Members defx711 Posted April 18, 2007 Members Share Posted April 18, 2007 what damage is done to a condenser microphone by dropping it? is it just an on/off type damage (like breaking something connected) or a gradation of damage (like altering the sonic characteristics i.e. frequency curve)? i have just purchased a mic off ebay (i know... excellent condition my ass!!) that has a dented front grill, i am trying to guage if that has affected its usefulness to me, it seems to have a bit of a harsh tone and i wonder if that has anything to do with the dent... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members blue2blue Posted April 18, 2007 Members Share Posted April 18, 2007 Well... it's a good question. I think the answer is that it's hard to predict what kind of damage might happen -- or has happened. Things can certainly get knocked out of wack and that can certainly affect operational characteristics without causing total failure. But, you know, my take on mics -- and especially used mics -- is that they're all gonna be a little different and you basically just have to judge whether or not this one suits your needs, soundwise. Rather than trying to imagine the damage that may have been sustained internally, I'd say use and evaluation is the most direct way to know whether or not the mic is going to work for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil O'Keefe Posted April 19, 2007 Share Posted April 19, 2007 Do you have pics of the external damage? Are you sure it was dropped, and not hit with something... like a drum stick? Capsules can be damaged in a drop. External casings and grilles can be damaged, but that's usually just cosmetic and isn't going to affect the sound. If it is a tube mic, the tube can be damaged in a fall, but that's usually a work / no work situation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members defx711 Posted April 19, 2007 Author Members Share Posted April 19, 2007 ok, so to update, the dent appears to have happened from the stand falling over when the mic is affixed to it as the dents are somewhat deep (2mm deep by 10mm long by 3mm wide, the other dent about half these dimensions) but there are no nicks in the base and that is telling because thats where 95% of the weight is. i also opened the mic up to look at the diaphragm and it was dirty and had facial hair shavings on it, probably only 5 pieces but still how the f@$# does that get in there? so it is cleaner and sounds better so there is probably no damage to the capsule. i just cringe at thinking about the amount of force that needed to be applied to create the main dent... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members defx711 Posted April 19, 2007 Author Members Share Posted April 19, 2007 i don't have a dig camera here, so i cant post pics. i am hoping it turns out to be just cosmetic, so far so good... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members hellobye Posted May 3, 2007 Members Share Posted May 3, 2007 I JUST DID THAT TODAY TOO.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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