Let's face it, after hours of use vocal microphones are loaded with germs, saliva, and other bodily effusions. It is bad enough when the mic is regularly used  by the same performer, and it can be even worse when the mic is used by many different performers.  So, what can you do to keep things as hygienic as possible?

Option 1 – add a foam windscreen. A foam windscreen can easily be added or removed. It can be washed in warm soapy water, rinsed in clean water, shaken to remove water droplets, and left to air dry overnight. A clean foam windscreen does a good job at keeping the grill of the mic free from human contaminates. When using colour windscreens, you can assign each colour to a performer for an added level of hygiene.

Option 2 - provide a different mic grill for each performer. Though more expensive than foam windscreens, grills can be exchanged on most mics. Like a foam windscreen, a removable grill can be washed, rinsed, and air dried.

Option 3 – use "Microphome". This spray-on product safely disinfect the exterior surface of a microphone. The formula is alcohol-free, anti-microbial, fast-drying, and residue-free. Shure Incorporated has not tested "Microphome" nor do Shure Incorporated endorse it. We can say that our end users have reported satisfactory results.

How to Clean your Microphone

The following video demonstrates how you can keep your vocal microphone clean and hygienic. For further advice on getting the most from your gear, consider subscribing to our mailing list.