Properly Cleaning Your Microphones
You've finally invested in a high quality vocal microphone and your
voice has never sounded better. Unfortunately, the keyboard player in
your band decides he wants to use your mic during his featured rap.
You cringe as he practically eats the microphone. You can barely watch
as he encourages audience members to scream into the mic. Afterwards
he returns your mic, still operational but considerably wetter and unhygienic.
Microphones are subject to an inordinate amount of abuse, especially
in live music. Grilles and foam windscreens can become saturated with
saliva, clogged with lipstick, and will absorb the smell of cigarette
smoke prevalent in most clubs. Regular cleaning of your microphone will
not only improve its performance, but is also good hygiene. This document
provides several simple yet effective techniques for cleaning microphones.
Dynamic Microphones
The best way to clean a microphone is to remove the grille. Most vocal
microphone grilles simply unscrew, e.g., SM58, BG3.1. If the grille
doesn't slide off easily, gently rock it back and forth while pulling
it away from the cartridge. Do not pull sharply or with excessive force,
since that could damage the cartridge or separate it from the microphone
housing.
Once the grille is removed, it can be thoroughly cleaned without damaging
the mic. Since most of the offensive material on the grille comes from
the human body, plain water should be a sufficient cleanser. Adding
a mild detergent (dishwashing liquid) to the water will act as a mild
disinfectant and remove odors absorbed by the foam windscreen.
To remove lipstick and other material stuck in the grille, use a toothbrush
with soft bristles. In some models, the foam windscreen can be removed
from the grille, but this is usually not necessary since water will
not damage the grille. Most Shure microphone grilles have a nickel finish
that makes them resistant to rust, and replacing the foam windscreen
can also be difficult and time-consuming.
The most important thing to remember is: let the grille dry completely
before reattaching it to the microphone! Microphones don't like water,
and although dynamic mics can withstand small amounts of moisture, a
soggy foam windscreen will introduce more than is acceptable.
Air drying is the best way to dry the grille, but a hair drier on a
low-heat setting can be used. Care must be taken not to get too close
to the grille as excessive heat can melt some windscreen material.
Cleaning must be done more carefully for microphones that do not have
removable grilles, e.g., SM57, 545. Using a damp toothbrush, hold the
microphone upside down and very gently scrub the grille. Holding the
mic upside down will prevent excess moisture from leaking into the microphone
cartridge. This technique is also useful for cleaning the foam that
covers the diaphragm inside an SM58. Again, keep the mic upside down,
and be very gentle.
In live situations with multiple acts, it may be desirable to clean
the microphones between acts. Use a diluted solution of mouthwash (Listermint,
Scope) with water. Using a toothbrush and holding the microphones upside
down, scrub the grille of the microphone. At the very least, this technique
will make the microphones smell more pleasant to the performer. Also
make certain the sound system is turned off before the cleaning begins!
Condenser Microphones
Due to the more delicate nature of condenser microphones, never use
water or any other liquid for cleaning purposes. Even a small amount
of moisture may damage a condenser element. For microphones with removable
grilles like the Beta 87 or BG5.1, the grille and foam windscreen may
be washed as described above.
Again, the grille and windscreen must be completely dry before reattaching
it to the microphone. To clean a microphone with a permanently attached
grille like the SM81 or BG4.1, use a dry, soft bristle toothbrush and
gently scrub the grille.
Keep the microphone upside down so that loosened particles fall away
from it. Take care not to let stray bristles get caught in the grille.
This technique also works well for lavaliers and miniature gooseneck
mics.
For condenser microphones that will be subject to harsh conditions,
such as vocals and theater applications, it is advisable to use a removable
external foam windscreen. This will protect the microphone from saliva
and make-up, and can be removed and cleaned with soap and water after
the performance. Remember, never get water near a condenser element!
Supplied by Shure Incorporated, for more techniques and info, go to www.shure.com
