User Manual

Caution: Do not check the SF-12 with an ohmmeter or continuity tester, and do not connect the

unit to an input device designed to power a capacitor microphone. Strong winds and mechanical

shocks should be avoided.

Care for the Optical Black Finish

The SF-12's optical black ﬁnish is a sophisticated surface treatment designed to refract light

rather than reﬂect it. This makes the microphone appear less conspicuous, especially when used

with high intensity lighting or within a camera shot. The ﬁnish requires occasional maintenance

to retain a smooth, even appearance and to maintain its unique optical qualities.

The SF12's body is comprised of a low carbon steel alloy. Its ﬁnish consists of black chrome

deposited over a nickel substrate, creating a ﬁnish that minimizes the reﬂective nature of the

metal surface. A small amount of oil has been worked into the ﬁnish at the factory to protect it.

Over time, some of this oil will be drawn out due to "wicking" action; the physical handling of

the microphone, absorbent materials it is exposed to (like the foam padding of the microphone

case), etc. As the oils are drawn out of the microscopic surface layer, the microphone ﬁnish may

develop an uneven appearance. If this happens, simply massage the microphone gently with a

lint free cloth treated with a few drops of light machine oil or WD-40¨ (apply the oil to the cloth,

not to the microphone). Be very careful whenever working around the transducers to avoid

contamination of the ribbon elements. Following this simple procedure will protect the ﬁnish and

renew it to its original luster.

CAUTION!

Due to the transducer’s powerful magnets, keep recorded tapes, spring-wound watches and

personal credit cards with magnetic coding away from the microphone to prevent possible

damage.

Features

• Wide, Smooth Frequency Range

• Closely Matched Characteristics

• Negligible Off-Axis Coloration

• Excellent Separation and Imaging

• True Figure-8 Polar Patterns

• X-Y or M-S Recording