"Jazzman" wrote in message
...
I'm referring to the common gesture for trying if a mic is open: is it a
real bad thing to tap a dynamic mic's capsule? What about a condenser?

I've been known to heckle at my bandmates when they do it, but I'd like
to know the real entity of the damage.

Out of habit from being in a studio and handling condensers, I always
lightly tap on the side of the barrel. It gets the point across.