ROYER SF-12
Unparalleled Stereo Coincident Ribbon Microphone
The Royer SF-12 is a stereo coincident ribbon microphone that seamlessly blends high-quality audio performance with exceptional stereo separation and imaging. This modern ribbon design eliminates audible diffraction effects and cavity resonance, delivering a pristine audio experience. The SF-12 essentially comprises two matched ribbon microphones strategically positioned in a Blumlein configuration, providing optimal stereo performance. Each ribbon is aimed 45 degrees from the center, ensuring outstanding frequency response and negligible off-axis coloration.
The Royer SF-12 stands as a versatile and powerful tool for stereo and mono recording applications, delivering exceptional audio quality and flexibility.
Key Features:
- Stereo Coincident Design: The SF-12 features two matched ribbon microphones arranged in a Blumlein configuration, capturing stereo audio with remarkable separation and imaging.
- No Diffraction Effects: The modern ribbon design eliminates audible diffraction effects and cavity resonance, contributing to the microphone's transparent and natural sound reproduction.
- Dual 1.8-Micron Ribbons: The SF-12 incorporates two 1.8-micron ribbons, each weighing approximately 1/3 milligram. These ribbons offer superb transient response, ensuring accurate capture of audio nuances.
- Magnet/Pole Piece Structures: The ribbon transducers employ magnet/pole piece structures, producing a wide, uniform frequency response without substantial peaks or dips.
- Ingot Iron Case: The microphone's case is crafted from ingot iron, forming part of the magnetic return circuit. This design minimizes leakage flux and enhances sensitivity within a compact package.
- Y Adapter with Separate XLR Connectors: The SF-12 comes with an extension cable featuring 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.
- True stereophonic (Blumlein and M-S) recording from one microphone.
- High SPL capabilities.
- No internal active electronics to overload or produce distortion up to maximum SPL rating.
- Extremely low residual noise.
- Ribbon element 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
Recording Applications:
- Natural Stereo Recordings: The SF-12 excels in creating "you-are-there" stereo recordings, faithfully capturing the instrument and the acoustic environment. Ideal for orchestras and ensembles.
- Drum Overheads: Perfect for drum overheads, the SF-12 delivers powerful and dynamic drum tracks with exceptional stereo imaging and realism.
- Jazz and Rock Recordings: In jazz settings, capturing the kit flat provides natural cymbals, tom-toms, and snares. For rock and pop, the SF-12 allows flexibility for EQ adjustments without introducing unpleasant distortion.
- Drum Overheads
- Percussion Instruments
- Brass and Woodwinds
- Horn Sections
- Acoustic Piano
- Harp
- Choirs
- Solo Strings
- String Sections
- Orchestra
- Acoustic & Electric Guitars
- Background Vocals
- Ambiance
Recording in Mono:
- Phase Compatibility: The SF-12 exhibits excellent phase compatibility between its two sides, enabling the combination of channels for mono recording without introducing phase artifacts. (Stereo to Mono)
- Mono Recording: Either side of the SF-12 can be used individually for mono recording, providing versatility in capturing a wide sound field.
