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Royer
SF-24 Active Stereo Coincident Dynamic Ribbon Microphone |
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The SF-24 stereo ribbon microphone
is a phantom powered version of our popular SF-12 stereo ribbon
microphone. It combines the SF-12’s high quality audio performance, outstanding stereo
separation and imaging with our exclusive active electronics system
for ribbon microphones. The SF-24’s output of -38 dB is a
full 14 dB more sensitive than our non-powered 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.
Like an SF-12, the SF-24 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.
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).
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| Gain |
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Our active
ribbon™ mics (SF-24 and R-122) are as sensitive as phantom
powered condenser microphones, allowing you to use virtually
any mic preamplifier or board pre. Conventional
ribbon microphones are 15 to 30 dB less sensitive than condenser
mics, necessitating the use of high-quality, high-gain microphone
preamplifiers when recording softer sound sources like acoustic
instruments, vocals and room ambiance. The SF-24 contains two fully
balanced, discrete head amplifier systems utilizing specially wound
toroidal transformers and 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 level to drive any recording
medium.
It is important to note that the SF-24’s higher sensitivity does
not create additional self-noise. All of the SF-24’s increased
level comes from its large, specially wound toroidal transformers -
that wonderful thing called “free gain.” The level at the
each of the transformers is actually hotter than what comes out of
the microphone. The phantom powered system operates at less than unity,
adding no noise of its own. This system took years to develop and is
in patent pending status.
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| Impedance Matching |
The
electronics in the SF-24 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
sees a perfect impedance at all times, regardless of the preamp you
use, 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.
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Recording
With The SF-24 |
Like
the SF-12, the SF-24 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.
For mono recording, phase compatibility
between the two sides of the SF-24 is excellent. This allows
you to combine the two channels perfectly in mono without creating
undesirable 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-24 can
also be used individually as a mono microphone.
The SF-24 excels on classical piano, drum overheads, ensemble
and orchestral recordings, a wide variety of percussion instruments,
virtually all acoustic instruments, small vocal ensembles, large
choirs, etc.
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| Features |
Phantom powered
circuitry provides high output and impedance matching
True stereophonic (Blumlein and M-S) recording from one 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
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| Recommended
Applications |
Drum Overheads
Percussion Instruments
Brass and Woodwinds
Acoustic Piano
Harp
Choirs
Solo Strings
String Sections
Orchestra
Acoustic & Electric Guitars
Vocal Groups (MP3 example)
Ambiance
Stereo to Mono
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| Technical Specifications |
Acoustic Operating Principle: Electrodynamic pressure
gradient with active electronics
Polar Pattern: Crossed figure-8’s
Generating Element: 1.8-micron aluminum ribbon
Frequency Response: 40-15,000 Hz ± 2dB
Sensitivity: -38 dB (re. 1v/pa ±1dB)
Self-Noise: < 18 dB
Output Impedance: 200 Ohms
Rated Load Impedance: 1K-Ohm
Maximum SPL: >130dB
Output Connector: Male XLR 5 pin (stereo*)
Power Requirements: 48-Volt Phantom Only
Supply Current: 4 mA per channel
Dimensions: 270mm X 39mm (base) X 25mm (top) (10
5/8” X 1.5” X 1”)
Weight: 583 grams (20.5 oz)
Finish: Optical Black, 18K Gold (optional)
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| Polar Pattern |

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| Frequency Response |

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| Warranty |
Lifetime to original owner (repair or replace at
Royer's option)
Ribbon Element Warranty: One Year
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List
Price: $4,495.00
Patent Pending |
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