LDC: removing inner mesh layer of grill?

[Omicron_9]

Greetings.

Has anyone done this? Turned a 3-layer grill into a 2, or a 2-layer into a single layer? If so, on which mic, how difficult was it, what was the outcome, etc.?

TIA,
-0.9

[bremusound]

Originally Posted by Omicron_9

Greetings.

Has anyone done this? Turned a 3-layer grill into a 2, or a 2-layer into a single layer? If so, on which mic, how difficult was it, what was the outcome, etc.?

TIA,
-0.9

I did it on my Oktava MK319 mics, very easy, no problem at all. Really opens up the sound.

BUT i think on most of the mics the inner mesh will be soldered so it won't be as easy as with the MK319 where you can easily pull out the layer.

[uncle duncan]

All the mic mod guys do that - Michael Joly at Oktavamod, Jim Williams at Audio Upgrades (on the 414 ULS,) the Shinybox guy. Whether or not there is solder in there, all you'd need is a pair of small side-cutters to get the mesh loose.

The say the response characteristics of the U47 depend on the grill - something about the length of the sound waves and the mesh size - so you could be in for a surprise.

Interesting factoid - the Heil PR20 dynamic mic comes with three screw-on grills, a black one, a silver one, and a gold one. I pulled the foam out of the black grill and use that one for micing instruments, like banjos, mandos, bright guitars, kick drums, whatever. I don't know if it makes a difference, but in my mind it does.

[Omicron_9]

Excellent, thanks!

Anyone tried this on a Shure KSM series LDC? If so, how did you get the thing apart?

-0.9