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  #1   Report Post  
Michael Joly
 
Posts: n/a
Default Microphone Head Grille Effects

In this post I'll quote a number of experts who've posted to
rec.audio.pro over the years on the subject of mic head grille
effects. Though they may differ on other issues, you'll see agreement
that head grilles play an important role in the sound of a mic. I'll
go on to describe some head grille mods I recently made to a couple of
mics.

Recently, while making improvements to an Oktava ML-52 I finally gave
up trying to stop the head grille assembly from ringing – I took the
entire assembly off and rolled a new wire mesh grille for it in the
shape of an ML-16. (as seen on this page:
http://www.is.svitonline.com/ustrizza/mics/mics.htm )

After rolling the new screen I made some reference recordings with it
installed on the mic. I was concerned about protecting the ribbons
from wind blasts so I removed the grille and added a layer of fine
silk to the inside of the wire mesh. When I retested the mic with the
silk/wire screen installed, I found that both the LF and HF were
rolled-off and the mic had lost some transient detail.

Ok, time for a Google groups search of rec.audio.pro for a lesson in
mic head grille issues. The quotes below can be found in their context
by doing a Google groups search for the author's name and the first
few words of the quote.

Ty Ford had an interesting observation about the Neumann M149: "...The
M149 head grille is less restrictive than those of the U47, U87, U89,
TLM170. It's so transparent that you can see the capsule rather easily
through the grille, resulting in a noticeable lift in the 7KHz-10KHz
range, and a bit beyond". Ty goes on to quote Karl Winkler of Neumann
USA who said: "The old-style head grille has three layers (of wire)
that affected the sound more than we wanted. They provide a certain
amount of acoustic compression".

Regarding the difference between one and two-layer grilles, Greg
Gualtieri wrote: "The Horch (U47 replica) has a single-mesh grille
with fairly wide spacing. I took some fine mesh screen and wrapped it
around the head of the mic to mimic the dual mesh of the U47/48. The
mids softened dramatically".

So – an audible difference between one, two and three layers of wire
mesh?

In an earlier post David Josephson went even further when he wrote:
"B&K lab mics, for instance, sound a lot better when you take off the
protection grille and let the diaphragm be out in the air, rather than
behind a low-Q Helmholtz resonator that's formed by the grille
cavity."

The omnipresent, but seldom heard from Dave Royer pointed out:
"..problems due to reflections inside the head grille ... can make
life miserable. A two inch diameter mic body with a capsule in the
middle means there's one inch to the screen. Sound will also pass by
the capsule inside the head grille, bounce off the inside of the head
grille and back onto the rear membrane. That sound will either be
subtracted or added to the front sound, depending on whether the rear
membrane is in or out of phase with the front membrane."

Another mic designer, Klaus Heyne wrote: "...tubes have less to do
with it than you think...most of the sound is from the capsule,
followed by the grille shape, then the output transformer. The tube
is dead last".

And David Bock of Soundelux wrote "...the U47's peak is at 10k. This
peak is cause solely by the headgrille, which also causes the 6k to 9k
2dB dip, and rolloff above 12k. The capsule is remarkably flat from
10k to 15k without the headgrille."

By now I had the impression those bits of wire in front and back of
the capsule are important.

I pulled the silk out of the open weave wire mesh on the ML-52,
restored the top end clarity, and now use a popper stopper out in
front. I didn't stop there, I survey my "bottom feeder" mic collection
and noticed my MK319, Studio Projects C1 and MXL Royer tube mod mic
all use two-layer wire mesh screens. I have a preference for clear,
open high frequency response – just the sound of the capsule as much
as possible with no mechanical HF lift devices. So, one by one, I
pulled out the fine weave grille screen on all three mics to leave
just the more open, heavier grille screen.

Results? - Incremental improvement in transient detail and accuracy
in the MK319 and MXL. In fact, it's really surprising how "alive" this
particular MK-319 is now. (This 319 has been "Dorsey modded" - FET,
Rs, Cs, plus it has my head grille mod, head cavity foam absorbers
installed and perforated mechanical HF lift disc removed). I have not
tested the C1 against my reference recording yet to see if the lower
internal reflections afforded by removing the fine wire mesh changes
the rather pronounced top boost this mic is known for.

