Cacophony Forums
Unofficial Mackie User Forums => DL1608/DL806/DL32R/ProDX Mixers => Topic started by: JohnMHoyt on April 10, 2020, 02:28:53 PM
-
With sound techs/engineers/companies, churches, bands and venues currently sitting on their thumbs and hunkering down, I guess we have little to talk about.
(This would be a GREAT time for Mackie to be working on MF though. With lots of us able to test gear in a non-production environment!)
So what are you guys doing to stay busy, healthy and sane?
-
John I was wondering about that myself. For those with COVID-19 it's a matter of life or death and I wish them a speedy recovery but the rest are probably working on that "Honey Do" list (no escaping that now) unless your on the front lines, thank you for that. I myself started to upgrade my aging network and computer systems before all this and it turns out to be quite a challenge. I have two All In Ones, yes they save space but are a PIA for upgrades. Manufacturers can't be believed on compatibility so its trial and error and a liberal return policy. They all have succumb to the lock-in engineering policy a Apple pandemic. For those who will eventually get around to working on your sound gear we are here to help. A welcome change of pace.
Cheers
-
thank you John for your new topic.
I am no less healthy than before this virus took over so many.
I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and Diabetes like many.
The scary thing for me through this pandemic is that the medication I am on for my RA basically shuts down my immune system, so that makes me even more susceptible to getting any contagious virus. Lucky me huh? I have been staying home except for trips to the grocery store.
With all this time and nothing to do, I am now thoroughly comfortable with my new Yamaha TF Rack mixer and the app, but unfortunately absolutely no work to use it with.
So much about that...
I guess out of habit, I still check this forum a few times a day and I was happy to see a new post.
This feels like family here to me and I suppose I won't have any desire to leave just because I jumped ship.
I too am happy to help anyone with questions.
Thanks John and WK for posting!
Dan
-
I myself started to upgrade my aging network and computer systems before all this and it turns out to be quite a challenge. I have two All In Ones, yes they save space but are a PIA for upgrades.
My "day job" is in IT, and the All-In-Ones look great on a desk man! But beyond aesthetics, the issues we have are compatibility, dependability and exapandability (is that a word?).... Depending on manufacturer, they come in limited configurations, which makes it where using them for graphics (CAD especially) hit-or-miss. The CAD programs will upgrade every year or so and suddenly the video hardware isn't compatible and you cannot just change out the card in some of them.
Regarding dependability - we have had power supplies, main boards, display panels, etc fry in them and we cannot just use an off the shelf component to fix them, so hopefully they are under warranty because replacement parts are generally anywhere from 50-300% more expensive than it would be for a desktop computer, and not in stock.
But man, they look great! =)
Yes, Apple started us down the road with sleek looking systems, but that's what the market demands, so we followed. I personally don't use all-in-ones, but I don't care what my desk looks like, and I have a lot of room to spread out..
Best wishes on finding exactly what you need to get the job done! New toys are wonderful (once you get the right ones)
-
I am no less healthy than before this virus took over so many.
I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and Diabetes like many.
The scary thing for me through this pandemic is that the medication I am on for my RA basically shuts down my immune system, so that makes me even more susceptible to getting any contagious virus. Lucky me huh? I have been staying home except for trips to the grocery store.
With all this time and nothing to do, I am now thoroughly comfortable with my new Yamaha TF Rack mixer and the app, but unfortunately absolutely no work to use it with.
So much about that...
Well glad you are healthy and practicing safe distancing. My SIL has RA and the meds may be as bad as the RA itself. It also affects her immune system, so she's having to be very careful...
That's all we can do man - try our best! Nothing is a sure thing though. Grocery delivery or pickup is cool. I haven't used it because I feel people like you and my SIL should have a first shot at it, but if this doesn't get better soon, I may start using it.
The good news is - it's starting to taper off a little (I follow the trends and predictions closely) and I believe the lockdown will help.
It won't keep us from getting sick - it will just keep us from ALL getting sick AT THE SAME TIME and overwhelming the medical systems.
