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Dear Mr. Bloodsweatfire,
First of all I would like to express to you a deeply genuine sense of regret that on occasions you have asked simple questions on the PSW site, only to be barbecued so badly that you actually prefer not to post there at all. I do not believe the moderators or the majority of users there would wish this to happen at all and would regret this as much as I do.
Although this problem is clearly not unique to PSW, I agree, it is a genuine problem that needs to be addressed, (some are trying to) and I sincerely hope that the contributors, moderators and administrators of that site, personally read this thread. I hope we can all learn an important lesson from it and that soon you will feel comfortable to post there if you have a question.
Please accept my sincere personal apology for the fact that this has occurred, and I hope I can see you there sometime. It’s a really great site, and hopefully, it can improve further if we all learn important lessons.
I read yesterday a report on a 'brainstorming session' within a local company held to resolve a long standing and hugely expensive problem that a large number of highly qualified experts had not been able to resolve.
Because this particular company have a policy of creating a non judgemental atmosphere, allowing everyone to express their views and still be treated with proper respect (however crazy their ideas might seem, this is why it’s called ‘brainstorming' a problem). Eventually, the least qualified person present mentioned a seemingly insignificant irregularity that he had observed. This actually proved to be the key that solved the entire problem altogether. Had they allowed the little guy a proper voice at an earlier stage, they could have saved a great many millions of pounds they have already wasted of shareholders money. As it is, letting the ‘ordinary Joe’ have his say, will save them many millions this year alone.
So much for all the expert consultants! I fully respect their experience, qualifications and expertise, but sometimes because of their necessarily narrow view, they often cannot provide the actual solution to a particularly vexing wider problem. Their seemingly intellectual prowess (which is not always authentic) can also be deeply intimidating. In my home City, we have recently funded a chair of professorship sat on by one of the U.K. most prominant scientist's. His brief is to make difficult and complex scientific subjects, more readily understandble to the broader population. Many world leading authorities on a wide variety of subjects are taking an important lead from this. As am I. Truly great experts can normally make very difficult and complex subjects, reasonably understandable.
On PSW. Mr Heynes site is clearly uniquely moderated and produces fantastically information rich threads as a result. It is very special indeed and that is made clear before posting. I would rigorously defend this indeed, and Mr. Heynes, for whom personally, I have the very highest regard.
Mr.Gerst however, would be able to answer any question on microphones would you have. He is always very modest about himself, but is actually very knowledgeable indeed, extremely experienced, quite a genius, and a really great guy to boot!
To come to your question I believe certain types of mic (back electrets in particular) can lose charge overtime and thus may have a more limited lifespan of use. I think the actual level of SPL’s mics are subjected to can make a significant difference to the ‘loosening effect’ on the capsule as can incidence's of impact and heavy vibration. The humidity and condensation they are subjected to. The vocal moisture they can sometimes be subjected to, and the overall care taken with them, including their storage can all affect their quality and sound with time.
I sure a great many others with far more expertise than I, will be able to tell you very much more indeed. Perhaps even Mr. Heynes, Mr. Gerst or one of the many other experts might get to read this, and pop in to talk. It would be really great.
Anyway, I hope you get all the answers you are seeking.
It’s what forums are really for!
Best Wishes Peter
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