones are often serviceable? Verifying that you are getting replacement parts that match up to the characteristics of the OEM parts is nice since there are a TON of counterfeit stuff out there right now.
Prices for these parts can vary. And this is a helpful way to rule out if you are getting the Real McCoy.
I'm not sure how well it would work for calibration or directional microphones, so I will leave that to others that would be more versed on this subject & hardware. I am making the assumption that the technique would be the same with a higher level of difficulty. But not as good as using software and a professional calibration Laboratory.
I have included a Link bellow about the OM7 from Dave's Website that goes over how to build the excellent Audix microphones and some tips and tricks that might be useful or could apply for other Microphone brands.
Also a Fun Bonus Video about a Microphone Capsule Speaker.
Might be a cool way to use those Old Capsules.