WEEKLY MORSEL: TO VENT OR NOT TO VENT

-especially those employing Controlled-Magnetic or Controlled-Reluctance elements. Since the CM & CR elements are live to both their front AND rear surfaces, these vents can be problematic when the mic is utilized in a loud environment (for which they were not designed) and audio enters the shell cavity behind the element and causes FEEDBACK. As a general rule, the blocking of those vents you see in the bottom surfaces of SHURE 520's and 440's just ahead of the stand lug will indeed lessen their feedback liability factor. Whether with tape, wax, Bondo or Silly Putty on the inside or outside, the louder you play the more feedback-limiting benefit you'll experience.