Can you Damage a Mic by Blowing Into it?

Can you Damage a Mic by Blowing Into it?

Most of the time, blowing into your microphone won’t harm it, but in rare instances, it might harm the loudspeaker. Can you damage a mic by blowing into it?  So, blowing into your microphone can cause it to break, mainly if it is a ribbon microphone. If you’ve ever used a ribbon microphone, you must know how delicate these microphones are. Never blow into a ribbon microphone when testing it because this could cause the delicate ribbon to stretch over time. You could blow into the mic to see if it’s working when you’re on stage and unsure of whether the mic is working. After all, it will be extremely awkward if you begin speaking only to discover that the microphone is not turned on.

HOW DOES BREAKING A MICROPHONE WORK?

Microphones can detect every air motion. You are giving the microphone a 100% air motion that does not wave components when you blow into it. The air being blown is similar to chaotic noise. Because they are sensitive devices, microphones cannot ignore any air movement. You notice that a microphone still makes a loud sound even when you gently blow into it. The loud noise could harm the audience’s hearing, and the speaker’s loud noise could harm the audience’s hearing and the speaker’s. What happens when you continue blowing into your microphone, aside from that unexpectedly loud sound, is as follows:

1) It Degrades the Diaphragm of the Mic.

Although the diaphragm may seem to have nothing to do with converting audio signals to digital data, diaphragms have much to do with the sound a mic produces. It acts as a transducer, determining the mic’s frequency and polar responsiveness. When using a microphone to sing or address a group of people, you interact directly with the diaphragm. When you blow into a mic, you practically storm a stream of air into the thin and lightweight diaphragm in every working microphone. Keep in mind that diaphragms are delicately mounted to ensure that they can convert vibrations into electrical impulses. They must keep moving back and forth because this makes the mics act as transducers.

2) It Rips Off the Ribbon

This applies to ribbon microphones. Blowing into your ribbon mic will stretch the ribbon, which acts as the diaphragm in these mics. When the ribbon is stretched, you may wait to realize it since the mic may continue to function well for some time. Besides, ribbon mics have skinny and fragile ribbons, making them vulnerable to gusts of air. When the ribbon stretches, it is permanently destroyed.

3) It Will Lead to Corrosion

The air you blow to the mic contains moisture, which is a lethal issue with many microphones. Humidity leads to wearing out, especially in active mics, and they will break with time. With moisture, the metallic parts of your mic will condense. The mic becomes worse when this condensation is combined with dust, clogging the mic’s genuine parts.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Can you damage a mic by blowing into it? If you believe blowing into a microphone is a practical test, be aware that it is also a great way to harm your microphone. Blowing into a microphone can cause damage and is an unprofessional way to check if it is life. Therefore, the best way to determine whether a microphone is working or not is to say “hello,” “testing,” or “1,2,3.” Compared to blowing, they are safer options.

Related Article:

Should AMP Be More Powerful than Speakers?

5 Best Mxl Mic For Vocals

Best Mic for Untreated Room

5 Best Busking Microphone

Do I Need a Mic Preamp if I Have a Mixer?