Royer Labs
Royer SF-2
Active ribbon mic, figure-8, phantom powered; a compact mono ribbon with condenser-like output
Approximate Some readings for this mic are uncertain; see the graphs.
Power Phantom 48 V only.
- Type
- Ribbon
- Pattern
- Figure-8
- Sensitivity
- −38 dBV/Pa
- Among 311 mics: more output than 62%
- Self-noise
- 20 dB(A) computed
- Max SPL
- 130 dB SPL
- Among 343 mics: takes louder sound than 16%
- Rated range
- 30 – 15k Hz
- Released
- 2012
vs 28 ribbons
More output than 78% of 28 ribbons.
Each stripe is one ribbon with a published sensitivity, and each bar counts them; further right means more output. This mic is in blue.
vs 29 ribbons
Takes louder sound than 11% of 29 ribbons.
Each stripe is one ribbon with a published max SPL, and each bar counts them; further right means it takes louder sound. This mic is in blue.
Instruments sources recommend it for most
Proximity effect: the bass it gains up close
From the spec sheet, p. 2. Approximate
Titled "Frequency Response and Polar Pattern"; distance, room and smoothing not stated. The rated response is 30 - 15,000 Hz ±3 dB.
Approximate: reading error up to about 1 dB.
Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.
Polar pattern
From the spec sheet, p. 2. Approximate
Full circle, 0° up; values fold left and right halves. Measuring conditions not stated. The rear lobe (90° to 180°) is opposite in polarity (a figure-8; the manual says the in-phase side is the logo side).
Approximate: reading error up to about 3 dB; the graph's dB scale is not labelled and was assumed.
In practice
All specs
| From the spec sheet | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensitivity | −38 dBV/Pa±1 dB. "-38dB (re. 1v/pa ±1dB)"; the manual: "-38 dBv (Ref 1 Volt per Pascal)". | p. 2 |
| Self-noise | 20 dB(A)less than; weighting not stated. Not stated by the manufacturer: "Self Noise < 20 dB": no weighting given, taken as dB(A). Not in the manual. | |
| Output impedance | 300 ohmless than (cut sheet); at 1 kHz (manual). "< 300 Ohms"; the manual: "300 Ohms @ 1kKz". | |
| Rated load impedance | 1000 ohmrated, more than; also 1500 ohm, manual: "> 1500 Ohms". "> 1K-Ohm". | |
| Rated frequency range | 30 Hz to 15 kHz±3 dB; also [30, 15000], ±2 dB (manual). "30-15000 HZ ±3dB"; the manual: "30 Hz – 15,000 Hz +/- 2 db". | |
| Powering | phantom 48 V only"48-Volt Phantom Only". | |
| Current draw | 4 mA"4 mA." | |
| Connector | XLR-3 male (pin 2 hot) | |
| Weight | 465 galso 448, manual. "16.4 OZ. (465 grams)"; the manual: "448 grams (15.8 oz.)". | |
| Dimensions | 203 × 39 × 25 mmLength × width at the base × width at the top: "8" X 1.5" wide (base) X 1" wide (top) (203mm X 39mm X 25mm)". The manual says 142 mm long. | |
| Finish | matte black (optical black chrome over nickel)"Matte Black"; the manual (p. 15) describes the "optical black finish" as black chrome over a nickel substrate. | |
| Supplied accessories | Sling-Shock shock mount; protective microphone case; mic sock; carrying caseOptional: wind screen, pop filter. | |
| Magnets | Rare earth neodymium | |
| Matched pairs | Available at extra charge | |
| Warranty | Lifetime to the original owner; first re-ribbon free within the first year | |
| From the manual | ||
| Capsule | 1.8 micron aluminium ribbon, 32 mm long, under 1.6 mm wide; cross-field motor, four neodymium magnets"The extremely light mass, 1.8-micron ribbon element is 1.25” (32 mm) in length, <1/16” (1.6mm) wide, and housed in a classic two pole-piece, four-magnet ribbon transducer." | p. 3 |
| Max SPL | 130 dB SPLat 50 Hz. "Maximum SPL: > 130 dB SPL"; page 3: "130 dB @ 50 Hz". Not on the cut sheet. | p. 16 |
| Polarity | In phase when addressed from the front (the "ROYER" logo side) | p. 4 |
| UseRoyer | Not for close miking kick drums, guitar or bass amplifiers; Royer R-series mics suit those | p. 12 |
| From the Recording Hacks page | ||
| Released | 2012 | |
Documents
- ROYER SF-2 Active Ribbon-Velocity Studio Microphonecut sheet
- Model SF-2 Active Ribbon Velocity Microphone, Operation Instructions Manual & User Guide
- Royer Labs SF-2 | RecordingHacks.com
Copies kept by Mic Archive (manufacturers move and drop their documents). Each is © Royer Labs, unchanged, with its original address.
Recommended for
By recording guides, engineers and mic makers, for this mic or an earlier version of it.