6
AIR TURBULENCE
Avoid exposing the microphone to strong air turbulence.
Ribbon
microphones can withstand very high SPL (Sound Pressure Level),
but can be damaged by a strong gust of air or high levels of very
low frequency sound waves (from a kick drum or bass cabinet). This
can stretch the ribbon, reducing overall output, especially at high
frequencies.
Take precautions when recording any source that moves air. To
avoid damage
,
use
"The Hand Test": put the back of your hand
where the mic will be positioned; if you can feel the moving air,
place a pop-filter between the microphone and the source or simply
pull the mic farther back. When recording kick drums or bass guitar
cabinets, angle the microphone so that no air blasts the microphone
directly on-axis from the front or back.
Never blow directly into any microphone to test it. Not only
does this force moisture and dirt into the microphone,
but
strong air
movement can stretch the ribbon
.
W
hile
the ribbon
may not break,
it nonetheless could significantly degrade the microphone’s
performance.
The ribbon in your R44 is protected from plosive and
direct wind blasts by both the diamond-shaped grille and its
acoustical fabric, as well as perforated metal and fabric blast
screens internally on each side of the ribbon. This design provides
good wind and breath blast protection, plus good high-end
response.
STRAY MAGNETIC FIELDS
Ribbon microphones are fundamentally prone to picking up strong
external magnetic fields generated by light dimmers or nearby
power transformers. Though AEA designers paid much attention to
suppressing such sensitivity, it is still possible that you might
encounter this problem. If you should pick up a hum, try rotating or
moving the microphone to find a spot where the hum disappears,
and try eliminating potential sources of stray magnetic fields. Rotate
or move the mic to find the point of peak interference.
The high-performance magnets used in AEA microphones are
incredibly strong, and a significant amount of stray magnetic field
lines surround the microphone. To prevent data loss caused by
magnetic fields, avoid placing the microphone in close proximity to
hard drives, credit cards, analog tape, or any other magnetically
sensitive items.
