The
Royer SF-24 stereo ribbon microphone is a phantom powered
version of the popular Royer SF-12 stereo ribbon microphone, combining
the SF-12's high quality audio performance, outstanding stereo
separation and imaging with Royer's exclusive active electronics system
for ribbon microphones. The SF-24's output of -38 dB is a full 14 dB
more sensitive than the non-powered Royer SF-12, putting its sensitivity
on par with that of phantom powered condenser microphones. The unique
electronics and custom designed FET's used in the SF-24 allow for
ultra-quiet operation, with self-noise of lower than 18 dB.
Royer SF-24 at a Glance:
- It's like getting two matched ribbon mics in one package.
- Because the SF-24 is active, you can use just about any mic preamp with it.
- Perfect impedance matching delivers sonic reality
Matched Pair In OneLike
an SF12, the SF24 is actually two matched ribbon microphones placed one
above the other, each aimed 45 degrees from center in the classic
Blumlein configuration. The magnet/polepiece structure of each ribbon
transducer allows a wide, uniform frequency range with no substantial
peaks or dips, and the two 1.8-micron ribbons produce superb transient
response. Frequency response is excellent regardless of the angle of
sound striking the ribbons and off-axis coloration is negligible. The
SF-24'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).
More to Gain...Royer's
Active Series ribbon mics (SF-24 and R-122) are as sensitive as phantom
powered condenser microphones, allowing you to use almost any mic
preamplifier or board pre. Conventional ribbon microphones average 15 to
20 dB lower sensitivity than condenser mics, necessitating the use of
high-quality, high-gain microphone preamplifiers for recording softer
sound sources like acoustic instruments, vocals and room ambiance. The
SF-24 contains two fully balanced, discrete head amplifier systems
utilizing ultra-low noise FET's, each delivering a sensitivity of -38
dB. This lets you mate an SF-24 to any preamplifier with average gain
characteristics. Even with quiet sound sources, you'll have enough gain
to drive any recording medium.
Impedance MatchingThe
electronics in the SF24 provide a perfect load to the ribbon elements at
all times, allowing the microphone to deliver 100% of its full sonic
potential regardless of the input characteristics of the following
mic-pre. Due to its low-impedance output, SF-24's can also be used on
extremely long cable runs with minimal signal loss.
A good
impedance match is critical to ribbon microphones. Impedance
mis-matching loads a ribbon improperly, resulting in loss of low end,
diminished body, lowered sensitivity and an overall compromised
performance. With our Active Series ribbon mics, the ribbon element
lives in a perfect world. It sees an optimum impedance match at all
times regardless of the following equipment, so its performance will
never be compromised by the effects of improper loading. In addition,
the ribbon element cannot be damaged by phantom power, electrical
glitches or miswired cables.
Royer SF-24 Features:
- True stereophonic recording from one microphone
- Operates from standard 48-volt simplex power
- Active electronics provide high output capability
- Extremely low self noise
- Ribbon element not affected by load presented to microphone element unaffected by heat or humidity
- Equal sensitivity from front and back of elements
- Consistent frequency response regardless of distance to sound source
- Very low magnetic leakage