The
Royer Labs SF-24V vacuum
tube stereo ribbon microphone is the pinnacle of our SF-series stereo
microphones. The sound pickup is lush, smooth and natural, with
outstanding stereo imaging and superb transient response. The tube
electronics provide increased midrange reach, unmatched clarity and
detail, and an airiness previously unheard of in ribbon mics. Utilizing
the same proprietary tube electronics as in our TEC Award winning
R-122V ribbon microphones, the SF-24V delivers the ultimate in stereo
ribbon miking for the true connoisseur of recorded sound.
Features
- Vacuum tube circuitry provides high output and impedance matching
- True stereophonic (Blumlein and M-S) recording from one coincident microphone
- High SPL capabilities
- No distortion up to maximum SPL rating<
- Extremely low residual noise
- Ribbon elements are 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
The SF-24V’s independent tube circuits provide an output level of -38
dB, suitable for use with any professional preamplifier. With
self-noise of lower than 18 dB, the SF-24V’s ultra-quiet operation is
suitable for the most demanding classical and acoustic recording
applications.
Like an SF-12, the SF-24V is actually two matched ribbon microphones,
placed one above the other in a coincident pair, each aimed 45 degrees
from center in the classic Blumlein configuration. The magnet/pole
piece structure of each ribbon transducer delivers a wide, uniform
frequency response with no substantial peaks or dips, and the
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.
Applications
- Orchestra
- String Sections
- Solo Strings
- Brass and Woodwinds
- Acoustic Piano
- Harp
- Choirs
- Drum Overheads
- Percussion Instruments
- Acoustic Guitars
- Large & Small Ensembles
- Ambiance
- Stereo to Mono
The SF-24V excels on full orchestra, choir and ensembles, classical
piano, drum overheads, virtually all acoustic instruments, small vocal
groups, a wide variety of percussion instruments, as a room mic, etc.
Like the SF-12, the SF-24V is uncanny for creating “you-are-there”
stereo recordings that capture not only the instrument(s) being
recorded, but, depending on how the microphone is positioned, varying
degrees of the acoustical space. In addition, the increased sensitivity
and impedance matching circuitry allows for more consistent results in
a variety of recording situations and with a wider selection of mic
pre’s.
Recording in Mono
For mono recording, phase compatibility between the two sides of the
SF-24V is excellent, allowing you to combine the two channels perfectly
in mono with no 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. Each side of the
SF-24V can also be used as an independent mono microphone.
The Electronics
The SF-24V’s twin head amplifiers consist of low-noise,
triode-connected military grade 5840 vacuum tubes. Designed for a wide
range of applications, the SF-24V delivers -38 dB output and the drive
capabilities only vacuum tube head amplifiers can provide. The circuits
are devoid of typical vacuum tube coloration.
The SF-24V’s triode-configured cathode follower circuitry enables the
microphone to drive long cable runs without sonic degradation or
high-frequency loss. This capability is further enhanced by the
SF-24V's dedicated power supply, which provides ample current to the
vacuum tube electronics. Induced noise is virtually eliminated by the
microphone's fully balanced outputs, which are electrically isolated
with special purpose Jensen output transformers.
The SF-24V has far more level than non-powered ribbon microphones and
its impedance matching circuitry places a perfect load on the ribbon
element at all times. This allows the use of a wide variety of mic
preamps without concern for gain and impedance matches, two critical
issues with ribbon microphones. In addition, the microphone’s
electronics shield the ribbon elements from any possibility of damage
by phantom power, electrical glitches or miswired cables.
It is important to note that the SF-24V’s higher sensitivity creates no
additional self-noise. All of the SF-24V’s increased level comes from
its large, specially wound toroidal transformers, so there is no
additional noise associated with the microphone's higher output. The
tube system operates at less than unity, adding no noise of its own.