static

try removing the body of the mic and look at the xlr terminations, there might be a bad connection

What kind of Mic is it? what kind of pre amp is it? what brand of cable?

This could also be caused by condensation. I find some mics can be very susceptible to this. I have an Oktava MKL5000 that misbhaves if I do so much as breathe near the capsule, and I have to use a pop screen in mic setups where it would normally be unnecessary. The most common sign of condensation is a sort of rustling noise in the background, higher hiss and lower sensitivity, as well as crackles and pops. Sometimes you might get strange oscillations as well. If the problems disappear immediately when you step back from the mic, the problem lies elsewhere.

Manufacturers tend to offer little practical advice on condensation, but Studio Projects suggest that you put the mic in an airing cupboard for 24 hours, but I think this could be a bit risky unless you are sure that the temperature in there isn't too high. It might also take several days if the problem is very bad.

Condensation only occurs when there is a considerable difference in room temperature and that of the capsule and the components in the high-impedance part of the mic.

Good luck. I know how frustrating it is to have to deal with any of this crap when you are trying to record.

John Stafford

Of course you will get pops when you are up close without a pop-screen, but it is possible that a screen will cause strange sounds when the air hits it. I know it's a remote possibility, but it has happened to me. Bear in mind that I was using a particularly bad screen :wink: