¿Does anyone have any knowledge as to whether a Vocal Cardioid Dynamic microphone experiences degradation after years of use?


I do not have a clue as to whether a mic degrades with age, and was hoping someone in this great Forum might have some expertise on this issue?

I have been using an "Audix OM5" for several years and was contemplating changing over to a Sennheiser e-935.

I reside in a area (Port Saint Lucie, Florida,) that does not have any big box music stores nearby to go into to do a side by side comparison of the different Vocal Cardioid Dynamic microphones.

Any thoughts or experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Ron, Port Saint Lucie, Florida

I don't know that they do degrade, over and above normal wear and tear. I suppose they must, to some degree, like anything else. Doesn't hurt to maintain them, though. Some mics I've come across in the past, well, it's a ruddy marvel they worked at all, seeing as how they had years of general crud (spittle, beer splashes, dust, etc.) Of course, these mics were real road warriors.

Unscrew the mesh, take out the foam insert and rinse it gently in warm soapy water, then let it air dry. That, at least, gives the mic a fighting chance if done on a regular basis.

Thanks, that is great advice.

Ron

Hi Ron, glad you asked that question as I was wondering the same thing about my older 10+ year old Akg C3000 condenser and even older Ev 757 dynamic mic too. btw, still enjoying my 5 year old Sennheiser e935. Ron, your Audix OM5 is another mic I like too because I find the sound natural and unhyped. Curious, just "how old" is it? I'm sure unless it was uneccesarily dropped or abused, it should continue to deliver great sound.

Mics age like a good wine.....the only thing that ages is the singer

Well said Donny. Even the VH can't save me.
I suspect your strong vocals will outlast any mic you have.
Eddie

Eddie I stick with my main mic EV ND967 or ND767a backup.......

http://www.electrovoice.com/product.php?id=87

http://www.electrovoice.com/product.php?id=85

Most of today's mics will outlive their owner. They are constructed with fewer parts than those of two decades ago, the diaphragms are tough as nails, screen covers are really rugged and most have interior,foam breath suppressors. Add to this much better pickup patterns, feedback suppression and better frequency response and there is little chance, short of dropping the mic from a tall building, that it will wear out or be damaged.

Cheers,

Gary

Gary,

Thanks for your contribution to this question.

This was very helpful.

Ron, Port St. Lucie, FL

Regarding Audix OM5, I have one I bought used about seven years ago. I left it in a bar years ago, went back to get it the next week. It was no longer round. I asked what the heck did they do to it! I was told somebody used it and knocked the mic stand down and it hit the concrete floor. He said it almost got saved by hitting the chicken wire (Texas bar), but no, it slammed right into the concrete. I am still baffled that it works fine. Good mic.