DukeBerryman
48 posts
May 12, 2013
4:23 PM
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Does a microphone need to be "broken in"? I swear my Shaker Retro Rocket sounds better now than a year ago, but maybe I'm just used to the sound now. But, to me, it sounds "broken in" - a little smoother response, less harshness.
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Duke Berryman - Chicago blues, harmonica, guitar
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SuperBee
1106 posts
May 12, 2013
4:43 PM
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Dunno Duke. I've never heard anyone mention it before. What would be the physics?
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Last Edited by SuperBee on May 12, 2013 4:43 PM
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Harp2swing
88 posts
May 12, 2013
5:29 PM
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Maybe improved technique has made it sound better
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Rick Davis
1807 posts
May 12, 2013
5:33 PM
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I bet your playing improved.
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-Rick Davis
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
The Mile High Blues Society
Tip Jar
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SuperBee
1107 posts
May 12, 2013
5:53 PM
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I had that same thought about a speaker once; at some point it started sounding heaps smoother, less stiff. Then I didn't know if it was the speaker or me. I actually think that WAS the speaker though, because I still sounded just as ordinary on other rigs.
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didjcripey
542 posts
May 12, 2013
9:51 PM
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I imagine speakers would be different, as the cardboard would react to usage.
I think that it would most likely be improved technique with a mic; my collection of mics all keep sounding better all the time!
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Lucky Lester
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DukeBerryman
49 posts
May 13, 2013
5:59 AM
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@didjcripey Haha, good to know. I hope my other mics start sounding better, too! I guess there's a learning curve for each mic, and you gotta wrestle the mic for a while until you find the best way to play it
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Duke Berryman - Chicago blues, harmonica, guitar
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Greg Heumann
2138 posts
May 13, 2013
8:03 AM
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"They say" speakers need to be broken in. I believe it.
"I say" microphones do NOT need to be broken in. Your call.....
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/Greg
BlowsMeAway Productions
See my Customer Mics album on Facebook
BlueState - my band
Bluestate on iTunes
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dougharps
394 posts
May 13, 2013
9:31 AM
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I think that DukeBerryman and Greg Heumann together have the answer. I don't think a mic has any significant break in time to sound good, though over years of playing and exposure to elements a mic may slowly change for better or worse. Speakers do improve with some breaking in.
I think that we have a sound in mind as we play, and when we use a mic and amp a lot we teach ourselves subtle changes in how we use the mic that improves our tone and gradually approaches the sound we seek, though we might not quite achieve our ideal. I think this is similar to how we learn to improve our acoustic tone, but involves the mic, cupping, and how we play to the mic and amp, which involves learning other skills.
This is why it is good to woodshed on mic/amp technique, as well as separately working on our acoustic technique and tone.
Then many of us try using other mic/amp combinations, seeking the ideal tone in our mind. Eventually we learn how to adapt to different gear to get the best sound we can with any given rig.
OFF TOPIC
When will Captcha stop wiping our posts when we are too slow? I shouldn't have to copy and paste all the time to avoid losing a post.
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Doug S.
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Rick Davis
1808 posts
May 13, 2013
10:15 AM
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You can hear a new speaker breaking in and loosening up. I don't think I've ever hear anything like that with a microphone.
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-Rick Davis
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
The Mile High Blues Society
Tip Jar
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Kingley
2647 posts
May 13, 2013
10:34 AM
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I don't think mics need breaking in. One thing to bear in mind though is that the Retro Rocket is a crystal mic, so it's character will change over time as it begins to weaken and die as all crystal elements do. The most ironic thing about crystal elements is that they often sound at their best just before they die.
Being a newer element though, my guess is that your crystal most likely has plenty of good life left in it. Providing you keep in out of extreme temperatures and don't drop it that is. So I'd tend to think that your mic cupping technique and your general harp playing techniques have improved and that's what you're hearing.
Last Edited by Kingley on May 13, 2013 10:35 AM
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DukeBerryman
50 posts
May 13, 2013
12:13 PM
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@Kingley I forgot the Retro Rocket is a crystal mic. Even though it's built like a little tank, I gotta treat it right. Would be cool if its character changes over time - looking forward to owning it for a long time.
I only use the Retro Rocket and a SM57, and I use them in much different ways, so maybe I'm just now getting the hang of the Retro Rocket and loving the sound. Found it a bit garish at first.
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Duke Berryman - Chicago blues, harmonica, guitar
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