Help! Problem somewhere in my gear chain

[JiB97]

While recording Phish in Chicago last week, I had problems with my right channel, again.  This happened before during Langerado (in Florida) during 2 of the sets I taped there.  Each time there would be an audible hiss only in the right channel, then that channel would go out for a second, then have periodic spikes for around the next 30-40 minutes, and would then work fine after that like nothing happened. 

My gear consists of: AKG 460 ck61/ck3 > Segue Dogstar XLRs >  Fostex FR-2LE

Here is a sample of what the hiss sounds like: http://www.mediafire.com/?jxzzyxxzdmw

The sample starts right before things start getting weird.  I can include some of the other weird sounding spikes if that will help identify the problem.

Both times this has happened it has occurred while taping outside in humidity.  Could this be an issue? 
I dunno if it is a problem with the mics or with the recorder.  I don't always use the same mics running into the same channel and I know I have switched around which caps go on which body a few times.

Any help appreciated!


here is a 24-bit copy of the full show if you'd like to listen to how I fixed the offending problems: http://bt.etree.org/details.php?id=527611

[darby]

460s have been known to have issues with humidity
I had a friend who had a pair that had 1 go
his was a gradual loss of signal
you may think about contacting Richard Land

[Brian Skalinder]

I had a problem once and only once with my old MBHO 603A/KA200 that I chalked up to humidity.  Sounded just like the noise in the sample.  (And probably similar spikes/pops you may have experienced, too.)  Never happened again, so I didn't sweat it.  But since it's a recurring problem...I think darby may offer good advice:  have 'em checked out by a qualified tech.

Curious if others will chime in, especially fellow 460 owners.

[datbrad]

460s have been known to have issues with humidity

I have owned my pair of 460s since '94, and never once heard that AKG 460s were any more prone to humidity issues than any other mic brand/model. Certainly never had any myself, and I definately have run them in enough humid and rainy settings over the last 15 years to have a good sense of their behavior, at least for my pair.

But, I did have a problem this summer taping MMW in the rain this past June. I expect a tiny drop of water got into one of the XLR cable ends, and that was all it took. Setting up while the rain is falling is harder to pull off than setting up dry before the rain hits. But even a little moisture in the air will cause issues, I have a good friend that had one of his Neumann KM84i do the same thing on Jamcruise this year. I know someone else that had the same thing happen several years ago at Bonnaroo with one of his mics due to moisture.

From my experiences, moisture issues, either strong humidity or actual rain, can impact the connections between the mics and the capsules if you change them in the open in such an environment. But, mostly the issues seem to center on the mic cables. Balanced lines with phantom power on them are very sensitive to moisture on the pins. Even the slightest layer of moisture on the contacts will disturb the integrity of the connections, and the resulting shorting will present itself as hiss and big gain swings.

[J.Maye]

Have you tried switching the mics or the cabels to try to isolate the problem? Thats the first thing I would do before sending gear in to be inspected.

[darby]

Brad brought up a good point about setting up in the rain
that's one reason why I never tear down after it starts raining
just cover everything and keep an eye on the umbrella

now about the 460s...
I had 2 friends that had an issue with 1 out of their pairs
and have also heard stories about 460s
I have not yet had an issue with mine, which I picked up used this spring
but I did need service eventually on my 451s, which I purchased new in 1990

I don't know how old yours are, but a check up may be in order
Richard did good work and had fast turn around when I needed him

[JiB97]

Have you tried switching the mics or the cabels to try to isolate the problem? Thats the first thing I would do before sending gear in to be inspected.

Ya, but I have never been able to duplicate the problem during testing.

Just wanted to make sure it wasn't my FR-2LE before I sent in the mics for a test.

[greenone]

Like Brian, I also heard something like that with my mics after taping during a VERY humid day. Only happened that one time, so I doubt it's isolated to the 460's. Humidity definitely sounds like the culprit here.

[easy jim]

I had similar spikes or pops, and occasional fizzling noises, happen once at Wakarusa fest. with my 452eb w/ ck1 caps - also during hot, humid conditions.  I'd figure humidity affecting the caps or body is the likely culprit.

[notsofast]

I do not have the AKG's but had a similar problem with my Peluso's, did all the normal trouble shooting others mentioned and basicaly it turned out to be the mic. Sent it off, got it fixed all is good and have not had an issue since. 

Get it fixed, humidity may just be the catalyst for the problem.

Tim

[bluesbaz]

For humid days, you may want to find an RF biased mic they are impervious to the weather.