So, once again, a bunch of cheap mics and Google groups makes for an
interesting day of learning and DIY pleasure.

Best, MJ
  #2   Report Post  
A. & G. Reiswig
 
Posts: n/a
Default Microphone Head Grille Effects

Good synopsis of what the experts have said, Mike. And goodonya for
experimenting and sharing!

Based on the subject line, I thought you were going to talk about one of my
pet peeves: the whistling sound that breath from a "wh" sound makes when it
crosses the coarse screen on a handheld mic. I've actually put nylon mesh
on the *outside* of my KMS-105 and AKG 535 to deal with this. I didn't even
think to record before/after to listen for changes in response, and I doubt
it makes a difference for live mics like this.

But for studio, I think it's interesting to hear how much of an effect the
grille can have. I'm wondering if there is an "ideal grille" that is a
fine, open mesh that is spherical around the diaphragm and some minimum
distance from it?

George Reiswig
Song of the River Music

"Michael Joly" wrote in message
om...
In this post I'll quote a number of experts who've posted to
rec.audio.pro over the years on the subject of mic head grille
effects. Though they may differ on other issues, you'll see agreement
that head grilles play an important role in the sound of a mic. I'll
go on to describe some head grille mods I recently made to a couple of
mics.

Recently, while making improvements to an Oktava ML-52 I finally gave
up trying to stop the head grille assembly from ringing - I took the
entire assembly off and rolled a new wire mesh grille for it in the
shape of an ML-16. (as seen on this page:
http://www.is.svitonline.com/ustrizza/mics/mics.htm )

After rolling the new screen I made some reference recordings with it
installed on the mic. I was concerned about protecting the ribbons
from wind blasts so I removed the grille and added a layer of fine
silk to the inside of the wire mesh. When I retested the mic with the
silk/wire screen installed, I found that both the LF and HF were
rolled-off and the mic had lost some transient detail.

Ok, time for a Google groups search of rec.audio.pro for a lesson in
mic head grille issues. The quotes below can be found in their context
by doing a Google groups search for the author's name and the first
few words of the quote.

Ty Ford had an interesting observation about the Neumann M149: "...The
M149 head grille is less restrictive than those of the U47, U87, U89,
TLM170. It's so transparent that you can see the capsule rather easily
through the grille, resulting in a noticeable lift in the 7KHz-10KHz
range, and a bit beyond". Ty goes on to quote Karl Winkler of Neumann
USA who said: "The old-style head grille has three layers (of wire)
that affected the sound more than we wanted. They provide a certain
amount of acoustic compression".

Regarding the difference between one and two-layer grilles, Greg
Gualtieri wrote: "The Horch (U47 replica) has a single-mesh grille
with fairly wide spacing. I took some fine mesh screen and wrapped it
around the head of the mic to mimic the dual mesh of the U47/48. The
mids softened dramatically".

So - an audible difference between one, two and three layers of wire
mesh?

In an earlier post David Josephson went even further when he wrote:
"B&K lab mics, for instance, sound a lot better when you take off the
protection grille and let the diaphragm be out in the air, rather than
behind a low-Q Helmholtz resonator that's formed by the grille
cavity."

The omnipresent, but seldom heard from Dave Royer pointed out:
"..problems due to reflections inside the head grille ... can make
life miserable. A two inch diameter mic body with a capsule in the
middle means there's one inch to the screen. Sound will also pass by
the capsule inside the head grille, bounce off the inside of the head
grille and back onto the rear membrane. That sound will either be
subtracted or added to the front sound, depending on whether the rear
membrane is in or out of phase with the front membrane."

Another mic designer, Klaus Heyne wrote: "...tubes have less to do
with it than you think...most of the sound is from the capsule,
followed by the grille shape, then the output transformer. The tube
is dead last".

