Microphones for humid weather ? (1 Viewer)

[Binoseeker]

Searched the web and found some info on microphones that may or may not withstand humidity. I have made no judgement if they are good for recording birds or not, but maybe you can see where to look for further information/suggestions.


Audio-Technica - PRO24 and AT815ST STEREO SHOTGUN MICROPHONE
Avoid leaving the microphone in the open sun or in areas where
temperatures exceed 110° F (43° C) for extended periods.
Extremely high humidity should also be avoided.

Sennheiser MKH-microphone
RF-type Sennheiser MKH-mics seems to withstand humidity well.

DPA 4011A Cardioid Microphone
Temperature range: -40 °C to 45 °C (14 °F to 113 °F)
Relative Humidity (RH): Up to 90 %

DPA 4060/4061/ ..etc
Miniature Microphones from DPA are designed to be resistant to humidity and moisture. Highly resistant materials like gold plated stainless steel, and features like the double-vent protection system, are used in construction of the microphones to avoid damage by fluids. Keep the Miniature Microphones away from exposure to water and cleaning fluids, and keep the microphone element dry at all times.

Mipro - MU-55LS
Miniature MU-55LS is inconspicuous, lightweight and waterproof.

Beyer Dynamic MCE 55.09 BLK
Mini condenser lavaliere microphone (omnidirectional), black, waterproof

Beyer Dynamic TG L55C (Black)
Condenser clip-on microphone (omnidirectional), waterproof

Da-cappo DA04BE
Waterproof, can withstand rain.


/ Anders

 

[iveljay]

May be relevant:

http://www.shure.com/americas/news-events/press-releases/shure-mics-endure-venezuela-s-tropical-terrain-while-supporting-parrot-communication-study

 

[Binoseeker]

That was an interesting article, Iveljay.

Here is another thread :
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=135763.0

/Anders

 

[iveljay]

Thanks for the link Anders,

That last entry on moving from cold into warm humid room is always a worry. I try and keep all electronics and lenses in a case as long as possible so they warm up gradually.

A dead cat or other windshield should minimise dust ingress but I guess that it is mainly a problem if you are working in dry and dusty between humid and minimal dust conditions. I must disect an old mic someday to find out how much dust accumulates over a lifetime, but I don't think it is a problem for me.

On the other hand, simple perspiration once caused a rapid change to my back-up kit when I was tired and careless, it caused a short somewhere.. Fortunately it wasn't a mic and it all recovered after drying out.

J

 

[Binoseeker]

Here is another interesting link:
http://www.franciscolopez.net/field.html

If you go close to the end of the homepage you find this text:

[Note 2: List of previously used equipment NOT affected by humidity (all kept in water-proof bags when not in use): Digital recorders: Sound Devices 702, 722, 744, Sound Devices MixPre, Tascam DR1, Edirol R09HD, Fostex FR 2LE, Marantz PMD670, Sony PCM D50, Zoom H2 & H4 (although some people won’t recommend the last one for other reasons, namely motor noise). External microphones: DPA 4060, 4061, Soundman OKM Binaural, Røde NTG-3 Shotgun Microphone, Sonic Studio DSM-1S/H, Shotgun Audio Technica AT815ST, Aquarian Hydrophones H1a, Bat detector Pettersson Elektronik D 200.

List of previously used equipment affected by humidity (also after being kept in water-proof bags): External microphones: Neumann KM184 stereo pair, Audiotechnica AT897 shotgun, Rode NT5 condensers.]

 

[HarryJ]

Hi,
commenting to your last list.

SD 722 and 744 have a hard disk - If you write to the internal disk and your mics are closeby (up to 2 meters) then you hear the disk in your recordings particularly in silent envoronments. If you write on a CF card, they are silent and excellent. Allthough the recorders you mention can take humidity, liquid water tends to be a killer.

In my experience Sennheiser ME62,64,66 can stand humdity. I use ME62 and 64s in prolonged recordings with no problems (-40C ... +30C) even in rather high humidity and thunderstorms. Of course you have to make sure that water cannot get into the mic and that if it happens it drains out.

I have used Sennheiser MKH8020 for long recordings. I have not had any serious problems, but some people reported early on having problems with humidity.

When talking about humidity we have to keep in mind water condensation which happens when you take your stuff from cold to warm. This happens in Nordic winters when you bring your stuff in and in the (sub)tropics when you take your recording devices from cooler or airconditioned indoors to the warmer open air. Cover yur stuff even in tropics inside a wool sweater or a blanket and let it get into thermal equilibrium in something like 30 minutes.

HarryJ

 

[Binoseeker]

Thanks for your reply, HarryJ.
I also have ME 62 & 66, so that sounds good with your experience in mind.
A person mentioned to me that sennheiser has moved their microphone production to China and that may give you quality issues if you buy recently produced microphones. Maybe it is a only a rumour...

Anders

 

[Chris Sharpe]

I can also recommend the ME62 and ME66. I've used both in very humid tropical environments for years. They have got rained on regularly and soaked in sweat, are stored in an ordinary bag without a desiccant (in the tropics) and always record perfectly. Great mics!

 

[Binoseeker]

Chris,
Have your K6 module been soaked also or have you taken some precautions to avoid it, like putting adhesive tape on it ?

It seems possible for water to penetrate for example where the on-off switch and filter switch are, maybe someone who has disassembled the K6 can shed some light on if it seems sealed in some way inside ?

Anders

 

[Chris Sharpe]

My K6, ME66 and ME62 are 20 years old and have been in the field for half that time, mostly in the humid tropics (to 40+C), but also at the poles (to -20C). They have got regularly wet and are very often in blazing sun. When not used they were stored in a hot humid house (also in the tropics). I've never used desiccant, nor have I taped up connections. Today they still work like a dream. The only Sennheiser gear I have had fail are the cable connection to the HD25SP headphones. I've had to replace the cable three times.

 

[Binoseeker]

Chris,
That sounds good and reassuring!
Thanks,
Anders

 

[Borjam]

Don't forget the role of a zeppelin to protect the microphone. Either a Rycote or the cheaper Blimp from Rode will help to protect the microphone from excessive moisture and some rain even. Bulky but effective.