Dented Balls!

  • Thread starter Thread starter brother rat
  • Start date Start date
brother rat

brother rat

All mics sound the same.
I recently acquired a Shure Brothers Unisphere I PE-56D. It works well and I like it. But the ball is pretty hammered out of shape. Anyone have any techniques for getting it back into proper shape? I know I can purchase a replacement mic ball, but I would like to keep the original if possible.

Also, does anyone know anything about this Unisphere PE series? I know that they were designed for stage use, about mid 70's vintage. Any other info?

Thanks.
 
What I have done in the past with 58s is to unscrew the ball off and use the handle side of a drum stick to push it back into shape from the inside - you may find something similar to a drum stick to accomplish your task.

The bad thing to be looking out for is a deteriorated foam insert in which case I would then just put a replacement ball on your microphone.

BTW brother Rat I really got a kick out of the title of your post! :laughings:
 
For us non-drummer types, you can use the wooden handle on the old style brooms. Build it up with duct tape if you want a better fit. Whatever you use you want it to be softer than the metal it's pushing on. Wood is good for that type of thing. Mmmm... dented balls and wood...

Of course if it's not the first time, you might have a bit of coat hanger fatigue. Every time that you bend metal you weaken it a bit. Until it no longer takes kindly to being manipulated.
 
Would it be an universal thread on those two?

I think you can use a 58 ball, but it looks different and is not original, he wants to keep it original.

If you can straighten the original balls, you can pinch the foam out of a 58 ball to re-foam it.


Alan.
 
just don't sit on them and there'll be no problem.




<had to be done>
 
Thanks for all of your advice. I appreciate it. I bought a cheapie "universal" replacement for while I work on the original ball. It only threads on down to about three turns and won't go any farther. I definitely have to dig out the old deteriorated foam.
I will try using a broom handle on the original mic ball. Hopefully I can get all of my balls back into a nice rounded shape...

No one with any knowledge or experience on the PE series?
 
Your so lucky mine just itch!




Come on someone had to say it. :D
 
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