Just pulled apart my Fathead II to remove some layers...

[Rolsen]

... and I'll be damned, there were none except a fine metallic mesh, about 1" x 0.75" on the front and back end of the ribbon. No silk, foam, fabric or anything else up in there.

Should this/could this be removed? Is the ribbon too vulnerable without this solitary piece of protection?

[mwingerski]

that piece of protection is also diffusing the way air and sound waves hit the mic. You'd be surprised how much the capsule and its resonance can affect the tone...

If it's small and has a curvature to it, then it is doing something to the sound...

great mic for the money, by the way...

[getreel]

If that's all it has, I wouldn't remove it. I have a Fat Head and it just fine stock if you use a good pre.