How to prepare a BMA 360D mic array for painting

Important Considerations

1. This process should not require direct contact with the internal components of the mic array or any elements. However care must be taken to ensure nothing falls onto the internal components.
2. Removing the grill for painting will ensure that internal components do not get damaged by getting paint on them. Do not attempt to paint the mic array while fully assembled
3. Observe proper ESD precautions, such as wearing a grounding strap and standing on ESD mat, when disassembling the product and to avoid contact with the sensitive electronics.
4. Hand tools are recommended to prevent over-tightening or damaging the screws.
5. Make sure to use paints that are well rated for metal applications. Sanding and priming may be necessary.  

Tools required

• A Phillips head screwdriver. 
• A flat surface free of debris to work on.

Lay your microphone on a flat surface grill side down

The BMA 360D microphone array has 16 screws, 4 on each side, that will need to be removed to remove the grill from the rest of the microphone.

Location of the screws to remove

Other screws on the back of the microphone do NOT need to be removed for this process.  Focus on the outside edge of the mic array.

Closeup of the screws

The screws are rather small and have a washer that will remain attached to them for this process.  This photo compares the screw to a dime.

Lift off the microphone array and set aside from the grill

The filter and backing cloth for the BMA 360D mic array will stick to the internal components as it is attached to the LEDs of the mic, leaving the grill entirely detached and ready to paint.

Arrange the mic array

Lay the array back on your work surface and take note of the location of the LEDs.  These need to be lined up with the grill when re-attached.

Replace the grill on top of the mic array

Note that the fabric will need to be adjusted, This is to ensure first that the LEDs line up with the holes in the grill.

Flip the mic back over while holding the grill to the array

Carefully lift the mic and slip the filter and black cloth under the lip of the grill and ensure proper alignment.  There are foam spacers on the mic array to make sure everything is held in place.

Note from Biamp: before reattaching the grill to the array make sure all 4 sides have had the filter and cloth slipped back in place or else the holes will be blocked.

Reattach screws

Now simply re-tighten the screws to attach the now-painted grill back to the mic array.