That Yamaha is nice - I've worked with one, but alas, not enough space in my racks, and quite a bit more $$$ to get the configuration I want and need. Have fun with it!
Stay healthy.
-
Thank you John very much.
I think the whole hand washing thing will minimize the spread of lots of contagious things in the future.
I used the grocery delivery thing a few times... it's nice.
Make it a great day!
-
John the last time I build systems for clients was almost 20 yrs ago, that's like a century in this business. The reason back then was simple and apparently still holds true today. The manufacturers throw together the cheapest thing they can get their hands on to sell. I had very few field failures because I was selective about components and cost was not an issue. If I ever buy another system other than tablets or laptops (no choice there) I will go back to what worked for me then.
-
My thumbs are black and blue from sitting on them too long. None the less....
There has been a few discussions about how or if our industry will change in regards to microphone hygiene when this blows over.
The DPA Company has been putting out online seminars about cleaning headsets and handheld mics. However their suggestions require microphones to be out of service for at least 72 hours to allow them to dry and for any viruses to dissipate. In my travels, I've seen some pretty nasty 58 windscreens. Just wiping down the outside of the metal grill with an alcohol wipe won't kill some of the creepy crawlies that are on/in the inside windscreen.
Plus I can't see this option being very useful for the working Sound companies out there. Can you imagine the inventory of mics you'll need in order to swap out vocal mics during a weekend festival? Especially of you have a band of 4 musicians that sing and they change out every hour. You could go through easily 20-30 58s in a day long run.
Have any of you had any thoughts you like to throw into the ring?
I think we may have to bulk buy foam windscreens and through them out after they have been used.
I cant imagine what Rappers are going to do by having to keep their grubby paws of the windscreens. Maybe this is natures way of natural selection.;-)
Cheers (Pull your thumbs out and let them breath once in a while)
Al T
-
First a lot of picky artists will bring their own mics. Second don't use that cheap 50% Isopropyl get 92% or better stuff. You can insert the foam into the grill and then hair-dry it. Less than 5 minutes for the process. A couple of new tools for some of you, Isopropyl alcohol a Hairdryer and tooth brush and do wash you hands beforehand. Here is the CDC advise:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/hand-hygiene.html
Cheers
-
That would be a good system. You would still need to have a couple sets of handhelds in the inventory for a weekend fest and you would need to have a punter to do the cleaning. I don't think there would be any system that wouldn't need an extra hand who just dealt with mics for a festival. I think foam windscreens would still be the fastest and easiest. I practice using a foam windscreen when I'm traveling with an act and have to line check mics. I travel with my own mics and label each mic to the performer it belongs to.
I've been reading a few discussions about Ozone generators and their effectiveness on killing bacteria and viruses. Interesting stuff. I'm surprised that they are not looking closer at these machines for recycling masks and other PPE equipment.
The only pitfall I can see with the use of ozone is it corrosive nature towards certain metals. Titanium and Stainless Steel seems to hold up.
If mic grills were made of better material this could possibly be an option. You would only need to remove the grills and throw them into a small sealed box for about 10 - 30 min (depending on the size of the Ozone Generator) and it should be sterilized. However you would still need to wipe down the mic handles with alcohol.
They have proven its effectiveness with the SARS virus a few years ago. But there has only been a small study with COvid-19. But the results are looking promising.
Keep those thumbs clean folks
AL T
-
I would not recommend Ozone methods of cleaning. The best non-destructive way is one Hospitals have used for years and that is UV-C light. A handheld unit will clean a mic in 2-3 minutes and without side effects. Phones are also effectively cleaned with units that will fit a smartphone.
Cheers and stay safe
-
I would not recommend Ozone methods of cleaning. The best non-destructive way is one Hospitals have used for years and that is UV-C light. A handheld unit will clean a mic in 2-3 minutes and without side effects. Phones are also effectively cleaned with units that will fit a smartphone.
