INDESTRUCTIBLE CONDENSER MICS

calaverasgrandes · Post by **calaverasgrandes** » Sat Mar 07, 2009 8:21 pm

So I have been working on this weird thing. Basically micing fire. What kind of mic would you guys use in an intense environment. Like right up in a fireball. Or inside an engine compartment. I am looking for something that is both durable and can handle high SPL.
Super fielity isnt necessary. But I would like some nice snap and good sub lows.

Snarl 12/8 · Post by **Snarl 12/8** » Sat Mar 07, 2009 8:36 pm

PZM? Seriously, I have no idea, but that thought just occurred to me.

I stuck a PZM under my van once to record the V8, I guess that's why I thought of it. The Rad Shack ones were cheapish and I believe it said something about due to the design it being unblowable by high SPL. It's kindof encased in steel.

Scodiddly · Post by **Scodiddly** » Sat Mar 07, 2009 8:56 pm

Something DIY with easy-to-replace cheap capsules?

calaverasgrandes · Post by **calaverasgrandes** » Sat Mar 07, 2009 9:46 pm

I might have to go that route. I would like to capture the best detail possible. But my last couple of attempts resulted in destroyed mics. I was using some cheap AT dynamics. Sounded fantastic for about 10 minutes, then the diaphragm evaporated!
I wonder about some kind of way to ameliorate the affects of heat.

Snarl 12/8 · Post by **Snarl 12/8** » Sat Mar 07, 2009 11:04 pm

calaverasgrandes wrote:I wonder about some kind of way to ameliorate the affects of heat.

Liquid cooled diaghrams?

(That's what she said.)

http://www.category5.tv/content/view/153/29/

0-it-hz · Post by **0-it-hz** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 1:16 am

Crown pcc-160

calaverasgrandes · Post by **calaverasgrandes** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 1:45 am

0-it-hz wrote:Crown pcc-160

120db spl? I can yell louder than that!

I think I might look at some of the other crowns though.

linus · Post by **linus** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 6:13 am

I think a shotgun mic from a safe distance is your ticket.

Nick Sevilla · Post by **Nick Sevilla** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 8:13 am

linus wrote:I think a shotgun mic from a safe distance is your ticket.

+1

calaverasgrandes · Post by **calaverasgrandes** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 10:57 am

that wont work, tried it with a k3u/me80

snoopy23 · Post by **snoopy23** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 12:25 pm

I would try to find a really hot mic. get it? Hot? oh, never mind...

My first thought was a shotgun mic from a safe distance. Of course you tried that. I like the piezo mic idea as well. Although the sound of a cheap dynamic mic frying could have interesting results as well... maybe wrap the body and cord in a few layers of tin foil to maybe increase the tolerance and increase the length of recording you actually get before the whole thing melts.

Scodiddly · Post by **Scodiddly** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 1:06 pm

How about surrounding the mic with a couple widely-spaced layers of metal mesh? That should block a fair amount of radiant heat and probably stop flames. Of course the thing will heat up itself, but would likely give you more recording time before the mic dies.

I think this would be an ideal situation for the old TapeOp omni project. You can put a $3-4 capsule on the end of a long piece of wire, pretty cheap and easy DIY project.

calaverasgrandes · Post by **calaverasgrandes** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 1:09 pm

It's starting to look like that might be the way to go. Some kind of spark arrestor arrangement? from what I can tell the flame itself isnt getting thru, its just the heat.
Either that or make a condenser from scratch using something that doesnt melt the way mylar does. Metalized Nomex? Metalized asbestos?

Snarl 12/8 · Post by **Snarl 12/8** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 2:54 pm

What about something like the ubertar ribbon mic, but with aluminum foil for the ribbon and something metal (or carbon fiber? Porcelain?) for the popsicle sticks. You could go separated bare wire for the leads and keep the electronics back a few feet. You might get cool inducted sounds in the wires from the flames.

ck

0-it-hz · Post by **0-it-hz** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 7:13 pm

OK... fine.

EV 666. If you manage to overload that mic I will give you my liver... just try it, regardless of the specs. They've been used to mic artillery in WWII.

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INDESTRUCTIBLE CONDENSER MICS

INDESTRUCTIBLE CONDENSER MICS

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