damp mic

[Henry Tjernlund]

Hello, I bought a shotgun mic last year and have helped out on some
student projects. On one project we were out in the cold damp (some
light misty rain) for several hours. I imaging that the dampness can
get into a shotgun mic and cause problems.

So, what is the best way to make sure a mic is properly dry? Is air
drying at room temp good enough? Can any light warmth be applied?

I recall seeing somewhere that a non-lubricated condom can be used to
keep a shotgun mic dry, but another sound person I talked to seemed to
feel that using a condom was a bad idea. I don't have a budget for
expensive accessories. THe mic does have a foam cover and I got a
furry "dead cat" for better wind protection.

Anyway, again, whats the best way to dry a damp mic.

Thanks,
Henry

[Bill Graham]

"Henry Tjernlund" > wrote in message
...
> Hello, I bought a shotgun mic last year and have helped out on some
> student projects. On one project we were out in the cold damp (some
> light misty rain) for several hours. I imaging that the dampness can
> get into a shotgun mic and cause problems.
>
> So, what is the best way to make sure a mic is properly dry? Is air
> drying at room temp good enough? Can any light warmth be applied?
>
> I recall seeing somewhere that a non-lubricated condom can be used to
> keep a shotgun mic dry, but another sound person I talked to seemed to
> feel that using a condom was a bad idea. I don't have a budget for
> expensive accessories. THe mic does have a foam cover and I got a
> furry "dead cat" for better wind protection.
>
> Anyway, again, whats the best way to dry a damp mic.
>
> Thanks,
> Henry

If it just got damp/wet with clean water, I would let it dry in a clean,
warm environment naturally, with a little time, like in your living room. If
it got soaked with dirty, or salt water, well that's a different story, and
it should probably be disassembled and cleaned by someone who knows what he
is doing.

[Justin[_2_]]

On Nov 18, 11:45*pm, Henry Tjernlund > wrote:
> Hello, I bought a shotgun mic last year and have helped out on some
> student projects. On one project we were out in the cold damp (some
> light misty rain) for several hours. I imaging *that the dampness can
> get into a shotgun mic and cause problems.
>
> So, what is the best way to make sure a mic is properly dry? Is air
> drying at room temp good enough? Can any light warmth be applied?
>
> I recall seeing somewhere that a non-lubricated condom can be used to
> keep a shotgun mic dry, but another sound person I talked to seemed to
> feel that using a condom was a bad idea. I don't have a budget for
> expensive accessories. THe mic does have a foam cover and I got a
> furry "dead cat" for better wind protection.
>
> Anyway, again, whats the best way to dry a damp mic.
>
> Thanks,
> Henry

I have found the condoms on microphones cause a coloration to the
sound which i dislike. The method is often used when recording in
shallow water and not having a hydrophone.

The best [on a budget] way to manage humidity that I found is to get
some desiccant bags, buy a bunch they are cheap. Throw one or two in
your mic cases while not using the mic. It keep it nice and not
humid:)

Also, if you are concerned with the state of the mic now, put the
capsule (with the metal grill on) in a tub of rice (make sure the rice
can not get in the grill). Rice is a natural desiccant. This also
works good when you drop your cellphone in the toilet.:P

[Scott Dorsey]

Henry Tjernlund > wrote:
>Hello, I bought a shotgun mic last year and have helped out on some
>student projects. On one project we were out in the cold damp (some
>light misty rain) for several hours. I imaging that the dampness can
>get into a shotgun mic and cause problems.

Could be. What kind is it?

>So, what is the best way to make sure a mic is properly dry? Is air
>drying at room temp good enough? Can any light warmth be applied?

When you aren't using it, put it in a sealed bag with some dessicant
packs. Ask your local sushi restaurant for a bunch of the "do not eat"
dessicants that come with nori. Or buy some on Ebay.

>I recall seeing somewhere that a non-lubricated condom can be used to
>keep a shotgun mic dry, but another sound person I talked to seemed to
>feel that using a condom was a bad idea. I don't have a budget for
>expensive accessories. THe mic does have a foam cover and I got a
>furry "dead cat" for better wind protection.

The condom is remarkably effective and will kill a lot of the top end, but
sometimes it's necessary. You can put an SM-57 in a condom, seal it up
with a little chewing gum at the seal, and submerge it at least down to
fifty feet without damage.

>Anyway, again, whats the best way to dry a damp mic.

Put it in the dessicant bag. And always keep it there when you aren't
using it.

If it's a 416, you will be amazed at how insensitive to moisture it is...
the Sennheiser RF scheme really does wonders. If it's a Schoeps, well,
keep it dry.
--scott
--
"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."