Cheers and stay safe
This is a great conversation right here... Before our last show, we had a fill-in singer because our singer was out with the crud (probably not covid-19) so to be on the safe-side, I disassembled all of our mics, cleaned the foam with alcohol, and lysol, washed the screens. Let the dry. Did it again before the next gig with our full-time singer in place.
Ozone is great, it WILL kill the virus, but you have to insure it airs out. Put a fan on it blowing fresh air for a while, or blow a hair dryer across it.
Unfortunately, UV light will not kill the virus inside the foam. My ex-wife was a microbiologist and one of her projects was seeing how long viruses/bacterium, etc would live on surfaces and in materials.
I can insure you that spraying alcohol, vinegar, lysol or even bleach on the mic and even the foam will not work - it has to penetrate it. All the way through. Same way on all fabrics.
UV light will only get the surface, and not the inside - so, it may still be possible for a person to inhale particles that are impregnated in the foam.
Ozone machines on the other hand could penetrate it. Someone will probably build an ozone chamber for the music industry, just big enough to hold a dozen mics at a time, and create enough ozone to only affect the microphones and anything in the chamber, then auto vent it to the exterior, and flush it with normal air.
Great opportunity right there for someone! I think I will look into this! Better go trademark my company.
Karaoke Kleaner (tm)... Microbephone? ShureKlean!
-
Here is another option.. What about putting your mic grills in the dishwasher and use a liquid dish detergent. Either have the Dishwasher air dry the grills or stick them on a dish rack to air dry. The only thing I can see with this is possible rusting of the grills. But the detergent should kill pretty much everything in site.
I know this wouldn’t be handy for a festival gig. But you could buy extra grills and keep them on rotation.
Thoughts?
Al T
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
-
A far more practical method that I have used is a small jar filled with 90%+ Isopropyl alcohol would be much quicker and is portable. The alcohol dries quickly and without residue. It also removes small particles from the foam screens that are particularly detrimental to condenser diaphragms. Leave the internal foam in place since it would otherwise stretch and difficult to replace.
-
That’s not a bad idea. As long as you keep the punters from drinking it. The grills should dry off in a few minutes too. I wonder how many treatments you could do with a small container before it’s too contaminated.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
-
It needs to be a process that allows someone to place a large number of mics into a box or device that will do the cleaning automatically.
Foolproof, because a lot of sound techs are fools especially at churches hahaha.
UV+ozone..
I'll just build a bigger one of these
https://www.gearstyles.com/products/uv-disinfection-box?variant=32035731406919&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&gclid=CjwKCAjwvtX0BRAFEiwAGWJyZGJrN7G7L6zrFzj9u1u2yxn2rMKktrKTQRd8LmypKgCme2nzBfJKihoCl7MQAvD_BwE
-
Amen Brother.. Does anyone have a 3D printer sitting around?
uV and Ozone. That should be a 1-2 punch right there.
Cheers
Al T
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
-
I would stay away from Ozone since it has detrimental effects on plastics (Mylar and foam). Take two small Jars and a coffee filter, dead germs won't affect you but particles may have a negative effect on condenser based mics. SM 58 have a foam screen in front of the diaphragm, not much you can do but brush off any debris.
Cheers
-
Amen Brother.. Does anyone have a 3D printer sitting around?
uV and Ozone. That should be a 1-2 punch right there.
I think I've got it! Build a box that has 12 plexiglass boxes to hold mics around the inside perimeter - then in the center a e27 Germicidal lamp ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1m0TQjBRcFo
Ultra-Violent light hahahaha
-
I would stay away from Ozone since it has detrimental effects on plastics (Mylar and foam). Take two small Jars and a coffee filter, dead germs won't affect you but particles may have a negative effect on condenser based mics. SM 58 have a foam screen in front of the diaphragm, not much you can do but brush off any debris.
Just spoke with a friend about this idea... They use germicidal uv+ozone in the hospital to clean just about everything. We're talking a few minutes at a time, not days of beaming sunlight here.