And David Bock of Soundelux wrote "...the U47's peak is at 10k. This
peak is cause solely by the headgrille, which also causes the 6k to 9k
2dB dip, and rolloff above 12k. The capsule is remarkably flat from
10k to 15k without the headgrille."

By now I had the impression those bits of wire in front and back of
the capsule are important.

I pulled the silk out of the open weave wire mesh on the ML-52,
restored the top end clarity, and now use a popper stopper out in
front. I didn't stop there, I survey my "bottom feeder" mic collection
and noticed my MK319, Studio Projects C1 and MXL Royer tube mod mic
all use two-layer wire mesh screens. I have a preference for clear,
open high frequency response - just the sound of the capsule as much
as possible with no mechanical HF lift devices. So, one by one, I
pulled out the fine weave grille screen on all three mics to leave
just the more open, heavier grille screen.

Results? - Incremental improvement in transient detail and accuracy
in the MK319 and MXL. In fact, it's really surprising how "alive" this
particular MK-319 is now. (This 319 has been "Dorsey modded" - FET,
Rs, Cs, plus it has my head grille mod, head cavity foam absorbers
installed and perforated mechanical HF lift disc removed). I have not
tested the C1 against my reference recording yet to see if the lower
internal reflections afforded by removing the fine wire mesh changes
the rather pronounced top boost this mic is known for.

So, once again, a bunch of cheap mics and Google groups makes for an
interesting day of learning and DIY pleasure.

Best, MJ



  #3   Report Post  
David Satz
 
Posts: n/a
Default Microphone Head Grille Effects

Michael,

I only have a few data points for your collection, plus some advice:
Incremental improvements in sound quality are great, but let's take care
to test everything that might be relevant after making a change.

Here's my story: Earlier this year I bought two used AKG C 414 B-ULS
microphones, had them checked out by AKG in Nashville, then sent them to
be modified by a well respected (including by me) person who specializes
in upgrading studio equipment. The modifications included removing one
layer of metal screening from around the capsules, and the microphones'
output transformers were also removed.

With that person's knowledge--he is notably the opposite of an egomaniac--
I then sent one of the modified microphones to some friends in Germany to
test. My friends know their way around condenser microphones and have a
test setup that I trust. Also, a stock (unmodified) C 414-B ULS was on
hand there for comparison--these people do, after all, pay attention to
what's on the market as part of their work.

After making the standard frequency and polar response measurements, the
nice people in Germany decided to check out the modified microphone's
immunity to RFI. Unfortunately the modified microphone was found to be
highly susceptible to interference. Large amounts of noise resulted from
using a mobile phone anywhere in the same room. No such problem was found
with the stock microphone.

So while the removal of the output transformer could also be implicated
in this problem, let's please consider that grounded metal mesh screens
may have multiple functions, and let's test accordingly, OK?

Also, I've seen one instance in which a more "open" design for a screened
capsule head caused a greater increase in that capsule's _low frequency_
response than in its high frequency response. It would be very nice to
understand the physical reason for that, but at present I sure don't.
Thus I suspect that as non-experts, our common-sense expectations about
the effects of screens on the sound of a capsule may be misplaced, too
simple, or perhaps both--and I suggest proceeding cautiously before we
turn any unproven assumptions into dogma.

--Since some people here can probably guess who did the above-mentioned
mods and who did the aforementioned testing, let me add that in other
respects the modified C 414 B-ULS was found to be improved: 2 dB lower
noise, output impedance reduced by half, and improved (i.e. increased)
high frequency response--though the degree of that was considered rather
slight as it was told to me.

None of the above should be construed as an endorsement by anyone of
anything (nor the contrary, if you please); it's just data points. Let's
add 'em to the pile and keep on having open minds, at least until someone
who knows more about this than we do comes along to explain it to us.

--best regards
  #4   Report Post  
Michael Joly
 
Posts: n/a
Default Microphone Head Grille Effects

David,

Thanks for the story, data points for the collection and your words of
caution - especially your comments about RF immunity. I too would like
to see as many knowledgable points of view as possible show up here.

