> I'm thinking of buying a used mic from a local store and wondered if
> there's a way of running it through some tests to make sure it's fit
> and fully functional.
Myles,
In a store, fully functional, no. If it's cheap take a risk, if not
make a take-back agreement as you can't really put a mic through its
paces in a store. You will also need to take a listening device and
with powered mics one with suitable power.
Quick checks:
Intermittent faults: Move the mic around while listening to the output
to see if there are crackles or fizzing. Shake it gently to see if
anything is loose inside. If it has been dropped, insist on a
take-back agreement, but it could easily have survived OK. If it's not
pretty, you could get a bargain price.
Sensitivity: This can vary widely between types of mic, but electret
mics can lose sensitivity with time.
Directional mics should have a clear dead area, but a hypercardioid
will have back lobes but should be low at rear side areas.
Sound: Water or heat damage can distort the diaphragm or cone, which
should be obvious. You can only check the bass and treble ends in a
store to see if they are there. Turn the listening volume down and see
if it takes loud noises without distortion.
Noise is the most critical and impossible or check in an active store,
but if you hear a hiss in a store, forget it.
David
David Brinicombe
North Devon, UK
Cogito cogito ergo cogito sum - Ambrose Bierce
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