Before COVID-19, microphone hygiene wasn’t much considered in live sound. In live sound, the mic's pop screen or “ball” might be replaced if it became caked with spit and plaque. Studio engineers and owners have always been aware and taken measures to minimize spital on delicate and expensive microphones.
When we speak, tiny liquid droplets leave our mouths with the air we exhale. These droplets of saliva can accumulate in and on the windscreen of a microphone, especially during close mic’ing. Although it is not very likely that these droplets will leave the windscreen, there is a possibility that the next speaker or singer will touch the windscreen with their lips. If this windscreen was contaminated, the virus could enter their body. The virus can also be transferred when replacing a windshield and not observing the necessary hygiene measures. If you touch a windshield that has just been used and it touches your face, you may contract an infection.
Protecting and cleaning microphones and accessories used close to the mouth and by multiple users is essential. Have just one user per microphone (including the accessories). Clean all surfaces, i.e., microphone housings, head baskets, and accessories, after each use, and leave the microphone unused to air dry for a while. Utilize plastic gloves, windshields, and thin plastic film bags to add protection.
We must wash our hands and maintain good oral hygiene when using microphones. It is essential for those using head-worn and earset microphones to wash their hair and behind their ears. We can transmit lots of germs behind the ears.
When it comes to cleaning and sanitizing microphones, we must understand the differences. The difference applies to all surfaces, kitchen pots and pans, dishes, computer keyboards, toilets, etc. Clean is free of visible contaminants. Sanitized is free of invisible pollutants. We should be concerned for both. A microphone must first be cleaned before it may be sanitized.
We have some general rules for cleaning the exteriors of microphones. Care must be taken not to rinse, submerge in water or clean the interior of the microphones with chemicals. Use ethyl alcohol (ethanol) or isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol), a 70% solution, to clean the exterior housing. Apply with a disposable soft cloth, a soft brush, or paper tissue. Ensure that the liquid is applied only to the outside of the microphone and does not enter the inside or the capsule. Do not use rough materials which might scratch the surface. Do not use solvents stronger than ethanol or isopropanol, as these might damage the surface. Never use sprays directly onto the microphone, as these can deposit on the membrane and thus damage the microphone capsule. Please be aware that extensive use may cause cosmetic damage to the microphone.
With some microphones, the head basket can be easily removed or replaced if the head basket is bent in any way. Go ahead and replace it. Mishaped heads affect the performance of the microphone. If you clean it, do not touch or damage the capsule! With the head baskets containing foam windshields, remove the inner foam and wash it separately, as described in the latter. Metal head baskets can also be cleaned inside with ethanol or isopropanol. You may also immerse the head basket in clean, hot water (e.g., 70°C/160°F). Do not use a dishwasher. The finish and shape of the head may be affected; spray the foam screen with Lysol surface disinfectant. Do this in another room so the airborne particles cannot accumulate on the microphone diaphragm. Let the basket and foam dry out entirely before re-assembly. A certified technician should complete any further cleaning and maintenance.
Advanced Sound & Communication has a sanitizing solution essential for churches, assisted living communities, retirement centers and community centers where those with compromised immunity systems use microphones, the RF Venue Li.LAC. This microphone disinfector yields a level of 99.99%* for surface disinfection. The independent, accredited laboratory Opsytec Dr. Gröbel GmbH has approved it.
The departments of Biomedical Engineering and Medical Microbiology & Infection Prevention of the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) have conducted comprehensive scientific studies to evaluate the effectiveness of Li.LAC. Viruses were sprayed onto microphones, similar to singing into the mic. The results show a reduction of 99.3% of the viral load on strongly contaminated microphones (including the metal grille and foam underneath) after 10 minutes irradiation inside Li.LAC.
RF Venue https://www.rfvenue.com/products/lilac
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