As a short research project I restricted myself just to the
rec.audio.pro archives - the sort of activity a curious student might
engage in and only quoted from that source. However, I am aware of
Stephen Paul's seminal series of articles on condenser mic design in
Mix Magazine many years ago.

As a side note, I feel a discussion of this topic might have
long-lasting educational value and might be more readily found here on
the public USENET via Google groups search than on the private
bulletin boards subject to editorial oversight.

Thanks for reading and commenting!
  #5   Report Post  
Nick Busigin
 
Posts: n/a
Default Microphone Head Grille Effects

On Thu, 18 Dec 2003 07:55:18 -0500, Michael Joly wrote:

As a short research project I restricted myself just to the
rec.audio.pro archives - the sort of activity a curious student might
engage in and only quoted from that source. However, I am aware of
Stephen Paul's seminal series of articles on condenser mic design in Mix
Magazine many years ago.


Michael,

Do you know off hand which issues of Mix Magazine carried the Stephen
Paul articles?

Very interesting observations. Thanks for sharing guys!!!

Nick

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
http://www.songbirdofswing.com
Nick Busigin
Visit Our Indie Jazz CD Construction Project!
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=


  #6   Report Post  
Eric K. Weber
 
Posts: n/a
Default Microphone Head Grille Effects

The modifications to the output should be the prime suspect for your RF
problems....
A single layer of screen should be sufficient as long as it still has a low
resistance connection to the rest of the case. The RF wavelength of the
holes should be small enough to get the job done.

Regards
Eric

"David Satz" wrote in message
m...
Michael,

I only have a few data points for your collection, plus some advice:
Incremental improvements in sound quality are great, but let's take care
to test everything that might be relevant after making a change.

Here's my story: Earlier this year I bought two used AKG C 414 B-ULS
microphones, had them checked out by AKG in Nashville, then sent them to
be modified by a well respected (including by me) person who specializes
in upgrading studio equipment. The modifications included removing one
layer of metal screening from around the capsules, and the microphones'
output transformers were also removed.

With that person's knowledge--he is notably the opposite of an egomaniac--
I then sent one of the modified microphones to some friends in Germany to
test. My friends know their way around condenser microphones and have a
test setup that I trust. Also, a stock (unmodified) C 414-B ULS was on
hand there for comparison--these people do, after all, pay attention to
what's on the market as part of their work.

After making the standard frequency and polar response measurements, the
nice people in Germany decided to check out the modified microphone's
immunity to RFI. Unfortunately the modified microphone was found to be
highly susceptible to interference. Large amounts of noise resulted from
using a mobile phone anywhere in the same room. No such problem was found
with the stock microphone.

So while the removal of the output transformer could also be implicated
in this problem, let's please consider that grounded metal mesh screens
may have multiple functions, and let's test accordingly, OK?

Also, I've seen one instance in which a more "open" design for a screened
capsule head caused a greater increase in that capsule's _low frequency_
response than in its high frequency response. It would be very nice to
understand the physical reason for that, but at present I sure don't.
Thus I suspect that as non-experts, our common-sense expectations about
the effects of screens on the sound of a capsule may be misplaced, too
simple, or perhaps both--and I suggest proceeding cautiously before we
turn any unproven assumptions into dogma.

--Since some people here can probably guess who did the above-mentioned
mods and who did the aforementioned testing, let me add that in other
respects the modified C 414 B-ULS was found to be improved: 2 dB lower
noise, output impedance reduced by half, and improved (i.e. increased)
high frequency response--though the degree of that was considered rather
slight as it was told to me.

None of the above should be construed as an endorsement by anyone of
anything (nor the contrary, if you please); it's just data points. Let's
add 'em to the pile and keep on having open minds, at least until someone
who knows more about this than we do comes along to explain it to us.

