6
AIR TURBULENCE
Never expose the microphone to strong air turbulence.
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.
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. The ribbon in the R88 is protected by multi-layered
screens and grille cloths to provide superior wind protection.
Nonetheless, using it outdoors requires special care to avoid wind
which can damage the ribbon.
MAGNETIC STRAY FIELDS
MICROPHONE STORAGE
Keep the microphone covered when it is not in use.
This prevents
potential damage to the ribbon from a strong gust of air. Place the
supplied protective slip cover over the microphone when it is not in
use. For long term storage, place the microphone in its protective
case. Minute iron particles, sometimes known as “tramp iron,” are
common within our environment. AEA ribbon microphones contain
powerful magnets that produce strong magnetic fields. These
fields can attract any ferric metal near the microphone that, if they
are small enough, can penetrate the outer screening and work
their way inside the microphone. Over time, this “tramp iron” can
build up sufficiently in the magnetic gap to rub against the ribbon
causing distortion, electrical shorts or tearing of the ribbon.
