S3-12 Microphone Kit

The S3-12 is a world-class FET condenser microphone suitable for all audio sources. Key features include:

• Our popular RK-12 capsule
• Our finest transformerless circuit, with "Variable EQ"
• 3-way pattern switch (Cardioid / Omni / Figure-8)
• -10dB pad switch

The S3-12 is a 3-pattern version of the S-12 microphone kit.

Applications

The S3-12 is an excellent vocal and instrument microphone. It provides an alternate voicing to the S3-47 or S3-87, and tends to excel on different sources. We have gotten great results on:

• Vocals
• Acoustic guitar (esp. large-body)
• Drum overheads

See also the "S-12" column of the application guide.

Circuit Description and Options

The S3-12 uses the latest version of our premium transformerless circuit. It is made entirely with superior parts and practices. For example, every JFET is individually selected and manually biased in our shop to ensure maximum gain and minimal distortion. The primary signal caps are polypropylene types, because they sound better. Resistors are 1% tolerance, audio quality, low-noise parts. The two switches are long-life C&K parts. All the "mods" and upgrades that people like to do to the Schoeps transformerless circuit have already been done.

New in this kit is our "Variable EQ" feature. The circuit kit includes a socketed EQ cap, enabling you to fine-tune the high frequency response of the mic without soldering. If the mic is too bright, plug in one of the included EQ capacitors... if it is then too dark, replace the cap with a smaller value.

The S3's circuit is unique for not using internal wiring. The switches are soldered directly to the main circuit board, rather than mounted to a small standalone board that would need to be wired to the audio board, introducing complexity and possible signal loss. We've kept audio traces as short as possible, and as we always do, isolated the high-impedance circuit above the circuit board. We do not compromise the sound or performance of the mic for convenience!

What's in the box?

The S3-12 kit includes:

• The S3 microphone body, with tapered grille (satin nickel plated finish) and XLR3 insert. The front of the mic is marked with a brass "MP" diamond logo badge.
  
• Our TL3 circuit kit.
• The RK-12 capsule
• Comprehensive, full-color, step-by-step installation instructions.
• A rigid plastic, foam-line storage case.
• Elastic shockmount.