He said they have been putting their phone handsets in these things for years, and no issues have been noted. I doubt Cisco/Polycom have uv-stablized handsets
-
I totally agree. I wouldn’t put the whole mic in for an ozone treatment. I would unscrew the grill and just put that in there. You can pick up replacement 58 grills for $5-$8. And after this I bet some mic companies might make replacement grills even more available and cheaper.
I gather Ozone I’d pretty ruff on certain metals and some electronics.
Al T
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
-
Amen Brother.. Does anyone have a 3D printer sitting around?
uV and Ozone. That should be a 1-2 punch right there.
I think I've got it! Build a box that has 12 plexiglass boxes to hold mics around the inside perimeter - then in the center a e27 Germicidal lamp ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1m0TQjBRcFo
Ultra-Violent light hahahaha
Don’t go into the light!!! JUST DON’T!!!
hahahaha
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
-
I totally agree. I wouldn’t put the whole mic in for an ozone treatment. I would unscrew the grill and just put that in there. You can pick up replacement 58 grills for $5-$8. And after this I bet some mic companies might make replacement grills even more available and cheaper.
I gather Ozone I’d pretty ruff on certain metals and some electronics.
Lengthy conversation with a friend tends to indicate the cool-clave is not bad at all on electronics...
They put their cell phones in the boxes, their desk phone handsets and wireless headsets... also mice, keyboards, etc..... Been doing it for years and never any issues.
http://www.genlantis.com/ozillanest.html
-
Here's one of the coolclave units they use at a hospital lab. They use it for EVERYTHING. Especially since the pandemic hit. Everything they can fit in it. They have bigger ones too that they have put entire notebook computers into.
http://www.genlantis.com/coolclave-sanitizer.html
-
Of all the methods discussed I will still go with the Alcohol treatment as the cheapest and most reliable. It can also be scaled up with a bigger jar :) The main advantage it has over UV is that it will cover all surfaces as UV depends on line of sight leaving areas of non-coverage. Fine for flat surfaces (phones) which a mic screen is not. For the technically challenged DO NOT include the capsule in this process ::)
-
Of all the methods discussed I will still go with the Alcohol treatment as the cheapest and most reliable. It can also be scaled up with a bigger jar :) The main advantage it has over UV is that it will cover all surfaces as UV depends on line of sight leaving areas of non-coverage. Fine for flat surfaces (phones) which a mic screen is not. For the technically challenged DO NOT include the capsule in this process ::)
But the lamp produces ozone, which DOES penetrate all soft surfaces... including masks, both sides of masks. even though the light shines on only one side. The person I was just talking to has taken hundreds of cultures and nothing lived through the UV+Ozone. Which is even better than the newly approved method, vaporized hydrogen peroxide that he has tested and seen only about 75% effective. I told him I would happily loan him a few mics to test out. 8-)
-
Ozone is a undesirable gas around Mylar and most other plastic films. Dealing with gold sputtered diaphragms, which this post is not about, is a whole other world in condenser mics that the EPA is about to close the door on in 2023. Dry-cleaners need to find another solution or close shop since their cleaning fluid is commonly used for this (Fluorocarbon based). The best cleaner was already banned several years ago by the EPA.
-
Ozone is a undesirable gas around Mylar and most other plastic films. Dealing with gold sputtered diaphragms.... Dry-cleaners need to find another solution or close shop since their cleaning fluid is commonly used for this (Fluorocarbon based). The best cleaner was already banned several years ago by the EPA.
SHIT!!! Where will a guy get his Gold Sputtered Suit cleaned after 2023.. I'm up the creek without a diaphragm! :lol: ;)
Al T
PS. Sorry I had to go there!!
-
Hey John,
I like the marketing they have for that unit.. Especially "Fun and easy to use" :D
You could easily put a dozen 58's in there.
-Rapid deodorizing and sterilization cycles of 8 minutes
-Fun and easy to use, with convenient cycle indicator and colorful chamber LEDs
-Stylish unit with small footprint but large chamber capacity
-Safe to use. No heat, liquid or corrosive chemicals; no damage or risk to any items
-Kills many types of bacteria, fungus, and viruses*
-Reliable, long lasting, and low power consuming unit
-Very little maintenance and no calibrations needed
The price is quite palatable. $550..
