shure sm7b and dust damage?

[AldenW]

Remember that the sm7b is a dynamic mic, not a condenser, and as such is far less sensitive to things like airborn particles. I know plenty of people who regularly use the mic without the windscreen. Dust particles and such aren't substantial enough to effect the sound of a moving coil mic like the sm7b. Ever seen someone worrying about dust in a sm57? It's the same capsule.

Blowing into mics is never a good idea, but once again, the sm7b is a dynamic and probably wouldn't be damaged. Still, it shouldn't be necessary.

[uncle duncan]

If you're worried about it, leave a plastic bag over the mic, open at the bottom, when it's not in use. That's what we do with expensive condenser mics.

[audiotech]

Originally Posted by Alden

Ever seen someone worrying about dust in a sm57? It's the same capsule.

The capsule in the SM57 is protected by the microphones head which contains the pop filter. This will protect the capsule from dust particles much better than the open screen of the SM7. Are you saying that the capsules in the SM7b and the SM57 are completely interchangeable? If you are, I've never heard of this. The last time I checked, they had different part numbers. A lot of the Shure microphones seemed to use the same capsule, such as the element in the Shure SM5B looks a lot like a 57 capsule.

Dennis

[audiotech]

Originally Posted by uncle duncan

If you're worried about it, leave a plastic bag over the mic, open at the bottom, when it's not in use. That's what we do with expensive condenser mics.

If he has the original wind screen, I would just store it with that attached.

Dennis

[guitarboy94]

Originally Posted by audiotech

If he has the original wind screen, I would just store it with that attached.

Dennis

Agree. Just pop the foam windscreen back on for storage. That's about all it's good for! I never us that thing with the mic...robs all of the high end.

[AldenW]

Originally Posted by audiotech

The capsule in the SM57 is protected by the microphones head which contains the pop filter. This will protect the capsule from dust particles much better than the open screen of the SM7. Are you saying that the capsules in the SM7b and the SM57 are completely interchangeable? If you are, I've never heard of this. The last time I checked, they had different part numbers. A lot of the Shure microphones seemed to use the same capsule, such as the element in the Shure SM5B looks a lot like a 57 capsule.

Dennis

Fair point. And I guess I was mistaken; recordinghacks says the sm7b capsule is based on the same capsule, but not identical.

Still, I've met plenty of people who ditched the windscreen without concern. I wouldn't be inclined to stress it.

[cuedox]

You guys rock! Audiotech that's exactly why I asked my questions, because the shielding around the shure sm7b coil is completely different than the shielding that protects the shure sm57 coil, otherwise I doubt I would have ever created this thread. I am very very very protective of and careful with my gear lol. I guess ill just use the windscreen as suggested and use it as a dust cover.

Sent from my DROIDX using Gearslutz App

[TimOBrienFlorida]

As I've posted before.... you know those cloth bags they sell at the grocery store for 99cents?

Turn it upside down and put it over the mic...

I keep one over my MD-421



(duh... take the groceries out first!)

[cuedox]

99cents? Jeez what a deal they cost 5$ over here! Thanks for the idea :-)

PS. I think I might just leave food in the bag when I dump it over the Mic, it might give the shure sm7b some "flavor" haha.

Sent from my DROIDX using Gearslutz App

[uncle duncan]

The thing you've got to watch out for with cloth bags is lint. Condenser mics will suck up the lint and deposit it on the capsule.

[cuedox]

Ill make sure to keep an eye out for that then thanks!

Sent from my DROIDX using Gearslutz App

[AldenW]

Originally Posted by LucyYorkshire

its really ok to dip the front end of an SM7b in warm (not hot) water, then use your gfs hair drier to dry it off and remove any remaining schmutz. I personally don't like to use compressed air - too harsh and it can collapse the diaphragm. a fine, 'fan tail' artists brush is ok too, but a nice gentle soak in warm water just gets it all relaxed and funky sounding.

!

[Boschen]

I have de-funkified a 58 that way. It sounded different afterward. Not in a bad way.

