If you do/plan to own a microphone and you expect it to
perform as it should, you‘ll need to get up to speed on mic maintenance. Even
if you haven’t spent a fortune on your microphone, it’s good to know how to take
care of it.
Here are some simple things that all microphone owners
should know:
NEVER blow on the mic
You should never blow on your microphone for any reason.
Many people have ruined perfectly good microphones by trying to clean them this
way. This is a sensitive piece of equipment and chances are the more you’ve spent,
the more sensitive it is. By blowing into it directly with force, you could
damage the diaphragm, thereby ruining sound capabilities.
NEVER swing
If you have a hand microphone, you should always avoid
swinging it around by the cord. There are many small and fragile wires inside
and if you’re constantly bending and putting pressure on these tiny wires, you will break them. Once they’re broken,
they can’t be fixed. Your only option will be to buy a new mic and that can be
pretty expensive.
NEVER let your mic get too hot or cold
Never expose your microphone to extreme temperatures. In
severe heat, various parts of the mic can melt, and in severe cold they snap.
Try to keep the environments that you use your microphone in as constant and
normal as possible and you’ll see your microphone will last longer.
ALWAYS keep your mic clean and dry
You must keep your microphone as free of dust and wetness as
possible. Dirt, debris and dampness can seriously reduce the lifespan of the
average microphone.
ALWAYS store correctly
It’s essential that you store your microphone and cables
safely after every use. They should be put in a place where they won’t get
crimped, squashed or manhandled. A hard case is your best bet for keeping the
microphone free of fractures and cracks.
ALWAYS keep your mic clean
If ever your microphone needs to be cleaned (after a lot of
solid use it will), give the manufacturer a call to find out the best method.
Never take your microphone apart without first consulting the experts on how
best to do this.
ALWAYS follow volume guidelines
Another thing that you need to find out to keep your
microphone in good shape is the recommended volume levels. There are limits to
each microphone and each one is different so find out and stay within the
recommended limits to keep your mic in good shape.
Microphone maintenance is not rocket science, for the most
part it’s just common sense. Treat your microphone like the delicate piece of
equipment it is and you won’t have to replace it for a long time to come.
