Question About Shockmounts With Condenser Mics
Home > Home Recording Forum > Recording Techniques > Question About Shockmounts With Condenser Mics
Posted on Jun 18, 2004 09:06 am
Keegan
Do U Beleev in D-Flo?
Member Since: Jun 15, 2004
I just got a MXL 990 Condenser Mic, and it included both a shockmount, and a regular stand adapter.
I was just wondering when it is better, or required, to use a shockmount as opposed to a regular stand adapter. I personally will be using the mic for close miking an acoustic guitar, and maybe some ambient room miking. In this situation I would assume that the shockmount is not needed, but I could be wrong. What do you think?
[ Back to Top ]
WaltChief Cook and Bottle WasherMember
Since: May 10, 2002
Jun 18, 2004 09:50 am I always use the shock mount. Most condensers are so sensitive that the least little ground traveling sound can get through the stand in a heart beat. The other reason is I have had too many musicians get a wraped up in their sound and bump into the stand. Have not lost one to date!
guitwizzNothing doesnt give me gasMember
Since: May 25, 2004
Jun 18, 2004 10:09 am The Marshall I have came with only the bottom mount, and it just sits in there. Not very stable either. My Neumann came with the same type of clip, but it screws into the mic. Its better to always use a shock mount, just in case. Its good to use a boom and hang the mic upside down, this gets the stand and base out of the way.
Joe
KeeganDo U Beleev in D-Flo?Member
Since: Jun 15, 2004
Jun 18, 2004 10:39 am Ah, it never occured to me to hang it up side down. That will definitely help in the close miking situation.
Jun 18, 2004 10:57 am I agree, I have the MXL 990 and I use the shockmount. Just in case if it gets bumped, the shockmount is strong enough to hold the mic. I have tile floors so it wouldn't be a good thing to drop mine on that type of surface.
Anyways, the MXL 990 was a good choice in my opinion!
el musicoFreeleance Producer/Engineer/GtrMember
Since: Aug 11, 2002
Jun 18, 2004 02:10 pm Well the skinny is that noise (vibrations) from the outside world and such between 3Hz-25Hz will travel up through your home's structure and though you can't hear it, it will eat up headroom. so your shockmount will help de-couple the sensitive mic and the stand to minimize what noise travels up the stand and into your recording.
One reason why condenser mics are hung upside down is that the mic itself will generate some heat. This heat will reach the diaphragm of the mic and over time it will change the characteristics of the signal. So, since heat travels up and having the mic upside down, theoretically, it will keep the heat away from the diaphragm preventing this.
guitwizzNothing doesnt give me gasMember
Since: May 25, 2004
Jun 19, 2004 12:29 am Wow, I always thought it was so Janet Jackson wouldnt kick the stand......interesting....
So since im on a hardwood floor here, it may help to have the mic stand on a thin slab of harder surface maybe, Like an 18 inch paver, or ceramic tile.
My iso bay has 3 podium mounts on the cieling, so I screw different length goosenecks to it, and hang the mic down. This is space efficient also.
new reasons to go to home depot now.......hehe
riffgodwww.charlienaebeck.comMember
Since: Apr 10, 2004
Jun 19, 2004 05:44 am haha, yeah, you gotta use a shockmount when Jim Morrison from The Doors records also. ;) He tended to throw the mic around the room and run around it and bump into it a lot I heard. Might as well buy up some good stock in the mic company if you get someone like that in the studio. hehe
yeah, definately use your shockmount on all situations with you mic. It will prolong the life of your mic, and help you with any bumps or musicians that decide to take out passion on your music during their performance. :)
