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For mics with removable grilles, we use a few low-tech tools that go a long way to helping them look like new. The good news is that most grilles can be worked back into shape. More significant dents can be detrimental to performance, either interfering with optimum airflow and/or touching the mic element, which can lead to increased handling noise, not to mention damage to the element and diaphragm.Ī few basic tools can be employed to remove dents from grilles. Obvious damage of this type also reflects poorly on the audio provider. Minor dents in grilles may not affect performance, but they look bad, especially if the performer is on camera. Use compressed air to blow away any clogged grime, and then set grilles on a towel to dry. Alternately, a cleaning solution comprised of a 50/50 mixture of distilled water and Isopropyl alcohol can be used. Scrub grilles with mouthwash, using a toothbrush. We acquire new foam from mic manufacturers and more generic types from online sources. If the foam is damaged, discard and replace it. (Needle nose pliers come in handy for gently tugging out the internal foam.) If the foam is in good shape, clean it by submerging it in a tub of soapy water, wringing it out and letting it air dry on a towel before reinstalling.
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Begin by removing the grille as well as any internal grille foam. We usually start with the cleaning process. Once that’s done, we’ve got a collection of mics that need cleaning, repair or both.
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After going through this process with the same model, choose another model type and start the process again, until every mic in the inventory has been addressed. Separate out dented or obviously broken units as well. Getting rid of dirt is an easy fix – set aside all dirty units for a comprehensive cleaning session. The most common problems we find are dirty units and dented grilles. Then every mic is plugged into the bench PA to see if they’re working correctly. A cotton swab comes in handy for making sure the contact cleaner gets on all pin surfaces and any excess is wiped away. Our choice is DeoxIT D5 but any good contact cleaner can be used, just make sure to read the directions and heed all warnings.
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We use an oil free compressor designed for an airbrush to blow away dust and grit in the connector, but a small “duster” can of compressed air also works well.Īfter cleaning, apply an electrical contact cleaner to the pins. Next, focus on the connector and inspect the pins. Look over each one to spot any obvious damage and then shake to see if anything is loose. Select a particular mic model and then gather up all of the same models in the inventory and place them on the workbench. January is usually a slow month, so that’s when we schedule a lot of maintenance, with another session dedicated to it after the summer season slows down.Ĭleaning should be done not only from a hygiene standpoint, but also to get rid of dirt and grime that can affect a mic’s response. Many of us tend to take mics for granted because they usually work every time we pull them out at a show, but a bit of extra attention from time to time helps ensure they keep working properly and optimally.Īt my company, we clean and check our working inventory of mics, including wireless systems, at least twice a year. Like every other item in the system chain, microphones belong on your PM (Preventive Maintenance) schedule in addition to regular cleaning and repair as needed. A little preventive maintenance can make sure they do. By Craig Leerman Many of us tend to take mics for granted since they usually work when we need them to.