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Hello all -

I am very new to recording, and look forward to any help I can get regarding the use (or how not to) of large -edited- (diaphragm) condenser mics. I recently finished a G7 tube mic (thanks to Jakob Erland, of Gyraf, and others), but I want it to last a few years. I've found several posts (among them, http://www.recording.org/postlite6961-using+condensers.html - I particularly enjoy Fats' term 'microcide') about how to make your large condenser mic last longer, and using (or not) with bass drum micing. Does anyone have any other "must-know" points about using and recording with this type of mic? Thanks a BUNCH!

Best Regards,
Jesus

Comments

KurtFoster Fri, 04/30/2004 - 11:48

That is a very interesting link.. IMO it supports my contention not to use LD condensers on kick drums or other sources that move a lot of air. The only way I use LD condensers on kicks is at a 45 degree angle and at least a foot away from the drum. Yeah, they do get a great sound on kicks but I can't afford to replace the digaphrams on my condensors after every session. I leave that to the folks in Hollyweird ..

I also keep my LDs put away or at least "bagged" while on the stand, and I try to avoid exposing them to ciggie or reefer smoke. Dust is the enemy.. other than that there is not much else involved in the keeping of LD condensors.. now ribbon mics, that's another tale ...

Kurt Foster

anonymous Fri, 04/30/2004 - 14:30

It is a well known fact that kicks can damage even a dynamic.
The Beyer M88 is a great kick mic but I've read several times the 88 got damaged.

Even one of the most famous kick mics, the AKG D12 can suffer from very loud kicks. I have two of them and one was knocked down by a metal drummer who managed to make a dent in the diapragm, so the capsule had to be replaced by a new one.

I would never use a LDC or even a SDC (unless it's a C1000 :D) for kick.

A front head with a small hole and a mic in that hole! There's a serious storm blowing there.