Cleaning capsules

[velvetcrush]

How would one go about safely cleaning the capsule on a large diaphragm?

 

[crazydoc]

http://recforums.prosoundweb.com/index.php/m/218267/0/?srch=clean+capsule#msg_218267

http://www.josephson.com/clean.txt

Bottom line: don't clean it unless it needs it (and this is open to debate), and don't try it unless you are prepared to ruin it and replace it.

 

[Marik]

Bottom line: don't clean it unless it needs it (and this is open to debate), and don't try it unless you are prepared to ruin it and replace it.

In other words, cleaning should be the very last resort... even then it is a much better idea to leave it for professionals.

 

[velvetcrush]

Thanks. My B1 has a dirty capsule. I bought it used, opened it up, and noticed there was a thin layer of dust covering the capsule, and a bit of oxidization from just breath and spit.

 

[tnjazz]

If it's not causing any sound defects (shorting out, losing gain, etc) you should leave it alone. You will undoubtedly do more harm than good, because even the professionals will remove some of the gold while cleaning (it can't really be avoided).