What's the best way to clean a metallic popper stopper & a microphone?

  • Thread starter Thread starter pennitentiary
  • Start date Start date
P

pennitentiary

New member
I wanted to know what was a really good way to clean a black metallic popper stopper and my new mics. I notice that after a lot of people record it becomes a germ zone and you can also noticeably tell that there is grime on the mic and popper stopper. I just don't want to ruin the finish or materials on the mic and popper stopper.

Please let me know. Thanks...

I assume Lysol disinfectant wipes would do the trick?
Edit/Delete Message
 
if you can take it off, definitely do so. usually just unscrews. be very careful to not disturb the insides ie:the cap. i guess some sort of disinfectant that kills germs/bacteria would be good. after, make sure the grill gets dry. real dry.

as for future use, invest in one of these.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Nady-Pop-Filter?sku=421139

its called a pop filter. you can make one out of wire and panty hose..but these adjust nicer. it filters the puffs of air from p's, and it keeps the moisture off of the mic, which keeps the mics condition well.
 
I do use a pop filter, that is the black filter I was talking about. My question was how to clean the pop filter and the mic as well because sometimes spit grime still gets on the bottom parts of the mic. The reason I ask is I do not want to ruin any of the materials on the pop filter [ie: black color], or the mic steel, metal whatever it is made of...

Like I don't know if I use something without asking you guys if it will take off the finish or stain the mic or pop filter.
 
cello_pudding said:
as for future use, invest in one of these.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Nady-Pop-Filter?sku=421139

its called a pop filter.
Click to expand...

I don't think you read his post very carefully, or maybe you're a little sleepy today... he says he uses a metal pop filter already and is asking how to clean both it and the grills of his mics. Therefore, I think he knows what a pop filter is, as he already uses one, and needs to know how to clean it (the metal variety, very common too, although not as often seen as the nylon type), and to retain the finish.

I agree with your points about removing the grill from the mic if you need to, however that's not something you want to do after every session or whatever (believe me, if you do it that often you will eventually screw something up and trash either a screw, a screw's hole, or something more valuable in your mic like the capsule that the grill is protecting). I'd recommend some kind of safe cloth-based cleaner, don't know what to recommend though as I don't clean my mics with anything other than a lint free cloth. the pop filter I don't know about either since I use nylon mostly, but I'd say for that you could use an alcohol based cleaner, but the instructions for it (or for a more expensive metal pop filter in your local store if you want to check some packaging, hint hint) really ought to tell you how to clean it. I tend to agree that probably there's paint of some type on the filter and it may deteriorate with repeated alcoholic cleaning treatments, but it's possible that it's well enough made to resist that problem.

Just some thoughts anyway...

Don
 
Thank you for your time Don. Anyone else have more info?
 
I cleaned a dynamic vocal mic a few weeks ago. I screwed the ball off, and ran it under water until the foam inside came apart from the ball. then cleaned each separately (with soap and water) and let try. whatever you do, don't use alcohol because that is what will eat away the color in the foam.
 
unfortunately the concept is going to rather different (and more difficult) with most condensor mics, assuming that's what he's using (probably is since he's using a pop filter).

that's ONE way to clean a dynamic's grill though...

Don
 
Soap & water for the pop filter... and for the grill detached from the microphone of course.
 
ah...i though he was referring to a black metal grill on the mic.

they make metal pop filters?...seems misleading to call thin fabric metallic.

but wow...if someone still gets it dirty with a pop filter in front...that's some major spitting.
 
The_More_You_Know2.jpg
 
For the pop filter what you would use to clean it would depend on whether it was a metal or fabric filter but in general I would soak it in a mild gentle soap and water combo, like maybe some Simple Green. For the Grille of the condenser absolutely take it off and then do the same. for the body of the condenser what I would do is to take some of the mild soap and water combination on a rag and wipe it off. The finish on a mic depends on the mic. It might be anodized aluminum, it might be electroplated, or it might be paint. Either way a gentle soap and water combo whould do no harm. I see no reason to use anything harsher than Simple Green.
 
I made one out of a piece of grillcloth. The mesh allows sound but is fine enough to stop slobber from getting to the mic. Also cleans up easily


chazba
 
For my pop filter, ever so often, especially when certain people come by to record, i just wash it with water and disinfectant hand soap. Works fine, doesn't change color, easy to do.

For my actual mics, i'm not so concerned. I usually just use a dry cloth or something. It doesn't do anything, it's more of a habbit from dynamics before passing it to someone else from freestyle sessions. But yeah, i think some disinectant whipes would work fine, just make sure they don't have anything like aloe or any mostirizing stuff in them (like the ones people use for their hands, etc). It shouldn't discolor anything and should be easy. Taking off the grill will be better but for me, i never thought of it as much of an issue, i just make sure to clean my pop filter regularly.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top