How a Neumann U87 microphone is manufactured

[ka1bwo]

Interesting video on how studio condenser mics are built

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvtjHhtxmpI

Joe

[flintstone mop]

Nice video
Thanks
A lot of precision handmade processes.

My Blue Spark mic came in a big pretty wooden box too. The box had a nice aroma to it for several weeks.

[K5UJ]

The only problem I have with condenser mics (which I think are totally pointless for ham radio) is when operators don't set them up right or work them properly.  I encounter a few hams using them who get too close or don't use a pop screen or sock and there's this distortion and plosive breath blasts in their audio.   A lot of this would just go away if they used a good dynamic (which would sound FB) but they have an attraction to condensers for some reason.

[WA3VJB]

The problem is not specific to condenture mics, in my opinion.

Ribbon mics have the same vulnerability to poor mic technique, as do some dynamics like the Sennheiser 421.

There's something called a "stage 'P'" that can help a lot once learned.  Simply keeping the lips from sealing while forming the percussive sounds can minimize the plosive breath pops.

That and the geometry between mic and the person speaking can keep the voice on-axis and the breath sounds moving away in a direction without impact.

[flintstone mop]

The problem is not specific to condenture mics, in my opinion.

Ribbon mics have the same vulnerability to poor mic technique, as do some dynamics like the Sennheiser 421.

There's something called a "stage 'P'" that can help a lot once learned.  Simply keeping the lips from sealing while forming the percussive sounds can minimize the plosive breath pops.

That and the geometry between mic and the person speaking can keep the voice on-axis and the breath sounds moving away in a direction without impact.

Paul, is right on. We Ham guys close-mouth a condenture mic and we wonder why it is not what we expect.
Watch a video clip when performers are in a studio. Those mics are far away from them. The only mic that tolerates closeness is the RE series mic. RE27........

[K5UJ]

You can get up close to any dynamic mic but you have to have a pop sock on it and practice working with it to get the proximity effect under control if it is prone to that.  The RE series supposedly is immune to it but you can also use it to your advantage if you have a good monitor and can hear your tx audio.   I'd rather pay $400 less, get a SM58 and use any prox effect to my advantage.