Some Remarks On Microphone Maintenance - Marek Design RS1 Owner's Manual

Microphone amplifier specification:
Frequency response 10 Hz to 25 kHz .............................................................................. +/-0,5 dB
Required connector .............................................................................................................XLR 3 F
Weight of control-unit........................................................................................................... 1650 g
Weight of microphone including Shock mount ................................................................... 600 g
Fuses ..............................................................................................................................200mA, MT
Supply input voltage ............................................................... 230V or 115V, 50 or 60Hz
1) at 1 kHz into 100 kOhm rated load impedance. 1 Pa 94 dB SPL.
2) microphone amplifier measured at an input voltage equivalent to the
capsule output at the specified SPL.
3) Depending on setting of the capsule character between 1 and 6.

8. Some remarks on microphone maintenance

Use the dust cover. Microphone not in use should not be left on the mic stand unprotected. With a
non-fluffy dust cover the microphone can be protected from dust settling on the capsule. When
not in use for a longer period, the microphone should be stored at normal room temperature.
Use a pop screen: The pop screen not only eliminates the plosive pops in vocal recordings, but in
close-miked vocal applications it also efficiently protects the diaphragm from breath humidity
down to small particles.
Function testing: Modern condenser microphones cannot be harmed by very high sound pressure
levels. Still, there is no need for pop-testing to see if a microphone is working and pulled up on
the console. Normal speech is good enough.
Do-it-yourself repairs can sometimes be more harmful than beneficial. Especially cleaning
capsules takes a skilled hand and a lot of experience. Even the lightest contact can lead to damage
or destruction of the very sensitive diaphragm. Furthermore, the tube may not be changed with
other types. Many parts are specifically selected and cannot be replaced by standard components.
To avoid unnecessary cost and problems, we recommend sending in broken microphones to our
distributors, or to us directly for servicing.
Sending in microphones for regular servicing can help in early recognition of damage and
guarantees a consistent performance of the system. This is especially true with rental
microphones or mics in dustier and smokier environments. A regular microphone check-up is
quite beneficial. The cost is much less than having a major overhaul.
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