Is it possible for a microphone to experience too loud a noise that it "breaks?" ...Like how our ears work? Or will microphones be able to collect sound in as well as it did when it was purchased, say, five years ago?

Anyone?

Recently I read something on this issue on cerativecow.net. Here it is:

" ... all mics have a maximum SPL rating... Beyond this level can damage a microphone diaphragm, particularly condensors, electrets, and most definitely ribbon mics. Dynamic mics can handle much higher SPLs.

But, you will clip the circuitry of the mic well before you exceed the SLP rating in many cases... So, in these cases, use a pad, which most pro mics have. If it doesn't have one, many preamps and consoles have pads to cut the incomming signal. You might also consider simply putting a limiter with an infinite ratio and threshhold around -1 db between your mic and your recording device, to keep the spikes from clipping. There is no room for forgiveness in the digital domain, so it's not hard to do.

But again as far as damage to the mic. If anything could exceed the SLP rating of a mic, a gun shot definitely will do it, if you are close enough. So, check the specs. for your mic, and use an SPL meter next time you are in the field."

written by Jake Tolbert
PFS Multimedia
Audio Professionals Forum Leader

Thats great info; thanks a lot!