On Wed, 3 May 2006 06:12:31 -0400, "soundhaspriority"
wrote:

Is there a standard way to test a condenser mike for pops, which I assume is
caused by a defectively tensioned diaphram?

No, popping is not caused by a mic defect. It is something to which
all mics are subject to a degree. But -

Omnidirectional mics have sealed diaphragms which makes them
reasonably resistant to pops. Cardioid mics are partially sealed, so
they will pop. Figure 8 mics have the diaphragm suspended freely, and
will move with the body of air, so are very easily popped.

You cure pops by either training your vocalist, repositioning the mic
away to the side of air blasts or by using a pop screen, which
intercepts the air blast. To train your vocalists, get them to hold
the back of their hand just in front on their mouth while singing. If
they can feel air blasts while singing p's and b's, have them modify
their pronunciation technique until they can almost no longer feel the
air.

d

--
Pearce Consulting
http://www.pearce.uk.com