Royer Labs SF-12 Ribbon Microphone and dBooster2 Bundle

The Royer Labs SF-12 stereo coincident ribbon microphone combines high quality audio performance with outstanding stereo separation and imaging. It is a modern ribbon design with no audible diffraction effects or cavity resonance. An SF-12 is actually two matched ribbon microphones placed one above the other; each aimed 45 degrees from center in the classic Blumlein configuration. The frequency response is excellent regardless of the angle of sound striking the ribbons and off-axis coloration is negligible.

The included dBooster2 In-Line Signal Booster and DI features two channels of dBooster ribbon and dynamic microphone signal boosting and impedance buffering technology. Each channel also doubles as a high-impedance DI. When used as a signal booster, both channels of the dBooster2 increase the level of passive low-output ribbon and dynamic microphones with a minimum of distortion or coloration. Designed for professional applications, each dBooster2 channel offers two levels of clean gain boost: 12 dB or 20 dB, selectable by a front panel switch. The dBooster2’s Class A input presents a high source impedance to microphones, minimizing loading (damping) and improving headroom. By utilizing the 12/20 dB gain switch, optimum balance between gain and headroom can be achieved for a variety of uses.

WIDE FREQUENCY RESPONSE

The SF-12 utilizes two 1.8-micron ribbons, each weighing approximately 1/3 milligram and producing superb transient response. The two ribbon transducers are magnet/pole piece structures that produce a wide, uniform frequency response with no substantial peaks or dips. The case is ingot iron and forms part of the magnetic return circuit, an effective system with low leakage flux which accounts for the relatively high sensitivity in a trim package. The SF-12’s extension cable comes with a Y adapter that splits into separate 3-pin male XLR connectors labeled "Upper" and "Lower," for the upper and lower capsules of the microphone (when held vertically).

DETAILED STEREO RECORDING

The SF-12 is uncanny for creating "you-are-there" stereo recordings that capture not only the instrument being recorded, but, depending on positioning, the acoustic environment as well. If you pay careful attention to the sound of an instrument or ensemble in the recording environment, you will likely find a place where it sounds best to you. Position the SF-12 in that place and you will capture that sound. The SF-12 is an excellent choice for drum overheads, where its stereo imaging and realism help to create powerful, dynamic drum tracks. In a jazz setting, recording the kit flat provides extremely natural sounding cymbals, tom-toms and snares. In rock and pop recordings where you’d like to capture the meat of the kit but with more air on the cymbals to help them cut more aggressively, simply open the top end up with EQ. Ribbons take EQ extremely well because they generate virtually no self distortion. When you boost a frequency, even by many dB, you’ll bring up only the musical response you’re looking for without unpleasant distortion artifacts joining the party.

RECORDING IN MONO

Phase compatibility between the two sides of the SF-12 is excellent, allowing you to combine the two channels for mono recording without creating phase artifacts. This is particularly useful when capturing a wide sound field in mono; for instance, a singer who tends to move off the "sweet spot" of a mono microphone. Either side of the SF-12 can also be used individually as a mono microphone.

ROYER LABS SF-12 RIBBON MICROPHONE AND DBOOSTER2 BUNDLE FEATURES:

SF-12

• Stereo coincident ribbon microphone combining high quality audio performance with terrific stereo imaging
• True stereophonic (Blumlein and M-S) recording from one microphone
• High SPL capabilities
• No internal active electronics to overload or produce distortion up to maximum SPL rating
• Extremely low residual noise
• Ribbon element not affected by heat or humidity
• Absence of high frequency phase distortion
• Equal sensitivity from front or back of elements
• Consistent frequency response regardless of distance
• High efficiency, matching toroidal transformers
• Very low magnetic leakage

DBOOSTER2

• 12 dB and 20 dB gain stages in Mic mode
• 0 dB or 8 dB gain in Hi-Z guitar input mode
• High input impedance
• Balanced Low output impedance
• Rugged case construction
• Ultra-low noise performance
• Ultra-low distortion
• Wide frequency bandwidth