Topic: Crackling in recording CA14 cardioids

[Chuck]

I would be more than happy to take a look at the mics for you.

 

There you go.

[Ekib]

You know what , I think it sounds like airco . I've had it on several gigs too , indoors , where you don't use windshields. Now if I feel airco blowing I move up a little bit . Because that is exactly how airco sounds on a recording .

I am attaching a piece of a recording I did . It has the same crackle as your clip . There was nothing wrong with my mic , it really was the airco blowing into the mic with no windshields.

[anr]

Applying a 60Hz hum filter fixes it. 

[Thierry]

Applying a 60Hz hum filter fixes it.

Unfortunately it didn't fix it. I've bought a new pair of CA14 omni's and I'll ship the broken cardioids to Chris to let him fix it .

[Thierry]

You know what , I think it sounds like airco . I've had it on several gigs too , indoors , where you don't use windshields. Now if I feel airco blowing I move up a little bit . Because that is exactly how airco sounds on a recording .

I am attaching a piece of a recording I did . It has the same crackle as your clip . There was nothing wrong with my mic , it really was the airco blowing into the mic with no windshields.

There are windscreens on the CA14 cards, it surely can't be the airco.

[anr]

Applying a 60Hz hum filter fixes it.

Unfortunately it didn't fix it. I've bought a new pair of CA14 omni's and I'll ship the broken cardioids to Chris to let him fix it .

It fixes the file you posted, but of course doesn't address the root problem.  I used Waves X-Hum, 60Hz with the steep roll off. 

[adrianf74]

There are windscreens on the CA14 cards, it surely can't be the airco.

I would disagree.  Even though they have "built in" windscreens, if you're right under/close to the vent, you can get that "sound" in your recording.   If you haven't shipped off the mics for repair yet, try doing a recording in an empty room (with no air conditioning) and see what you get.  If that phenomenon exists again, it's the mics.  If it doesn't, it was something in the venue (and likely air conditioning).

[it-goes-to-eleven]

It's good to do a wiggle test once in a while. Assemble the rig and listen to the headphone out while wiggling all the connections, cables, etc. Though reviewing the waveform is often a better test than trying to hear stuff that can be subtle.

[pontiacb]

There are windscreens on the CA14 cards, it surely can't be the airco.

I would disagree.  Even though they have "built in" windscreens, if you're right under/close to the vent, you can get that "sound" in your recording.   If you haven't shipped off the mics for repair yet, try doing a recording in an empty room (with no air conditioning) and see what you get.  If that phenomenon exists again, it's the mics.  If it doesn't, it was something in the venue (and likely air conditioning).

I second this view, I've been under fierce aircon with CA14s and had similar issues.  The inbuilt windscreens will stop a light draft, but not a thumping full on aircon.

[Thierry]

Guys, the issue where definately the mics. I've had the same problems for my last 3 recordings.

I've borrowed a set of CA14 cards from my friend this week, recorded Richie Sambora in Cologne with it. The sound came out great.

I only wish Chris Church would reply to my e-mail with his address so I can get my mics fixed..

[anr]

I only wish Chris Church would reply to my e-mail with his address so I can get my mics fixed..

Given the cost of shipping/insurance, turn round time etc it MAY be worthwhile just looking for 2nd hand mics from a European user in Yard Sale. 

[Thierry]

I only wish Chris Church would reply to my e-mail with his address so I can get my mics fixed..

Given the cost of shipping/insurance, turn round time etc it MAY be worthwhile just looking for 2nd hand mics from a European user in Yard Sale.

I don't mind to pay for it. I'd really like them to be repaired.

[Ekib]

I only wish Chris Church would reply to my e-mail with his address so I can get my mics fixed..

Given the cost of shipping/insurance, turn round time etc it MAY be worthwhile just looking for 2nd hand mics from a European user in Yard Sale.

I don't mind to pay for it. I'd really like them to be repaired.

Chris always answers emails , did you try his correct email ?
Otherwise sent me a PM .