Royer Labs Ships SF-24 Stereo Ribbon Microphone
 August 6, 2004
Royer Labs is now shipping its new SF-24 Phantom Powered Stereo Ribbon Microphone. Designed as a premium instrument mic for stereo and distance miking applications, the SF-24 provides extremely natural, uncolored recordings of choirs, pianos, harp, stringed instruments, and is particularly well-suited to miking large ensembles such as an orchestra or the various sections within--including brass and woodwinds, according to the company. The SF-24 is also suitable as a single-point stereo overhead drum and percussion mic.
The SF-24 represents a significant improvement for many ambient and critical applications over the company's SF-12, due to the inclusion of Royer's exclusive active electronics system for ribbon microphones. Featuring two fully balanced, discrete head amplifier systems utilizing ultra-low noise FET's, each delivering an output sensitivity rating of -38 dB, the SF-24's sensitivity is on par with that of phantom powered condenser microphones--facilitating use with any preamplifier with average gain characteristics. The impedance matching circuitry provides optimum impedance to the ribbon elements, preventing overdamping of the elements and assuring consistent performance. This capability translates to ultra-quiet operation with self-noise lower than 18 dB, making the SF-24 ideal for recording quiet sound sources with enough gain to drive any recording medium.
Housed in an ingot iron case that forms part of the magnetic return circuit, the SF-24 consists of 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 pure aluminum ribbons produce superb transient response. The SF-24's cable incorporates a Y adapter that splits into separate 3-pin male XLR connectors labeled "Upper" and "Lower" for the instrument's upper and lower capsules. The SF-24's package also includes a shock mount, a mic sock, and an elegant protective case.
MSRP: $3,795.00 For more information, visit their web site at www.royerlabs.com. |
