ROYER SF-2
Unleashing Sonic Excellence
The SF-2, a phantom-powered rendition of the original SF-1 ribbon microphone, stands as a testament to Royer's commitment to superior audio performance. Crafted primarily for classical applications and acoustic instruments, the SF-2 integrates high-quality audio capabilities with exclusive active electronics tailored for ribbon microphones.
SF-2 in Action
Twenty SF-2 prototypes underwent extensive testing in major studios and scoring stages before their official release. The microphone garnered acclaim in classical circles, excelling in capturing the nuances of choir, piano, woodwinds, strings, and a myriad of acoustic instruments. Its versatility also made it well-received in studios focusing on singer/songwriters and diverse acoustic applications. The SF-2 stands as a testament to Royer's dedication to delivering top-tier audio solutions.
Key Features
- Phantom-Powered Brilliance:
- The SF-2 utilizes phantom power to deliver an impressive sensitivity of -38 dB, equivalent to phantom-powered condenser microphones. This enables compatibility with a diverse range of mic preamps, irrespective of gain characteristics.
- Ultra-Quiet Operation:
- Custom-designed FETs and unique electronics contribute to the SF-2's ultra-quiet operation, boasting self-noise lower than 18 dB. This ensures pristine audio capture, particularly for quieter sound sources.
- Magnet/Pole Piece Transducer:
- The SF-2 employs a magnet/pole piece transducer structure that produces a wide, uniform frequency response with minimal peaks or dips. The 1.8-micron ribbon element enhances transient response, providing exceptional sonic clarity.
- Uniform Frequency Response:
- Regardless of the sound angle striking the ribbon, the SF-2 maintains an excellent frequency response, with negligible off-axis coloration.
- Gain Sensitivity:
- The SF-2's sensitivity matches that of phantom-powered condenser mics, eliminating the need for high-gain preamps. The fully balanced, discrete head amplifier system, coupled with a specially wound toroidal transformer and ultra-low noise FETs, achieves a sensitivity of -38 dB.
- Free Gain:
- The SF-2's electronics introduce no additional self-noise. The microphone's higher output is derived from a large, specially wound toroidal transformer, adding 14 dB of 'free gain' without contributing noise.
- Impedance Matching:
- The SF-2 maintains a perfect load on the ribbon element at all times, ensuring 100% sonic potential without compromise. This eliminates the risk of impedance mismatching and allows the microphone to perform consistently across various preamps.
- Phantom Power Protection:
- The ribbon element remains safeguarded from phantom power, electrical glitches, and mis-wired cables.
- Phantom powered circuitry provides high output and impedance matching
- High SPL capabilities (130 dB @ 70 Hz)
- No 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 and back of microphone
- Consistent frequency response regardless of distance
- High efficiency toroidal transformer and gold plated output connector
- Very low magnetic leakage
- Matte Black finish reduces reflected light for live and on-camera use
Applications
- Choir
- Woodwinds, flute and other reed instruments
- Violin, cello and other stringed instruments
- Brass, string and woodwind sections
- Piano
- Harp
- Orchestra
- Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin, Banjo
- Percussion Instruments
- Vocals
- Drum Overheads
- Ambiance
