sufficiently in the magnetic gap to rub against the ribbon causing
distortion, electrical shorts or tearing of the ribbon. The best
prevention is to keep the microphone in its case or covered with the
supplied plastic bag when it is not in use.
5
AIR TURBULENCE
Never expose the microphone to strong air turbulence. AEA ribbon
microphones can withstand very high SPL (Sound Pressure Level)
without difficulty, but can be damaged easily by a sudden, strong
gust of air or high levels of very low frequency sound waves (like
from a kick drum or bass cabinet). This can stretch the ribbon,
causing the microphone to start sounding flabby. Sources that may
produce 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 hole (particularly
with a port on the head), are potentially damaging.
To avoid possible damage, follow this simple procedure when
positioning the microphone called "The Hand Test": put the back
of your hand where the mic will be; if you can feel the motion of air
on your hand, place a pop-filter between the microphone and the
source of the wind gusts or simply pull the mic further back. When
recording kick drums or bass guitar cabinets, angle the microphone
to make sure that no wind blasts hit the microphone directly on-axis
from the front or back.
Never blow directly into any microphone to test it. Not only
does this force moisture and dirt into the microphone, strong
air movement also can stretch the ribbon and while it may not
break, it nonetheless could significantly degrade the microphone’s
performance. It is also important to avoid serious air movement
from stage curtains, open windows, doors, or air-conditioning
systems.
Summary of Contents for R44ACE
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