Fixing up a couple AKG C414 microphones today.
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@sb how do you think it got that way? What I'm asking is, how do I prevent that from happening to my 414?
@alisynthesis
I think you've probably got the gist of it: avoid exposure to obvious things like construction dust, sand, rain, etc. Store in a clean case or pouch. Keep out of direct sunlight and away from extreme heat or cold. Be exceptionally gentle with it.
Inevitably some dust will make its way inside. Humidity and chemistry can cause corrosion. The rubber shock mount that holds the capsule in place will disintegrate over time, depositing microscopic rubber dust and debris.
In this mic's case I believe it picked up those contaminates during a repair we sent it out for several years ago.
@sb (I'm imagining the answer includes, "don't store it under your pet-hairy couch cushions or drink soda then spit into it." Just wondering if there are non-obvious things I should be doing to care for mine.)
@sb it's cool to see inside!
@alisynthesis
They're pretty intimidating on the inside. The plastic membranes on the capsule are fractions of a human hair thick. The hookup wires are thinner than my grandfathers hair. Even gently touching certain parts can destroy them!
These things are works of art, and miracles of science.
@sb wow, that's pretty neat to hear. I only have one very nice mic, so I chose a C414 as the incredible all-rounder it is. I've used a lot of mics, and there aren't many that can record basically any source admirably.
@alisynthesis
You said it! It's pretty hard to beat in its versatility and performance. Plus, no bulky external power supply or niche multi-pin cables in order to acheive the polar pattern switching. Absolutely brilliant mics.
This mic was making loud bangs and pop when moving around. Everything was mechanically stable, however after full disassembly, inspection revealed some gunk on the contact pins of the high impedance board.
Spent the better part of 30 minutes removing microscopic fibres from the high impedance circuit board. That board is so sensitive that even oils from your hands will damage the circuit performance.
Multiple baths of alcohol & distilled water, finally chasing down individual fibres with a dental pick under the microscope. Cleaned the contacts.
Once it dries, it will hopefully be good as new.