SF-24SF-24 Stereo Active Ribbon Microphone

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).

Gain 
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 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.

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 mismatching loads a ribbon improperly, resulting in loss of low end, diminished body, lowered sensitivity, and 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.

Recording

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.

Recording in Mono 
Phase compatibility between the two sides of the SF-24 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-24 can also be used individually as a mono microphone.


ArtistMaterialEngineer, ProducerMicrophoneInstrumentGenreMedia
Andy GeorgesFull MixAndy GeorgesSF-24Acoustic Guitar, Baritone
Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Home Recording, Percussion
Rock, FolkAudio
ChlorineFull MixBruce SwedienSF-24Shaker, PercussionJazz, BrazilianAudio
Foghorn StringbandFull MixStephen SchauerSF-24Acoustic Guitar, Fiddle,
Mandolin, Upright Bass, Violin
BluegrassVideo
Keith Urban
LIVE
Full Mix and Isolated Ribbon
Tracks
Steve Law, Jason SpenceSF-24DrumsCountry, Country RockAudio, Photos
PoulencFull MixTony Faulkner, Jeremy HayesSF-24Piano, FluteClassicalAudio
Richard
Gallianno
Full MixUkrainian
Radio and Television Orchestra
SF-24Piano, AccordionJazzAudio, Photos
Holly ColeFull Mix and Isolated Ribbon
Tracks
George SearaSF-24, R-122Piano, Acoustic GuitarJazzAudio
The Wailin' JennysRibbons OnlySteve Barker, Peter CutlerSF-24, R-122Vocals, Bodhran, Acoustic
Guitars, Percussion
FolkAudio
Allen
Toussaint
Full Mix and Isolated Ribbon
Tracks
Kevin Killen, Joe HenrySF-24, R-122VPiano, Standup Bass, Upright
Bass
JazzAudio
Arturo
Sandoval
Full Mix, EducationalR-122, SF-24Trumpet, Piano, BrassJazzVideo
Malcolm
McNab
Full MixGary GrantR-122, SF-24Brass, French Horn, Trombone,
Trumpet
JazzAudio

Listen to more samples in the Audio/Video Library

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

Applications

  • Drum Overheads
  • Percussion Instruments
  • Brass and Woodwinds
  • Acoustic Piano
  • Harp
  • Choirs
  • Solo Strings
  • String Sections
  • Orchestra
  • Acoustic & Electric Guitars
  • Vocal Groups 
  • Ambiance
  • Stereo to Mono

Technical Data

  • 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)

Polar Pattern

polar pattern

Frequency Response

frequency response

Manual

SF-24 CD-R Manual 2015_Page_01

Cutsheet

SF-24 Cutsheet_Page_1

Pro Audio Review - The SF-24 by Dr. Frederick J. Bashour

Audio Media - The SF-24 by Dr. Frederick J. Bashour

Pro Audio Review - The R-122 by Russ Long