Al T
-
I like the marketing they have for that unit.. Especially "Fun and easy to use" :D
You could easily put a dozen 58's in there.
I am going to get my friend to try and grow something easy on a handful of my sennheisers, then coldclave them and test them.
He said he would be happy to, but their lab is overwhelmed currently since a lot of things are being routed to them due to the pandemic (they don't deal with coronavirus/covid-19 but some of the labs that due are routing their normal load over to his lab)...
I'll get him mics this week and see what happens!
-
What part of OZONE being corrosive don't you get?
-
What part of OZONE being corrosive don't you get?
Worth a shot at trying... They have been doing their phone handsets, mic, cell phones, etc for years apparently, with no issues that they have ever noticed. They even do entire notebook computers in their larger one.
-
I'm sure that Shure and Sennheiser will love you as you will eventually have to buy new mics. The applications you mentioned (speech) are not this application nor are the cell phone mics (MEMS). A C rating is not good for Polypropylene.
"C Fair Ozone will break down these materials within weeks of use. Prolonged use with any ozone concentration will break down or corrode these materials beyond usefulness." a rating for Polypropylene (Mylar).
You've been warned.
-
Thanks... I think it'll be okay.... I am looking into hydrogen peroxide vaporization too.. I see a huge need for experimentation sooner than later.
Just had a discussion with a friend with DHEC who said microphones and shared devices will be part of ongoing regulations here when we begin to open back up.
That will affect me I'm several aspects so I'll need to be ahead of that
-
John,
This will be awesome to see how the mics will hold up. It would be good to give the lab a good (58 or something similar) and test it before it goes to them (to get a base line) and then do an "after" test to see if there is any degradation both sonically and visually. I would even have them keep it for a couple weeks and bombard it daily. Just to see if the mic holds up. If ozone is this corrosive, there should be some degradation within a couple weeks if not sooner.
Pass on our thanks to your friend for reaching out.. Its too bad that we couldn't arrange a more formal test using the different methods, and compare.
Does anyone on here have any connections with the mic companies? Maybe they might see it beneficial to put a couple sampler mics to the test. Its in their best interest as well.
I could contact my Shure distributor here in Canada but I don't think I can easily get a mic to you in a timely fashion.
Cheers
Al T
-
What part of OZONE being corrosive don't you get?
No disrespect. But I think we have to keep our minds and options open until we have some definitive proof. From what John is telling us, it sounds like the hospitals have been doing this for some time with some measure of success. It may be enough to work for us in our industry. If it diminishes the life span of a microphone from 5 years to 3 years, it might be something most companies can live with. The mic is only subjected to 8 min to be fully sterilized. I think it would take a quite a few treatments before you'll see any changes. But you never know until you try. Right!
I do understand your take on condenser mics. I don't think I'll be subjecting my Neumans to the Ozone machine anytime soon. Like I said in earlier posts, I would remove the mic grill (both my 58s and Beta 87's) and put those in the Ozone and just keep another set of grills in rotation. But it would be interesting to see how much a mic can handle before it stops working.
Al T
-
No offense taken. Let's first understand the problem. You are trying to disinfect the Mic screen and internal foam insert, not the mic capsule. For that the method you are proposing will work just fine since no capsule is involved. It may over time cause deterioration of the foam screen and it will need to be replaced. A solution except for the UV/Ozone equipment cost. The IPA solution is also a proven solution by Hospitals if that matters but at a far less expensive investment. The foam will also have to be replaced over time. There is no real difference in time for these procedures so why spend the money? High end mics usually have dual wire mesh screens such as the Neumann KMS105's and are much quicker to clean. 92% IPA dries quickly. If you want to involve any electronics or the capsule you'll have a problem sooner than you think. SM57's are another story for another day. In the end it's your mics and your $'s.
Cheers
-
So I really liked the idea of getting a baseline for the mics before doing a test...
