The SMM-U2 Grounding Bracket attaches to an SMM-U2 microphone to protect the microphone from damage due to electrostatic discharge or electrical storm activity.
A grounding wire is attached to the bracket and run to an earth ground to direct electrical surges to ground rather than through the microphone. A stainless steel-screen covers the top of the microphone and directs any surges to the bracket and then to the grounding wire. This also provides some protection to the recorder, but the available Microphone Surge Suppressor should also be used for best protection.
We recommend this bracket anytime electrical storm activity is possible or the microphone is mounted well off the ground, such as on a meteorological tower, wind turbine or other tall structure.
The grounding bracket does not adversely affect recording quality because the bracket's stainless steel mesh is transparent to ultrasound.