Phantom-power
Although the N22 needs a standard 48V phantom-power source to
operate, you should still make sure that phantom-powered is turned off
before plugging and unplugging the microphones. The loud pops that
occur when the microphone is plugged in with phantom-power engaged
can damage speakers, headphones, and ears. Since passive ribbon
microphones or other transformer-coupled microphones are particularly
sensitive to phantom-power, it is recommended to make disengaging
phantom-power before plugging and unplugging a habit.
Wind Gusts
A second and equally important rule is never to blow directly into a
ribbon microphone to test it. Strong air turbulence can stretch the
ribbon diaphragm and while it may not break, it will nonetheless
significantly degrade the microphone’s performance. The ribbon in the
N22 is highly protected by multi-layered screens and cloths to provide
superior wind protection compared to many other ribbon microphones
so that the microphone can be used for recording vocals without the
need for a pop-filter. Nonetheless, the use out of doors requires special
care so that the wind does not damage the ribbon. Indoors, however,
it is also important to avoid serious air turbulence as could be caused
by open windows, air-conditioning systems or a slammed door. Use the
supplied cloth bag to cover the microphone whenever it is not in use.
High SPL sound sources do not usually pose a problem because most
ribbon microphones can handle 130 dB SPL or more without difficulty.
It is only those “explosive” sources that produce a strong blast of air,
such as the bass port on an electric guitar or bass amp, a guitar being
plugged (or unplugged) while the amp level is turned fully up, an on-
axis kick-drum (particularly with a port on the front head), that require
special protection. If you are unsure about how much wind is hitting the
microphone, place the back of your hand where the microphone is going
to be. If you can feel significant wind blasts, angle the microphone to
avoid direct hits.
Tramp Iron
Remember also that most ribbon microphones contain a magnet
that produces a fairly strong magnetic field. This field can attract any
ferric objects near the microphone that, if they are small enough, can
penetrate the outer screening and work their way inside the microphone.
Minute iron particles, sometimes known as “tramp iron,” exist everywhere
within our environment. When in close proximity to a ribbon microphone,
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