I can dedicate a couple mics to this project:
Shure SM58
Shure SM58 beta
Sennheiser e835
Chinese import wireless sold under Gemini, Rockville, Xtuga, Nady names
I could create a test bed using a speaker, with a known signal source, such as a sweep, at a known volume (using a calibrated dB meter).
I would obviously use the same mic/speaker placement each time (I can give up a portion of my office to leave this set up in fact).
Do it twice per mic & record it.
Give the mics to them and ask that they run them through 10 minutes a day for a week and re-test.
And repeat that for a month or so.
He also mentioned they have been running their chapel's handheld mics from their Shure ULX system, along with a Countryman headset and the podium mic through the CoolClave for month.
He doesn't have an exact start date because the guy who started doing that is no longer there, but it's been at least a month.
Nor does he have any kind of baseline obviously.
Additionally, they are also using UV cleaning units in each room like the Chapel for 15+ minutes a day, so ALL electronics are being exposed to ozone.
They roll all their portable monitors, carts, tablets/handhelds etc into a room, spray them with alcohol and wipe them down, and then seal the room and run UV in there, and flush with fresh air.
That's happening daily, sometimes multiple times a day.
He wasn't supposed to mention this, but they are also cleaning their PPE in the same manner because they are limited in the "good face masks" apparently. People like janitorial staff only get one mask per day.
This is NOT approved and against their policy, but the staff is very paranoid according to him.
-
I have also purchased my own UV lights, several different brands, and will create a case to put them in that holds 12 microphones around a single UV source in a closed 12x12x12" box that I can vent outside.
-
Don't get me wrong I've been using UV/Ozone technology for over 20 years. It all started with my wife's classroom where I installed several unit's in an effort to keep her from the seasonal issues successfully I might add. I also installed it in our HVAC. I am currently sitting a couple of feet from a room air purifier that consists of several UV-C lamps a HEPA air filter and a carbon filter running at a low setting continuously. Here is a company that certainly knows about Ozone and its pros and cons.
https://www.ozonesolutions.com/knowledge-center/ozone-compatible-materials.html
If your friends test show little to no effect it is probably because the Ozone is not reaching those parts. UV does not pass thru solid objects, ie. grills and foam. Its not a one size fits all solution.
This technology came from the Space program decades ago.
-
On the subject of Hydrogen Peroxide vapor I wouldn't want to subject any audio gear to 248 F temperatures. I can see it as a autoclave solution. If however you have the time for drying Peroxide is as effective as IPA. Don't buy the pharmacy variety since it contains some unknown stabilization agent. I purchase a 35% food grade solution from a reliable manufacturer and dilute it with distilled water with caution. It's used in the food industry to disinfect slaughter houses to kill all kinds of nasties. I use it as a mouthwash and topical disinfectant at 3-4%. That use has been around for many decades. Typical dilutions is from 3-6%.
-
Hey everyone,
Take a look at DPA response to cleaning microphones.. Tell me what you think.
https://www.dpamicrophones.com/mic-university/proper-mic-hygiene
Cheers
Al T
-
First you need to establish what contaminants you are trying to clean from a diaphragm. I would suspect cigarette smoke film and foam particles from aging foam. All manufacturers recommend distilled water as a cleaning fluid (the universal solvent) but by itself it is not all that effective. Adding a surfactant such as Dawn or others in low 1% concentrations will help. I would discourage any mechanical cleaning with a soft brush. Low power Ultrasonic (20-40KHz) jewelry cleaner for a short time may be better (not for MEMS and other Piezo pickups). In all cases a distilled water rinse should follow with a long drying period (72hrs). Leaving another type of film defeats the purpose of cleaning. Soap as used by DAP's description is too generic a term with many soaps containing undesirable content for this purpose. Remember that the devil is in the details and the cure may be worse than the ailment
Cheers
P.S. the exception being Shure that discourages even distilled water :( They'd rather you buy a new mic or at least a new capsule. So much for driving nails with a Sm58 :)
-
Here's Josephson's take on this.
"More than twenty years ago, we posted some comments to rec.audio.pro about
cleaning condenser microphone diaphragms. I have decided to retire the local
copy of that article, because it seems to inspire too many to attempt things
that are unwise.