It was in ugly shape; fell into a buffet. Some kind of tomato sauce

Not joking.

[cuedox]

Originally Posted by LucyYorkshire

its really ok to dip the front end of an SM7b in warm (not hot) water, then use your gfs hair drier to dry it off and remove any remaining schmutz. I personally don't like to use compressed air - too harsh and it can collapse the diaphragm. a fine, 'fan tail' artists brush is ok too, but a nice gentle soak in warm water just gets it all relaxed and funky sounding.

Got any direct links/articles to validate your method?

[NEWTON IN ORBIT]

Sorry, I know it's good to take care of your gear and all, but man.
Don't get paranoid. It's an SM7. These things are damn near indestructible.

The water thing probably would be alright, but if being this cautious, use distilled water. The coil is copper. The pipes in your house are probably copper, they aren't rusting are they?

Compressed air might rip the embossed diaphragm, be careful.

I wouldn't bother doing either of these things, and wouldn't worry about it unless you drop it in a pile of dust, or worse, ferrous metal filings.

I would just put the windscreen on when done, and do nothing.

If and when it gets such a build up of dust and grime in it (what...53 years from now?) buy a replacement capsule cartridge from Shure and you have a brand new mic. They have to be less than $100.

The cartridge for an SM57 is $50 replaced, if you send it to the factory and let them do it. Not including shipping from your place to them, but they pay the shipping back.

Way too much stress for an issue that is virtually non existent. Normal household dust will not affect it if stored in a drawer or something.

That said, don't be rolling it in your cat's litter box or some crazy sh*t.
I mean, what are you doing with the mic to get it so dusty? Do you record in a wood shop?

Sorry if I sound like a smart a**

Relax man, you are fine.

john

PS: ok sorry I was kinda being a smart a**.

If you are seriously thinking of putting liquid in there, at least consider tape head cleaner or alcohol, 91% at least. Or even better maybe deoxit? Spray from a distance though.....compressed air again.

[cuedox]

Originally Posted by NEWTON IN ORBIT

Sorry, I know it's good to take care of your gear and all, but man.
Don't get paranoid. It's an SM7. These things are damn near indestructible.

The water thing probably would be alright, but if being this cautious, use distilled water. The coil is copper. The pipes in your house are probably copper, they aren't rusting are they?

Compressed air might rip the embossed diaphragm, be careful.

I wouldn't bother doing either of these things, and wouldn't worry about it unless you drop it in a pile of dust, or worse, ferrous metal filings.

I would just put the windscreen on when done, and do nothing.

If and when it gets such a build up of dust and grime in it (what...53 years from now?) buy a replacement capsule cartridge from Shure and you have a brand new mic. They have to be less than $100.

The cartridge for an SM57 is $50 replaced, if you send it to the factory and let them do it. Not including shipping from your place to them, but they pay the shipping back.

Way too much stress for an issue that is virtually non existent. Normal household dust will not affect it if stored in a drawer or something.

That said, don't be rolling it in your cat's litter box or some crazy sh*t.
I mean, what are you doing with the mic to get it so dusty? Do you record in a wood shop?

Sorry if I sound like a smart a**

Relax man, you are fine.

john

PS: ok sorry I was kinda being a smart a**.

If you are seriously thinking of putting liquid in there, at least consider tape head cleaner or alcohol, 91% at least. Or even better maybe deoxit? Spray from a distance though.....compressed air again.

LOL john its cool you gave me a couple laughs while giving me some advice so thank you. I dont record in a woodshop but I do record in an enviroment where there is a lot more dust than a professional studio/clean room.

And no I dont think I will try the liquid solution method for cleaning it, I thought that the poster that originally posted that idea was actually joking and I was just responding to see if maybe he was being honest, I am quite surprised.

Cheers.

[sheoth]

If it gets that dusty a paint brush will always do the trick just get a big artists paint brush and rub it over before use that should help

[cuedox]

Now that's a good idea sheoth!

Sent from my DROIDX using Gearslutz App