Microphones are used in so many ways. Whether they are mounted on a stand or held in hand, microphones change hands regularly; spit, sweat, skin, and dirt leave traces on the microphone and cables. So, how can you keep your microphones clean?
In Li.LAC we stand for thorough hygiene to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria especially after the COVID 19 pandemic. We created a microphone disinfector that, through controlled exposure to ultraviolet light, provides the necessary disinfection to use and share microphones and other small equipment safely.
Li.LAC provides a disinfection level of 99.99% for the surface of a microphone This has been approved by the independent, accredited laboratory Opsytec Dr. Gröbel GmbH. Additional to this, the departments 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 of irradiation inside Li.LAC.
How does disinfection through UV-C light work?
Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation is a disinfection method that uses short-wavelength ultraviolet (UV-C) light to kill or inactivate microorganisms by destroying nucleic acids and disrupting their DNA, leaving them unable to perform vital cellular functions.
UV-C light is considered a germicidal UV because its wavelengths between about 200 nm and 300 nm are strongly absorbed by nucleic acids.
The effectiveness of disinfection through UV-C depends on the duration of exposure, the intensity and wavelength of the UV radiation and the microorganism’s ability to withstand UV during its exposure.
According to the above research values, bacteria and viruses are inactivated to >99.9% on the surface of a microphone after 5 minutes of irradiation inside Li.LAC.
While the disinfection level achieved by Li.LAC is remarkably high, it is important to understand that any kind of dirt (make-up, lipstick or similar) needs to be removed with soap and water or cleaning wipes before the disinfection in Li.LAC.
Any kind of deep cleaning materials such as soap and water, alcohol or UVC lights can have a long term effect on the materials used in or on microphones. Plastics and the outer appearance (color / gloss) might be altered. Long term exposure test results show that the aging / wearing effect implied by UV-C disinfection inside Li.LAC is negligible compared to the normal aging that happens to the microphones (due to mechanical impacts, dirt, humidity, temperature etc.).
The test results can be found on the Li.LAC website: Long UV-C Exposure Test Results – Li.LAC (https://lilac.works/testresults/).
Li.LAC features
Li.LAC provides low impact, contactless disinfection through ultraviolet light (UV-C). Li.LAC works without liquids and toxins.
It has an intuitive control panel with colour display:
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- Violet = Disinfection is running and UV-C lights are active.
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- Green = Disinfection completed.
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- Red = Error (chamber opened too early or UV-C lamp error).
Li.LAC offers 2 disinfection cycles, 5 or 10 minutes. It comes in a rugged and road-ready 19″ 3U rackmount enclosure. The UV-C chamber is suitable for 3 handheld microphones or handheld transmitters. It can also be used to disinfect other small items like lavalier mics, headsets, beltpacks etc.
What our customers say
Engineers Ken “Pooch” Van Druten & Kevin “Tater” McCarthy say even pre-pandemic they have been concerned about the safety of their artists so adding Li.LAC to their cleaning rigorous practice is a step towards the goal of keeping their clients healthy.
“For such a small investment, we sleep well at night knowing we have done our best to keep our singers safe from bacteria and viruses…”
For more info, browse our website and explore more features.
