Home studio log: Audio-Technica microphones

A more techie note on recording gear...

I'm working in my home studio with a couple of Audio-Technica mics--especially the 3060, a large-diaphragm tube condenser. I've found that to be a great vocal mic, and I have also gotten good results with acoustic guitar and assorted percussion.

However...I was having a hum problem with this mic and spent a lot of time trying to isolate the source. I concluded it wasn't the mic cable, the fridge upstairs, the lights, computer noise, or an electrical issue...and finally called Audio-Technica for advice. I was pleasantly surprised to find myself quickly on the phone with a knowledgeable person in the service department who suggested checking the screws at the base of the mic--apparently loose set screws can cause hum. Some of the screws were, in fact, a little loose. I tightened them a bit and it seemed to help, but two of the screws seemed to be partially stripped and wouldn't tighten all the way. So when I called back she suggested sending the mic for service.

And here's the second pleasant surprise: She checked out the mic and wasn't able to reproduce the hum but confirmed the problem with loose screws. So she replaced the casing and shipped it back the day after it arrived. No charge, even though the mic is out of warranty.

I thought it might be nice--for a change--to share a tale of good customer service.

Now back to the music...