Model SF-2 Ribbon Microphone Introduction Active Ribbon® Technology Description Ribbons in the Digital World User’s Guide Using the SF-2 Active Ribbon® Microphone Operation Using the RSM-24 Shock Mount Accessory Description Amplification Considerations Equalization and Ribbon Microphones Hum, Noise & Mic Orientation...
SPL handling (130 dB @ 50 Hz) without the use of a pad. It also gives the SF-2 an output level comparable to that of phantom powered condenser microphones, and its buffer stage provides a low impedance output and presents an optimum load to the ribbon element at all times.
R-series ribbon microphones were designed to withstand closer miking and higher SPL’s than the finer ribbon elements used in the SF-2. The SF-2 is rated to handle 130 dB SPL at 50 Hz, while the R-121 can handle levels greater than 135 dB SPL at 40 Hz.
Operation 1. The SF-2 is a side address, figure-8 (bi-directional) microphone and the rejection in the null points is very strong. The null points are the sides, top and bottom of the microphone. Engineers use the null points of figure-8 microphones to isolate instruments by positioning the mics in such a way that the null points face, and cancel, unwanted sounds.
Since the active electronics isolate the ribbon element from phantom power, a miswired cable should not cause damage to the ribbon. 5. Never attempt to “test” the SF-2 or any ribbon microphone with an ohmmeter. A blown ribbon could result.
130 dB SPL. In actuality, the SF-2’s ribbon would stretch before its electronics would overload. Due to the high output potential of the SF-2 on loud sound sources, it is recommended that the pad on the microphone preamplifier be engaged to prevent the possibility of overloading the preamplifier’s input stage electronics.
The SF-2 reduces induced hum in three ways. Because the essential gain is provided at the microphone, there is no need to push the preamplifier for excessive (hum producing) gain. Royer...
The Sweet Spot Finding and Working with the Sweet Spot The “sweet spot” is that perfect position where you put a microphone and the instrument you are recording snaps into focus. There are only general rules as to where the sweet spot may be found for any given microphone/instrument relationship, and usually experimentation reveals it.
Proximity Effect and Working Distance The Sound That is “More Real than Real” Ribbon microphones have long been renowned for a rich bass response. This effect is largely due to the fact that most ribbon microphones have excellent bass response, and at the same time exhibit substantial proximity effect (an increasing amount of bass response as the microphone is moved closer to the sound source) As illustrated in the following graph, a typical bi-directional ribbon microphone will have a flat...
For capturing a piano in stereo, place the SF-2’s apart, one over the bass strings and the other over the high strings. The farther the mics are from each other, the wider the stereo spread. For a more direct stereo effect, the microphones may be placed in an X-Y pattern a couple of feet from the center of the soundboard.
For a drum set, placing the microphone(s) at a distance of three to five feet above the kit works very well. The SF-2 is not recommended for use as a kick drum mic or close miking individual drums, toms, etc.
Stereophonic Microphone Technique Classic Blumlein Technique For many years, several “coincident” microphone setups have been widely used for picking up sounds in stereo as naturally as possible. The “Blumlein” technique, named for A.D. Blumlein of England, involves the use of two figure-eight microphones positioned as in the sketch (see Figure 1);...
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SIDE Figure 2 Typical M-S miking technique If the outputs of the mid and side microphones are recorded on separate tracks, the electrical connections shown in Figure 3 can be made at the mixer outputs and the adjustment of the stereo separation can be done during mixdown rather than during the actual recording.
5. Use a soft cloth to clean the microphone body. A small amount of denatured alcohol can be used to remove fingerprints and other stains. 6. Keep metal filings away from the microphone at all times. The SF-2’s powerful magnets can attract minute ferrous particles into the ribbon transducer. If these particles reach the ribbon element, the microphone will generate a scraping sound and a re-ribbon will be required.
Be very careful whenever working around the transducers to avoid contamination of the ribbon elements. Following this simple procedure will protect the finish and renew it to its original luster. Features and Specifications SF-2 Features: • Smooth, wide frequency response •...
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Supply Current: 4 mA High grade neodymium magnet assembly Stainless steel internal baffle and dampener Weight: 448 grams (15.8 oz.) Dimensions: 142 mm x 39mm (base) x 25mm (top) Finish: Matte Black Accessories: Protective presentation case, mic sock, Shock-mount, documentation. Deluxe packaging is available. Microphone Warranty: Lifetime to original owner (repair or replace at Royer’s option).
1 year Parts and Labor SCOPE OF WARRANTY: From the date of original purchase and for the respective periods specified above, Royer Labs agrees to repair, at its sole expense, all Royer Labs products which are defective in material and workmanship.
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