Topic: Microfiber in the presence of microphones

[audBall]

Good idea, bad idea?

I'm aware of the windscreen issues that can arise over time from dry rot. However, I've been thinking recently about microfiber for transport.

These wouldn't be used for cleaning anything, rather as a baffle between capsules (in a cigar caddy) for transport. Basically, folded microfiber (think lens/glasses cleaner material) separating capsules, or wrapping for temporary use. If the fiber breaks down, it's likely that the particles would be significantly smaller than rotted windscreen foam, but does the fiber break down that easily?

[jcb]

Problems with foam are due to the use of open cell foam (which is necessary for windscreens). I have been using closed cell polyethylene foam to store cameras for over 20 years with no problems whatsoever. Some of the oldest foam is still around and looks like new : it does not break apart and outgases very little.
You may take more risks with microfiber than with the right foam : it is nice and smooth but does lose some fibers and, worse, always stores some dust between its fibers ready to release it at the critical place and time.

[F.O.Bean]

I soak and clean my DPA screens with warm soapy water after every festie season. They're the ONLY screens I've ever used that DON'T shed over time. The pair I have now is about 10 years old, and holding them over a sheet of white paper produces zero dust/debris. However, I'd watch the bigass Shures. Those things shed like CRAZY!!! It's kind of why I quit using them. I didn't want my mics in them for not even 6 hours at a time[a normal length show for me], let alone 18 hours at a time for festies.