--best regards



  #7   Report Post  
Ty Ford
 
Posts: n/a
Default Microphone Head Grille Effects

In Article ,
(Michael Joly) wrote:
I pulled the silk out of the open weave wire mesh on the ML-52,
restored the top end clarity, and now use a popper stopper out in
front. I didn't stop there, I survey my "bottom feeder" mic collection
and noticed my MK319, Studio Projects C1 and MXL Royer tube mod mic
all use two-layer wire mesh screens. I have a preference for clear,
open high frequency response n just the sound of the capsule as much
as possible with no mechanical HF lift devices. So, one by one, I
pulled out the fine weave grille screen on all three mics to leave
just the more open, heavier grille screen.

Results? - Incremental improvement in transient detail and accuracy
in the MK319 and MXL. In fact, it's really surprising how "alive" this
particular MK-319 is now. (This 319 has been "Dorsey modded" - FET,
Rs, Cs, plus it has my head grille mod, head cavity foam absorbers
installed and perforated mechanical HF lift disc removed). I have not
tested the C1 against my reference recording yet to see if the lower
internal reflections afforded by removing the fine wire mesh changes
the rather pronounced top boost this mic is known for.

So, once again, a bunch of cheap mics and Google groups makes for an
interesting day of learning and DIY pleasure.

Best, MJ


Fun project! Good dectective work. Don't put aside the possibility that some
mfgrs might be using the grille to purposely knock off some of the
overaccentuated top end.

I've often wondered what a C414 would sound like with its grille rounded
rather than at 90 degree angles. Plug one in, set it to cardioid and listen
in headphones while you hiss into it. Turn the mic so your hissing directly
into it first and then moving off-axis to one of the corners. What's that
sound like to you?

The more gentle rounding of the TLM 103 headgrille sounds much less
disruptive to me.

Regards,

Ty Ford


**Until the worm goes away, I have put "not" in front of my email address.
Please remove it if you want to email me directly.
For Ty Ford V/O demos, audio services and equipment reviews,
click on
http://www.jagunet.com/~tford

  #8   Report Post  
Ty Ford
 
Posts: n/a
Default Microphone Head Grille Effects

In Article , "Eric K. Weber"
wrote:
The modifications to the output should be the prime suspect for your RF
problems....
A single layer of screen should be sufficient as long as it still has a low
resistance connection to the rest of the case. The RF wavelength of the
holes should be small enough to get the job done.

Regards
Eric


Persactly! I think I found this out while reviewing the SolidTube. Even
though the top and bottom halves of the mic body were fitted together, I
found with a VOM that there was no ground continuity between the bottom and
top. I used a clip lead to make the connection and the RFI went away.

AKG later included a small piece of metal where the body parts joined to
ensure that the headgrille was grounded.

I received no money, but a nice pat on the back for that sleuthery.

Regards,

Ty Ford


**Until the worm goes away, I have put "not" in front of my email address.
Please remove it if you want to email me directly.
For Ty Ford V/O demos, audio services and equipment reviews,
click on http://www.jagunet.com/~tford

  #9   Report Post  
Rob Reedijk
 
Posts: n/a
Default Microphone Head Grille Effects

http://www.is.svitonline.com/ustrizza/mics/mics.htm )

Interesting stuff!

I am going through some questions about mesh densities. I have some
c-60s, and one of them needs the mesh replaced. AKG no longer stocks
it and are not very helpful in providing specs (what is the per square
inch count? material? etc)

Trying to find a supplier of fine mesh is a bit of trial. However, I am
eventually going to be getting hold of some samples from pulp & paper
people. My dad worked in the industry for 30 or 40 years, and they
know a lot about fine mesh. They deal in some pretty fine densities.

One little neat thing I happened upon:
If you are looking for a less fine mesh for a small diaphragm capsule, the
little discs for aeration filters on kitchen and bathroom taps are an
intriguing possibility. Too small for a c-60, by a hair, but they
might work on something else. Yes, they are way more coarse (though less
than a window screen) but that might actually sound better.

I suppose that the percentage of open area in addition to "fibre count"
are the too main parameters. Then the material, conductive/non-
conductive, stiff/flexible and a whole bunch of other little details
come into play.

Rob R.
  #10   Report Post  
Eric K. Weber
 
Posts: n/a
Default Microphone Head Grille Effects

Have a look at http://www.mcmaster.com/ they stock very fine screen...

