Maintaining sanitary standards is obviously important when using audio equipment. Outboard hardware is touched regularly by potentially unwashed hands, instruments are clutched next to perspiring artists amidst the throes of red light fever, and microphones face a bombardment of human produced weather.
This maintenance is especially important in commercial recording facilities but ultimately in any situation where more than one person uses the equipment. Not only to eradicate germs and microbes that can build up on the devices, but to prolong their life and provide a professional, pleasant environment for the user.
Below we’ve provided some simple guidance on cleaning audio equipment.
Cleaning Products
Bleach can be corrosive to metal and electrical components; try to avoid using cleaning sprays or cloths that contain Chlorine bleach (NaOCl). Instead opt for those that are alcohol-based with a percentage above 70%. The two most common alcohol types used for cleaning are Isopropyl (IPA) and Ethanol (ETOH). Isopropyl is the preferred choice for electrical components as it dries rapidly and leaves no residue, though both have the same disinfectant properties. Be sure to use a lint-free cloth to remove the risk of static damage and to ensure nothing is left behind from the cleaning.
Dynamic / Handheld Microphones
The workhorse mic of the music industry, dynamic microphones such as the Shure SM58 are used commonly within live performance and studio recording. Their regular and zealous usage can make them particular hotspots for germs and grime. Luckily they’re pretty straightforward to clean:
1. Unscrew the metal cap;*
2. Using a spudger or screwdriver carefully remove the foam from behind the metal shield;
3. Replace the foam or clean with soap;
4. Spray or wipe the shield with an alcohol-based cleaning product.
5. Once all parts are completely dry, reassemble.
*be careful to avoid pulling the capsule out of the body too far; the rubber seals can be tricky to put back into place
Condenser Microphones
Condenser mics require a little more care when cleaning. Although it is possible to remove the metal grill from your expensive large diaphragm, it’s not advised, as ‘tampering’ with the internal components will almost definitely void the warranty and may dissuade official microphone service technicians from performing maintenance or repairs in the future. Instead, you can very carefully wipe the grill with a lint-free cloth or cotton bud sparingly moistened with Isopropyl, or with an alcohol wipe,
There are condenser microphones that do allow easy disassembly of the grill, such as the Aston Origin. This mic’s capsule protection can be dismantled with the removal of just two screws, after which each part of the metal grill can be cleaned with a lint-free cloth sparingly moistened with Isopropyl. Great care should be taken to only clean the grill parts (not the capsule!) and to ensure that everything is completely dry before reassembling.
Pop & Wind Shields
These protect your microphones from more than plosives; they are the first line of defence in protecting the mic capsule from the elements. This means they get dirty, and need to be cleaned regularly. A standard studio pop shield is made of plastic and nylon; as such it can be easily cleaned with soapy water in the kitchen sink to remove built up dirt and odour. Spray or wipe the shield with an alcohol-based sanitiser between uses to further protect against germs.
Windshields used on location when recording dialog and foley are often made of acrylic based artificial fur. These are water resistant, but often don’t do well with heat, so washing with cold soapy water is usually the best way to clean.