6
AIR TURBULENCE
Never expose the microphone to strong air turbulence. Ribbon
microphones can withstand very high SPL (Sound Pressure Level),
but can be damaged by a strong gust of air or high levels of very
low frequency sound waves (from a kick drum or bass cabinet). This
can stretch the ribbon, reducing overall output, especially at high
frequencies. Sources that may produce strong blast of air,such as
the bass port on an electric guitar or bass amp, an instrument being
plugged (or unplugged) while the amp level is turned fully up, or
an on-axis kick-drum hole arepotentially damaging.
To avoid possible damage, follow "The Hand Test": put the back of
your hand where the mic will be; if you can feel the motion of air on
your hand, place a pop-filter between the microphone and the
source or simply pull the mic further back. When recording kick
drums or bass guitar cabinets, angle the microphone tomake sure
that no wind blasts hit the microphone directly on-axis.
Never blow directly into any microphone to test it. Not only can
this force moisture and dirt into the microphone, but strong air
movement can stretch the ribbon degrade the microphone’s
performance. The N22 has specially engineered multilayer
protection to provide superior plosives protection, but take care
to avoid high-wind outdoor environments.
If you plan to use your N22 in an outdoor or high-wind
environment, we recommend using the AEA NUVO windscreen.
Designed specifically to the contours of both the N22 and the N8,
the NUVO windscreen provides excellent protection from wind
blasts, breath noise reduction on close-up vocals, and extra
protection when using your NUVOs outdoors. To order the NUVO
windscreen and/or other accessories, please visit our online store:
https://www.aearibbonmics.com/type/accessories/
