Topic: Taping in the cold (freezing)

[bryonsos]

So I'm taping an outdoor event this weekend, and the forecast is calling for freezing temps after dark and possible snow flurries. Not too worried about the snow, it's just frozen rain. I am wondering what's the best behavior for mic performance. Specifically, once I power up the pre and the mic caps warm up, should I leave it powered up for the day, or at least once the temp drops? I'm thinking there could be some unwanted condensation if I power down between sets. TIA!

[page]

I'd leave it running if at all possible, but I'll defer to the people who taped at sno.down.

[Gil]

If it's moe., I wouldn't bother. I'll send you a nice show from '98 instead

[stevetoney]

Keep your balls warm...and avoid excessive condensation.  Scratching is acceptable.

[bryonsos]

If it's moe., I wouldn't bother. I'll send you a nice show from '98 instead

Not moe. Even though I'm still a fan, I wouldn't bother. It's a bunch of bands, mostly local/regional playing a good friend's 40th bday bash. She really wants a record of it, so I gotta roll.

Keep your balls warm...and avoid excessive condensation.  Scratching is acceptable.

Balls warm - check. Picked up a new pair of long johns 

[aaronji]

Batteries tend to run down a bit faster in the cold, so bring some spares. 

[bryonsos]

I'd leave it running if at all possible, but I'll defer to the people who taped at sno.down.

I think that's the way to go too.

Batteries tend to run down a bit faster in the cold, so bring some spares. 

Good point, I'll bring 'em all.

[DigiGal]

Air activated hand warmers are useful for keeping gear warm in extreme cold.

[page]

Air activated hand warmers are useful for keeping gear warm in extreme cold.

I almost suggested that. My concern is then when they quit, you either need another one, or else you're going to experience a massive temperature swing. I guess in some ways those in cold climates get that now (home > trip to venue in January > warm venue > trip home > home).

[DigiGal]

Air activated hand warmers are useful for keeping gear warm in extreme cold.

I almost suggested that. My concern is then when they quit, you either need another one, or else you're going to experience a massive temperature swing. I guess in some ways those in cold climates get that now (home > trip to venue in January > warm venue > trip home > home).

They're not expensive and last hours but take plenty to be sure you'll have enough for the event. 

My big Portabrace CAR-2K (the K is for Kodiak) is insulated and mylar lined with several holders built in for these warmers to keep the contents warm.

[bryonsos]

Update - I left the pre on and everything sounds good. I didn't see a big difference in battery performance with the lithium DVD batteries, but the Eneloop alkalines really suffered in my M10. Only got ~10-15% of the typical life out of them once the sun went down and the temp fell dramatically. I brought plenty, so everything got taped 

[F.O.Bean]

10-15% HOLY SHEEP SHIT that's crazy

[LikeASong]

Yeah, in my experience 1'5V batteries' performance is drastically worse when temperature goes below 5ºC/40F... I wouldn't be able to put a figure on it (10%, 20%, don't know for sure) but I do know that I could record about 10 hours or even more (never actually ran the risk to run out of bat., always changed them before) with my Zoom Q3HD in normal conditions, and only 1-2 hours when it was that cold.

[bryonsos]

10-15% is a rough estimate, but in the ballpark. I try not to run any battery dead in the field, but the Eneloops are good for at least 20hrs before they get down to 1 bar on the M10. Once it was dark (freezing) I swapped out batteries for the next set, and even warmed them up in my hands before I put them in. After a 2 hour set the indicator was blinking. I went to snag a setlist, and by the time I got back, the M10 had shut down. I haven't reconditioned the batteries in awhile, but that performance drop was certainly due to the temp. I may have to get some of those warmers for the bag if I try this again.

[LikeASong]

This is official data by Energizer from their E91 (1.5V, 150-300 miliOhm) batteries:





So it seems that temperature does indeed have a powerful effect over battery life.

[NOLAfishwater]

leave gear bring whisky 

[bryonsos]

leave gear bring whisky 

This event was steeped in moonshine 

[scb]

Batteries tend to run down a bit faster in the cold, so bring some spares.

this.  your batteries will suck if it's that cold