One thing left out of the original article is this: cleaning should only be
done if the microphone fails to work otherwise. The difference caused by a
little extra weight may be audible, but not huge. Got that? No cleaning unless
it *doesn't work.* And in no case should you use any source of heat near the
microphone. Someone thought that what we wrote suggested putting steam on the
microphone diaphragm. !!?! ... the steam is to put a slight amount of pure
water on your cleaning brush, not the diaphragm! No heat anywhere near
diaphragm, OK?
With all due respect to others in the field, if the conductive layer on
the diaphragm is so fragile that gentle cleaning with distilled water, alcohol
and cotton or a slightly damp fine brush damages it, you have no business
cleaning it. That said, losing a small amount of metallization has little or
no effect -- the diaphragm will still behave as it did before, the
active area is just reduced a little. A real hazard, however, is that the
capsule will become contaminated internally with whatever the cleaning medium
carries with it, and will forever be noisy. This is particularly a problem with
older PVC diaphragms that have cracks. Unless you have a way to test for
ionic contamination of the surface and resulting leakage resistance of the
capsule, don't try it.
If any Josephson microphone appears to need cleaning, please send it back to
the factory in California. The cost is minimal and you can be sure of original
performance when it's done."
All kinds of opinions.
Cheers
-
One other note. Each microphone will require a different way of cleaning, there is no one size fits all solution. Some will certainly be similar but most are not.
-
Hey everyone,
Take a look at DPA response to cleaning microphones.. Tell me what you think.
https://www.dpamicrophones.com/mic-university/proper-mic-hygiene
Cheers
Al T
I expected much better from DPA. Their method kills nothing and doesn't even clean well. Time for an update on that video.
-
Hey everyone,
Take a look at DPA response to cleaning microphones.. Tell me what you think.
https://www.dpamicrophones.com/mic-university/proper-mic-hygiene
Cheers
Al T
I expected much better from DPA. Their method kills nothing and doesn't even clean well. Time for an update on that video.
Totally. I have been contemplating contacting our Canadian Distributor (I know the owner personally) and telling them that this method is terrible.
Not sure who told DPA that this method was acceptable. They certainly weren’t discussing their technique with a virologist..
Al T
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
-
Hey everyone,
Take a look at DPA response to cleaning microphones.. Tell me what you think.
https://www.dpamicrophones.com/mic-university/proper-mic-hygiene
Cheers
Al T
I expected much better from DPA. Their method kills nothing and doesn't even clean well. Time for an update on that video.
Totally. I have been contemplating contacting our Canadian Distributor (I know the owner personally) and telling them that this method is terrible.
Not sure who told DPA that this method was acceptable. They certainly weren’t discussing their technique with a virologist..
Al T
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Also they just posted this method a few weeks ago. This isn’t something that came from their archives.
Al T
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
-
Here it is. The cure to all of our problems.
https://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessories/microphome-microphone-foam-sanitizer-bottle
Al T
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
-
Now there's a test that John's friend at the hospital can make. Take a nasty mic swab it for a baseline and then treat it with Microphome and take a swab a day later for another culture.
Microphome has no EPA # so it's questionable as a microbial or he doesn't have the $ to apply for the test.
This may be a better wipe-down solution.
https://hgd-v.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7_PJvOjv6AIVEqrsCh1zIwyOEAMYASAAEgKSMPD_BwE
cheers
-
I'm just ordered a couple to throw in the tool box. I sort of like the concept of foam as and I can see the foam being able to permeate deeper into the pours of the foam and grill of a mic.
Here is a recent article about the product. https://l2pnet.com/microphome_foam_mic_deordorizer/
But the website has been taken over (www.microphome.org). I bet this person is rethinking their marketing strategy. This stuff has been around since at least 2009. I did find an older blog about the product. I found the US distributor (www.playersmusic.com), but I couldn't find it in their product list. It would be interesting to see where Musiciansfriend is getting the product.
