Protecting headset microphone capsules in panto

[spotblaster]

The theatre where I am involved in a technical capacity is about to open a panto with a slapstick kitchen scene.

 

Are there any recommended methods of protecting headset microphones in such likely to be damp situations?

 

Banning the use in that scene seems favourite at the moment!

 

Thank you for your help.

 

Spotblaster

 

(AKA David Ashton)

[Lamplighter]

I have had very good results from fitting a silk screen coated with a PTFE spray.

The silk came from an old tie and was given 3 fairly heavy applications. When dry it was cut to size

and glued over the capsule face to replace the existing cloth screen. This was then sealed in place with

brown heat-shrink, just leaving the front exposed. This stood up to a week of the Wedding Singer where

act 1 finale is Holly having a bucket of water poured over her from on high. I won't mention the ice on the last night

It also worked for a typical Panto "slosh " scene. In all cases a shake of the head cleared any temporary blocking of audio.

There was no measurable loss of performance due to fitting the screen, the before and after plots were within 1 dB. I should add that previously

I had the same level of protection using clingfilm. but the audio performance was very variable, depending on how tight the film was after applying

the heat-shrink.

Brian

[timsabre]

I have had some success putting the little foam windshields on for that scene. Take off at end of scene, rinse and dry for next time.

 

If they get really gunged the audio will get muffled.

 

Don't forget to protect the packs too.

[spotblaster]

Many Thanks for the advice.

 

We will try fitting the foam windshields first I think and see how we go.

 

Best Regards

 

 

Spotblaster

[Dave m]

Condoms for the body packs. Cling film might do

[timsabre]

We just wrapped the packs in a plastic bag with the wires coming out of the bottom. We tried condoms but couldn't get them on the packs without ripping them...

[Dave m]

I know the feeling

[ImagineerTom]

It’s common in slop / gunge scenes to have specific separate mic & pack to be used during that scene as ultimately no matter what protections you use there will be damage across a run so it’s better you ruin an already dodgy headset than an expensive new one. I’ve even see a few panto use £100 maplin radio mic systems just during the slop scene because that works out cheaper to discard than a premium headset full of water and a senheiser pack that has been trodden on 2dozen times.