A regular "cleaning" of the microphone is one of the factors that can keep the microphone stable and perform at a high level; when using the microphone, it is also conducive to the health of the user!
So how to clean the microphone? Now, let's talk about it in detail.
The following contents are all cleaned with Shure’s own microphones. The precautions and suggestions are based on the most effective information that Shure currently has. It does not mean that it will not cause any damage to the product, as some cleaning suggestions and experience sharing To everyone; if you have other microphones, it is recommended to clean them under professional guidance.
NO, first say some "don't" matters
Come on, take a look and take a look at the following "do not matter". Have you ever stepped on a minefield? You can test it yourself:
When cleaning, do not soak the product with any liquid. Minimize the presence of liquid on the microphone as much as possible.
Do not use rubbing alcohol (isopropanol) on transparent plastic parts (such as display blanks). If you do this accidentally, wipe it off with a dry cloth immediately after use.
Avoid cleaning the microphone unit itself.
It’s okay to step on thunder, the experience comes from stepping on thunder~
When cleaning, be sure to disconnect the power supply.
If the microphone has a removable battery, remove the battery before cleaning.
Allow the microphone to dry completely before reconnecting it to the power source or reinserting the battery.
The metal surface of the microphone is usually painted or powder-coated to resist alcohol and ammonia cleaners.
Frequent cleaning with chemicals and repeated contact will cause the printing and labels on Shure microphones to fade over time. Please avoid contact with printed materials or labels that contain safety tips or operating information. If you accidentally do this, remember to wipe it off with a dry cloth immediately after use.
Microphone cleaning with removable grille
01. Remove the net cover
The better way is to remove the microphone grille. Most vocal microphones only need to unscrew the grille.
If the grille is not easy to remove, gently shake it back and forth while pulling the grille out of the microphone capsule. Do not use excessive force, otherwise it may damage the pickup head or separate the grille from the microphone housing.
02, clean water / mild detergent cleaning
After the grille is removed, it can be cleaned thoroughly without damaging the microphone. Most of the annoying materials attached to the net cover come from the human body, so clean water is sufficient to clean it.
Adding a mild detergent (such as dishwashing liquid) to the water can not only act as a mild disinfectant, but also eliminate the odor absorbed by the windproof foam.
03. Use a soft toothbrush to clean
To remove lipstick and other materials stuck in the net cover, use a toothbrush with soft bristles.
In some models, the windproof foam can be removed from the net cover. This is usually not necessary, as water will not affect the net cover.
The important things to remember are:
The grille must be completely dried before reinstalling it on the microphone! Microphones don't like water. Although dynamic microphones can withstand a small amount of moisture, the wet windproof foam will have a strange sound.
Natural air drying is the best way to dry the net cover. If you use a low-heat hair dryer, it is OK, but not too close to the net cover, because too much heat will melt some windproof foam materials.
Microphone cleaning that cannot be removed
01. Dip a soft brush with clean water to scrub the net cover
For Shure microphones with a mesh cover that cannot be removed, you can use a soft toothbrush dipped in clean water and turn the microphone upside down to prevent excess water from leaking into the microphone capsule. Use gentle movements and gently scrub the mesh cover.
Turn the microphone upside down and scrub gently, which is also suitable for cleaning the foam covering the SM58 diaphragm.
02. Use diluted mouthwash to scrub upside down
In the case of multiple performances, it may be necessary to clean the microphone between each performance. The diluted mouthwash solution is a good "cleaner".
Use a toothbrush and hold the microphone upside down, use the toothbrush to gently scrub the microphone grille. Not only can it be cleaned, this treatment will make the performer’s microphone smell more pleasant~, but before cleaning, be sure to turn off the sound system!
You may ask, can condenser microphones be cleaned by the above methods? This cannot be generalized, it depends on which part of the microphone is cleaned.
The construction characteristics of condenser microphones are more sophisticated, so you must not use water or any other liquid for cleaning. Even a small amount of moisture may damage the condenser pickup unit.
Cleaning of condenser microphones
Detachable grille microphone cleaning
For those with detachable mesh cover, you can clean the mesh cover and windproof foam as described above. After it is completely dry, reinstall the grille and windproof foam to the microphone.
Non-removable grille microphone cleaning
To clean the non-removable mesh cover, use a dry soft brush and wipe gently. Turn the microphone upside down and let the scattered particles fall off the microphone.
Be careful not to let stray bristles fall into the opening gap of the net cover. This method is also suitable for cleaning lavalier microphones and mini gooseneck microphones.
Microphone cleaning in harsh conditions
In harsh conditions, such as vocal pickup and theater theaters, it is recommended to use a detachable external windshield to protect the microphone unit from saliva and cosmetics.
After the performance, the external windshield can be removed and rinsed with soap and water! Remember, never let the condenser pickup unit come into contact with water.
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