Does my U87 capsule need cleaning?!

Tele37 🎙️ · 2 weeks ago

Hi guys,

Hoping to get some advice if possible? I have just acquired a mid 90’s U87ai with circuit diagram 02 that sounds amazing, has no issues at all, no noise, no crackles, no popping, but I wonder if the capsule needs cleaning? Both sides are shiny but have dust all over.

What do you think? Hopefully Klaus can chime in!

Appreciate it

Klaus · 2 weeks ago

So this is how to get my attention? Not with a photo of a scantily clad female but a capsule in a sink filled with suds?

The capsule looks mildly contaminated, and as long as there is no back down when you breathe on it (moisture-accelerated backdown of capacitance), I would leave it alone. Down the road the surfaces can be properly and professionally restored* without harming performance.

* there are not many people left who understand the fine points of condenser capsule restoration, so be careful whom you hire

Tele37 🎙️ · 2 weeks ago

Quote:

Originally Posted by Klaus ➡️

So this is how to get my attention? Not with a photo of a scantily clad female but a capsule in a sink filled with suds?

The capsule looks mildly contaminated, and as long as there is no back down when you breathe on it (moisture-accelerated backdown of capacitance), I would leave it alone. Down the road the surfaces can be properly and professionally restored* without harming performance.

* there are not many people left who understand the fine points of condenser capsule restoration, so be careful whom you hire

Thanks so much for taking a look Klaus, I hugely appreciate your insight.

All the best

Klaus · 2 weeks ago

No. It's genuine, and judging from the build features and single digit manufacturing date, it was made in 2004

Papanate · 2 weeks ago

Quote:

Originally Posted by Klaus ➡️

No. It's genuine, and judging from the build features and single digit manufacturing date, it was made in 2004

How is it cleaned? Surely not by dunking in soapy water?

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