Royer Labs Model SF-12 Stereo Ribbon Velocity Microphone Operation Instructions Manual & User Guide Made in U.S.A.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Model SF-12 Ribbon Microphone Revised 2009 Introduction 3 Description 3 User Guide 4 Using the SF-12 Ribbon Microphone 4 Operation 4 Amplification Considerations 4 Stereo Microphones and Ground Loops 6 Equalization and Ribbon Microphones 6 Hum, Noise and Mic Orientation 7 Microphone Techniques 8 General Tips for Using the Royer SF-12 8 Specialized Stereo Recording Techniques 10 Classic Blumlein Technique 10 Mid-Side (M-S) Technique 11 Care and Maintenance 12 C
Introduction Congratulations on your purchase of a Royer Labs model SF-12 ribbon microphone. The SF-12 is a handcrafted, precision instrument capable of delivering superior sound quality and overall high performance. This operator’s manual describes the SF-12, its function and method of use. It also describes the care and maintenance required to ensure proper operation and long service life.
User Guide Using the SF-12 Ribbon Microphone Operation The SF-12 is a versatile device capable of accurate sound reproduction. There are a few important facts about ribbon microphones that are key in understanding how to use them intelligently. 1. The SF-12 is a side-address, bi-directional microphone and the rejection in the ‘dead’ areas is very strong. Due to this directionality, ribbon microphones should be placed at 1.
performance can we expect from the preamplifiers built into our mixing desks? While most preamplifiers will handle ribbon microphones well in most recording situations, some preamps that work perfectly well with condenser or dynamic mics may prove to be poor performers with ribbons. To begin with, we must understand the fundamental differences between ribbon microphones and other popular types, namely condenser and moving coil dynamics.
4. Transparency: A good preamp should sound natural with no edginess. Tube preamps sound warm, yet wonderfully transparent. Transformer coupled preamps sound punchy. When recording with condenser or dynamic microphones, engineers often choose mic preamps that help warm up the mic, but warming up the signal does not need to be a consideration with ribbon mics because they are by nature warm and realistic sounding.
The reason that ribbon mics take EQ so well is their inherent low self-noise, unusually smooth frequency response characteristics and freedom from off-axis coloration. Dialing in high amounts of equalization on condenser or dynamic microphones also means dialing in extra amounts of the microphone’s distortion products and self noise; garbage that contributes to an unnatural, unpleasant sound.
Microphone Techniques General Tips for Using the Royer SF-12 The following are good basic starting places for recording with the SF-12. These positions are known to produce good results, but experimentation is the key to getting the most out of your recordings! Photographs of many of the following techniques can be found on our website, www.royerlabs.com It is important to remember that the SF-12’s ribbon elements can be damaged by wind.
the rest of the kit. Many times an overhead SF-12 is all that is needed for tom-toms and cymbals. For a single point stereo room mic, position the SF-12 vertically at four to eight feet in front of the kit. Compress to taste for either a very natural drum sound (light compression) or large rock drum sound (heavy compression). For jazz recordings, EQ is generally not required. For more aggressive drum tracks where cymbals need to sizzle, you can brighten them by adding a few dB of 10K to 12K.
Percussion The SF-12 records percussion instruments naturally, without upper frequency hype or low-end boominess. Congas, bongos and the like can be recorded with left/right stereo effect by positioning the mic within a few feet of the instruments. Shakers, bells, triangles and other instruments that are often problematic in the upper frequencies will record naturally and nonabrasively.
time. This means that the two channels can be summed to mono with no comb filter effects, and room reverberation (undesirable in mono) is cancelled to a surprising degree. For the sake of clarity, engineers commonly refer to similar stereo miking with cardioid mics as “X-Y.” When figure-8’s are used, it is more commonly referred to as “Blumlein” recording.
Figure 3 Care and Maintenance The SF-12 is a solidly built, precision instrument. All that is required to ensure proper operation of this microphone is to follow some commonsense rules. 1. To avoid transducer damage, do not expose the microphone to severe shock or vibration. If the microphone is accidentally dropped, test it to see if damage has occurred before returning it to service. Low output or a dull sound would indicate a stretched ribbon. 2.
Caution: Do not check the SF-12 with an ohmmeter or continuity tester, and do not connect the unit to an input device designed to power a capacitor microphone. Strong winds and mechanical shocks should be avoided. Care for the Optical Black Finish The SF-12's optical black finish is a sophisticated surface treatment designed to refract light rather than reflect it. This makes the microphone appear less conspicuous, especially when used with high intensity lighting or within a camera shot.
Specifications Acoustic Operating Principle: Electrodynamic pressure gradient Polar Pattern: Symmetrical Figure-8 Generating Element: Two 1.8 micron aluminum ribbons Frequency Response: 30Hz - 15000Hz ±3dB Sensitivity: > -52dBv Re.1v/pa Output Impedance: 300 Ohms @ 1 kHz Recommended Load Impedance: > 1500 Ohms Maximum SPL: > 130dB Output Connector: male XLR 5 pin (stereo) Dimensions: 206mm L x 25mm W (8” L x 1” W) Weight: 369 grams (13 oz.
Wiring Diagram Polar Pattern Frequency Response 15
Warranty PLEASE RETAIN YOUR ORIGINAL BILL OF SALE AS YOU WILL NEED TO PRESENT IT SHOULD YOU REQUIRE SERVICE UNDER THIS WARRANTY. TO VALIDATE THIS WARRANTY, THE REGISTRATION CARD AND A PHOTOCOPY OF THE SALES RECEIPT FROM AN AUTHORIZED ROYER DEALER MUST BE ON FILE WITH ROYER LABS. Royer Labs hereby warrants all Royer SF-series microphones with the following terms and conditions.