Its better then nothing at this point. It would be interesting to see test results of the effectiveness of this treatment.
They say they don't use any alcohol in the product. Hmmm... I wonder if we can figure out what they are using?
Al T
-
It's clear that it won't clean the foam insert it's topical and here is the content other than water. "(Uses strong but safe formulas of18% double strand quaternary ammonia salt and .18% hexachloridrine acetate.) Very mild - alcohol free and residue free. " with this caveat
WARNING:
Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
-
It's clear that it won't clean the foam insert it's topical and here is the content other than water. "(Uses strong but safe formulas of18% double strand quaternary ammonia salt and .18% hexachloridrine acetate.) Very mild - alcohol free and residue free. " with this caveat
WARNING:
Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
So, using your bare hands is probably not a good thing. :thu: :eek:
Where did you find the ingredient listing?
Yes, I don't see it being able to completely penetrate the windscreen. But I think it'll soak in to the grill and windscreen a little better then just wiping the surface with an alcohol wipe. Still not perfect but a fraction of a bit better.
Shure indorsed it back in 2013. Interesting (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1j6CVlFG1Vk)
There is a Youtube video if the product being used.. I'm wondering if the guy in the video is the owner/inventor. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mz_gsY0asbY
Funny, In the picture on Musiciansfriend I see claims on the label stating H1N1. But the in the recent 2019 blog post the label is a little more generic.
Al T
-
https://www.markertek.com/product/microphome-kit/microphome-sanitizer-deodorizer-disinfect-cleaner-for-microphones
I still think the most effective is hot soapy water and removing the foam screen and squeezing it with the same hot water and soap solution. If you cant wait for it to dry then take the foam and immerse in 92% Isopropyl squeezing it to mix with the remaining water it will dry fast or use a hair-dryer. This works for most SM58 like removable grill mics and you cant beat the price.
-
Here is a video of a guy doing the dishwasher method. Even the time and effort to make sure all their mics are clean makes me want to hire these guys for my next gig.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zV4xilTm0QU
Al T
-
Hello all.
Just for fun I picked up some of the “Microphome”from Musicians Friend to pop into my tool kit. It would make for a (possibly feeble) backup plan if I wasn’t sure about the hygiene of a particular microphone.
I did some research on the Ingredients listed on the bottle. It is supposed to be an excellent disinfect. I can see that as it has a surfactant quality which helps with the breakdown of a virus. Apparently it can be used on the skin for cleaning wounds. But with a few caveats. Alkyld methybenzyl Ammonium chloride, purified water, glycerin, tergitol and cherry fragrance. Why does this shit always seem to be cherry flavored.
I wouldn’t use this as my regular cleaning regiment. But it could come in handy for an emergency.
Somewhere around 120 treatments per bottle.
It has a sweet smell to it it reminds me of something. I just can’t put my finger on it. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200602/88b2211fab9a4ac93f6bf52c8bf3a8f8.jpg)
-
Here’s the back of the bottle. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200602/5545f600d7318a9b8e4fda85bc9d00d8.jpg)
-
I like the marketing they have for that unit.. Especially "Fun and easy to use" :D
You could easily put a dozen 58's in there.
I am going to get my friend to try and grow something easy on a handful of my sennheisers, then coldclave them and test them.
He said he would be happy to, but their lab is overwhelmed currently since a lot of things are being routed to them due to the pandemic (they don't deal with coronavirus/covid-19 but some of the labs that due are routing their normal load over to his lab)...
I'll get him mics this week and see what happens!
Hey John.
Hope your well going through this Covid Crap.
Just a follow up on this conversation earlier.
Did anything ever come from this?
Cheers
Al T
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
-
A Canadian teen making waves (UV) with her homemade sterilization setup.
https://www.recorder.ca/news/canada/heroes-of-the-pandemic-north-bay-teens-made-a-do-it-yourself-sterilizer-kit-that-can-kill-the-covid-19-virus/wcm/6b71d1de-d1d5-4aa1-9147-b27812b84ee0?video_autoplay=true
Cheers.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk