User Manual

Figure 3
Care and Maintenance
The SF-12 is a solidly built, precision instrument. All that is required to ensure proper operation
of this microphone is to follow some commonsense rules.
1. To avoid transducer damage, do not expose the microphone to severe shock or vibration. If
the microphone is accidentally dropped, test it to see if damage has occurred before returning
it to service. Low output or a dull sound would indicate a stretched ribbon.
2. Do not expose the microphone to direct blasts of air or strong air currents. Use a windscreen
or suitable blast filter when close miking a vocalist or certain types of wind instruments. P-
popping does not necessarily damage the ribbon element but may produce unacceptable
preamplifier overload and could cause damage to speaker systems.
3. Do not expose the microphone to liquids or caustic smoke.
4. Do not expose the microphone to strong alternating electromagnetic fields, i.e. the power
transformers in amplifiers, or a hum may result.
5. Use a soft cloth to clean the microphone body. A small amount of denatured alcohol can be
used to remove fingerprints and other stains.
6. Keep metal filings away from the microphone at all times. The SF-12's powerful magnets can
attract minute ferris particles into the ribbon transducers, compromising the performance.
7. When not in use, store the microphone in its protective carrying case. If the microphone is to
remain set up on a mic stand between sessions, cover it with its mic sock (provided with your
SF-12).
8. Leave disassembly of the microphone to a trained technician. There are no user-serviceable
parts inside.
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