Royer SF-12 Stereo Blumlein Ribbon Microphone

The SF-12 stereo coincident ribbon microphone combines high quality audio performance with outstanding stereo separation and imaging. It is a modern ribbon design with no audible diffraction effects or cavity resonance. An SF-12 is actually two matched ribbon microphones placed one above the other; each aimed 45 degrees from center in the classic Blumlein configuration. The frequency response is excellent regardless of the angle of sound striking the ribbons and off-axis coloration is negligible. The SF-12 utilizes two 1.8-micron ribbons, each weighing approximately 1/3 milligram and producing superb transient response. The two ribbon transducers are magnet/pole piece structures that produce a wide, uniform frequency response with no substantial peaks or dips. The case is ingot iron and forms part of the magnetic return circuit, an effective system with low leakage flux which accounts for the relatively high sensitivity in a trim package. The SF-12'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).

• 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.

The SF-12 stereo coincident ribbon microphone combines high quality audio performance with outstanding stereo separation and imaging. It is a modern ribbon design with no audible diffraction effects or cavity resonance. An SF-12 is actually two matched ribbon microphones placed one above the other; each aimed 45 degrees from center in the classic Blumlein configuration.

The SF-12 utilizes two 1.8-micron ribbons, each weighing approximately 1/3 milligram and producing superb transient response. The two ribbon transducers are magnet/pole piece structures that produce a wide, uniform frequency response with no substantial peaks or dips. The case is ingot iron and forms part of the magnetic return circuit, an effective system with low leakage flux which accounts for the relatively high sensitivity in a trim package.

Recording with the SF-12 : The SF-12 is uncanny for creating "...you-are-there' stereo recordings that capture not only the instrument being recorded, but, depending on positioning, the acoustic environment as well. The SF-12 is an excellent choice for drum overheads, where its stereo imaging and realism help to create powerful, dynamic drum tracks. In a jazz setting, recording the kit flat provides extremely natural sounding cymbals, tom-toms and snares.

Recording in Mono : Phase compatibility between the two sides of the SF-12 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.