Does it matter when replacing foam?

[Tomm Williams]

I am a big fan of the EV 308/408/468 style mics. A few of my 308's have rotting/dirty foam around the capsule. Does it really matter if I place new foam around the capsule or simply place foam inside the grill instead ? Reason I'm asking is that it looks like a standard ball screen shortened about an inch would fit perfectly inside the grill.

 

[JG96]

Foam is foam. As long as its fixed around the capsule some how it will cut down on wind/breath.

 

[cafehonda]

Not all foam is created the same. You want open cell foam.

 

[Farview]

If you get a windscreen type foam, it will work fine. But packing foam and other closed cell foam will mess up the sound.

 

[darscuzlo]

I got myself a replacement foam screen for ShopVac vacuum for around $5. It's that same coarse type foam I've seen in a lot of mics (rather than the tighter celled external wind screen foam)

Shop-Vac Micro Foam Sleeve (9052500) - Wet / Dry Vacuum Accessories - Ace Hardware

 

[cafehonda]

If those are used for instruments in a studio setting leave the foam out. Mark the mic as "no vox".

 

[John Willett]

Foam is foam. As long as its fixed around the capsule some how it will cut down on wind/breath.

Not really true, I'm afraid.

The foam is part of the design of the mic. and part of the damping of the capsule.

I would only replace the foam with the correct type from the manufacturer.

The foam has to be the open-cell variety and different foams will attenuate differently, so keep to the correct type is the only way to do it IMHO.