Rgds:
Eric

"Rob Reedijk" wrote in message
...
http://www.is.svitonline.com/ustrizza/mics/mics.htm )


Interesting stuff!

I am going through some questions about mesh densities. I have some
c-60s, and one of them needs the mesh replaced. AKG no longer stocks
it and are not very helpful in providing specs (what is the per square
inch count? material? etc)

Trying to find a supplier of fine mesh is a bit of trial. However, I am
eventually going to be getting hold of some samples from pulp & paper
people. My dad worked in the industry for 30 or 40 years, and they
know a lot about fine mesh. They deal in some pretty fine densities.

One little neat thing I happened upon:
If you are looking for a less fine mesh for a small diaphragm capsule, the
little discs for aeration filters on kitchen and bathroom taps are an
intriguing possibility. Too small for a c-60, by a hair, but they
might work on something else. Yes, they are way more coarse (though less
than a window screen) but that might actually sound better.

I suppose that the percentage of open area in addition to "fibre count"
are the too main parameters. Then the material, conductive/non-
conductive, stiff/flexible and a whole bunch of other little details
come into play.

Rob R.





  #11   Report Post  
Eric K. Weber
 
Posts: n/a
Default Microphone Head Grille Effects

Use the following to find info on available types of wire cloth...

www.mcmaster.com
click woven wire cloth
click woven wire cloth again....
click printers and stencil grade....

mesh as fine as 400x400 to the inch is available...

Rgds:
Eric
"Rob Reedijk" wrote in message
...
http://www.is.svitonline.com/ustrizza/mics/mics.htm )


Interesting stuff!

I am going through some questions about mesh densities. I have some
c-60s, and one of them needs the mesh replaced. AKG no longer stocks
it and are not very helpful in providing specs (what is the per square
inch count? material? etc)

Trying to find a supplier of fine mesh is a bit of trial. However, I am
eventually going to be getting hold of some samples from pulp & paper
people. My dad worked in the industry for 30 or 40 years, and they
know a lot about fine mesh. They deal in some pretty fine densities.

One little neat thing I happened upon:
If you are looking for a less fine mesh for a small diaphragm capsule,

the
little discs for aeration filters on kitchen and bathroom taps are an
intriguing possibility. Too small for a c-60, by a hair, but they
might work on something else. Yes, they are way more coarse (though

less
than a window screen) but that might actually sound better.

I suppose that the percentage of open area in addition to "fibre count"
are the too main parameters. Then the material, conductive/non-
conductive, stiff/flexible and a whole bunch of other little details
come into play.

Rob R.





  #12   Report Post  
Rob Reedijk
 
Posts: n/a
Default Microphone Head Grille Effects

I am really glad that Eric has posted this. Not only is it useful for mesh,
but it also has things like springs. I have a capsule that needs a spring,
and while the Home Depot one I put in is workable, McMaster seems to
have an excellent selection.

Rob R.

Eric K. Weber wrote:
Use the following to find info on available types of wire cloth...


www.mcmaster.com
click woven wire cloth
click woven wire cloth again....
click printers and stencil grade....


mesh as fine as 400x400 to the inch is available...


Rgds:
Eric
"Rob Reedijk" wrote in message
...
http://www.is.svitonline.com/ustrizza/mics/mics.htm )

Interesting stuff!

I am going through some questions about mesh densities. I have some
c-60s, and one of them needs the mesh replaced. AKG no longer stocks
it and are not very helpful in providing specs (what is the per square
inch count? material? etc)

Trying to find a supplier of fine mesh is a bit of trial. However, I am
eventually going to be getting hold of some samples from pulp & paper
people. My dad worked in the industry for 30 or 40 years, and they
know a lot about fine mesh. They deal in some pretty fine densities.

One little neat thing I happened upon:
If you are looking for a less fine mesh for a small diaphragm capsule,

the
little discs for aeration filters on kitchen and bathroom taps are an
intriguing possibility. Too small for a c-60, by a hair, but they
might work on something else. Yes, they are way more coarse (though

less
than a window screen) but that might actually sound better.

