How to Lengthen Recording Equipment Life

When you own a piece of professional recording equipment, you’ll want to lengthen its lifespan as long as possible. This involves performing regular preventative maintenance. It sounds impossible, but your equipment is more vulnerable to damage when you’re not using it. Just a few minutes of attention per week will ensure that your recording equipment functions properly, without dust and grime building up in the sensitive electronic parts. Here are our best tips for audio equipment maintenance in Seattle, WA:

  • Clean the fans: Grab a can of compressed air and blow it through your fan inlets. Make sure you hold the can upright—if you fail to do so, it will spray a freezing liquid that can damage the audio equipment. Spraying compressed air will remove dirt and dust that have built up in the fan area, which clogs up the system when left unaddressed. Get as much of the buildup out of the fan inlet as possible.
  • Wipe down the electronic contacts: If the electronic contacts are dirty or dusty, the parts won’t be able to form a connection. Get a bottle of electronic contact cleaner, and wipe down any metal plates, plugs and other contacts. Then use a fader lube to lubricate any moving parts (like the faders on a mixing board), which will reduce scratchy sounds when you’re adjusting the controls.
  • Check any speakers to ensure they’re secure: If your workplace uses hanging speakers, make sure they’re secure. Inspect any cables, bolts or chains used to mount the speakers, then test each speaker to make sure the sound is clear. If the speakers are fuzzy or distorted, check the cable and wire connections. Clean them with contact cleaner, if necessary.
  • Clean and test all of your cables: Invest in a cable tester so you can check all of your cables. If any are non-functional, throw them away and use new ones. Clean the plugs and connectors with contact cleaner.
  • Wash the microphone grills: Your microphone’s internal components can get pretty gross. Unscrew your microphone grills, then wash with warm soapy water. If necessary, you might want to use a soft brush (like a toothbrush) to remove built-up dirt and grime.
  • Store equipment properly: Finally, make sure you store your equipment properly. Electronic equipment needs to be kept away from moisture and humidity most of all, but extreme temperatures won’t do it any favors, either. Store cables neatly and put all portable equipment in a carrying case. Always keep your equipment indoors, in a climate-controlled area whenever possible.

Following these tips will ensure your audio equipment records flawlessly and produces clear sound. Make a commitment to cleaning regularly, and storing your audio equipment properly every time, and you’ll be impressed at how long it will last.

To find your perfect professional audio equipment, or to learn more about audio equipment maintenance in Seattle, WA, get in touch with the team at Efficiency, Inc. We have years of experience providing audio recorders to professionals in Washington, and look forward to assisting you soon.

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