Cleaning & Polish Guide; Why; Natural Patina / Cosmetic Ageing; Procedure - Zieaz LCA1 Instruction Manual

Cleaning & Polish guide

Why?

At Zieaz™ we have chosen not to use lacquer or paint on our products. Some of the
reasons for this is to reduce the environmental chemical load, and working with
brass over stainless steel with higher mechanical strength, requires stronger
machinery + liquid cooling and higher cutting-tool wear.
Using Aluminium limits the choice of thermal expansion/retraction compatible
screws, that eventually would loosen over time.
Overall assessment; Brass is currently a more optimum choice in terms of
mechanical strength & machinability; resulting in about 90% percent of the
microphone made in the same material. This will simplify the recycling process when
the microphone have reached its limit of repairability.

Natural patina / Cosmetic ageing

Brass will generate natural patina over time. It is a process when moisture in air,
fingerprints and other "substances" comes in contact with the brass parts.
The microphones functionality will not be affected by patina.
It is up to the owner to evaluate the need for polishing. Some like patina on their
brass products, as some other have different preferences for.

Procedure

When cleaning & polishing; use a cloth that has a low release of fibres, as they would
build up near the diaphragm at the grid.
If using a wet-wipe, the amount of "wetting-liquid" could make foam, that will enter
the microphone though the grid and plug if significant/visible; this is bad, as the
liquid from the foam could reach the diaphragm and alter the weight on the
diaphragm, resulting in a altered sound pick-up or sensitivity.
The best procedure for a low release of fibres and foam we have experience with; is a
combination of 1 wet-wipe (generic or with alcohol for better antibacterial/antiviral
properties) , 1 kitchen towel (paper or cotton),1 flat wood-board / wood kitchen cutting
board. Optional; 1 sheet of printer/copy paper for high-gloss polishing.
Only polish when the microphone is not connected.
Any other cleaning methods are considered warranty void! As some polishing
products can have high abrasive effect and/or liquids/chemicals that can damage
the microphone.
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