I suppose that the percentage of open area in addition to "fibre count"
are the too main parameters. Then the material, conductive/non-
conductive, stiff/flexible and a whole bunch of other little details
come into play.

Rob R.





  #13   Report Post  
Eric K. Weber
 
Posts: n/a
Default Microphone Head Grille Effects

Glad to see you found it of use.... you might also look at their
competition...
http://www.mscdirect.com/

Rgds:
Eric




  #14   Report Post  
Michael Joly
 
Posts: n/a
Default Microphone Head Grille Effects

Rob Reedijk wrote in message

Trying to find a supplier of fine mesh is a bit of trial.


Small Parts has a good supply of stainless steel wire screen:
http://www.smallparts.com/products/d.../CX,%20CXX.cfm

You can select weave style, wire size, width of opening and % open
area. 3"x6", 6"x12" and 12"x24" are their standard sizes.
  #15   Report Post  
Ty Ford
 
Posts: n/a
Default Microphone Head Grille Effects

In Article , Rob Reedijk
wrote:
http://www.is.svitonline.com/ustrizza/mics/mics.htm )


Interesting stuff!

I am going through some questions about mesh densities. I have some
c-60s, and one of them needs the mesh replaced. AKG no longer stocks
it and are not very helpful in providing specs (what is the per square
inch count? material? etc)

Trying to find a supplier of fine mesh is a bit of trial. However, I am
eventually going to be getting hold of some samples from pulp & paper
people. My dad worked in the industry for 30 or 40 years, and they
know a lot about fine mesh. They deal in some pretty fine densities.

One little neat thing I happened upon:
If you are looking for a less fine mesh for a small diaphragm capsule, the
little discs for aeration filters on kitchen and bathroom taps are an
intriguing possibility. Too small for a c-60, by a hair, but they
might work on something else. Yes, they are way more coarse (though less
than a window screen) but that might actually sound better.

I suppose that the percentage of open area in addition to "fibre count"
are the too main parameters. Then the material, conductive/non-
conductive, stiff/flexible and a whole bunch of other little details
come into play.

Rob R.


The new Neumann broadcast mic has a rectangular screen mounted inside the
headgrille, a bit infront of the diaphragm.

The Neumann popper stopper uses tricot. Do you need the wire mesh, or would
tricot material work?

Regards,

Ty Ford

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  #16   Report Post  
Rob Reedijk
 
Posts: n/a
Default Microphone Head Grille Effects

Ty Ford wrote:

I am going through some questions about mesh densities. I have some
c-60s, and one of them needs the mesh replaced. AKG no longer stocks
it and are not very helpful in providing specs (what is the per square
inch count? material? etc)

Trying to find a supplier of fine mesh is a bit of trial. However, I am
eventually going to be getting hold of some samples from pulp & paper
people. My dad worked in the industry for 30 or 40 years, and they
know a lot about fine mesh. They deal in some pretty fine densities.

The new Neumann broadcast mic has a rectangular screen mounted inside the
headgrille, a bit infront of the diaphragm.


The Neumann popper stopper uses tricot. Do you need the wire mesh, or would
tricot material work?


I really don't know. The mesh that is in there is wire. But it is
supported by a metal surface with larger holes in it, so stiffness is
not an actual requirement.

Rob R.
  #17   Report Post  
Scott Dorsey
 
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Default Microphone Head Grille Effects

Rob Reedijk wrote:

I really don't know. The mesh that is in there is wire. But it is
supported by a metal surface with larger holes in it, so stiffness is
not an actual requirement.


So, first see if a magnet will pick it up. If it will, it's steel.
Otherwise, scrape the end of one of the wires and look with a magnifier
to see if it is brass-colored. If so, it's probably brass.

A linen tester or some other magnifier with a measuring scale will help
you count the number of wires per inch.

If McMaster-Carr and Small Parts don't have it, Applied Industrial Technologies
or MSC might.
--scott
--
"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."
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