Spieden SF-12 Stereo Ribbon Microphone #17333 (Vintage)

The Spieden SF-12 utilizes 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. allowing you to combine the two channels for mono recording without creating phase artifacts. 

Today, the SF-12 model number is more commonly known under the badge of Royer Labs. In fact, it was originally designed by Bob Speiden in 1987, inspired itself by a stereo ribbon microphone from Bang & Olufsen. Spieden-branded SF-12s are an exceedingly rare piece of hand crafted history with only about a hundred units ever made. In 1999, Royer Labs adapted the design in partnership with Spieden for mass quantity production.

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.