Royer Manual

Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of a Royer Labs model SF-2 active ribbon
®
microphone. The
SF-2 is a handcrafted, precision instrument capable of delivering superior sound quality and
exceptional performance. Combining sophisticated technological advancements with old-world
craftsmanship, the SF-2 incorporates a proprietary head amplification system which delivers
sensitivity comparable to that of modern condenser microphones. In addition, the electronic
circuitry isolates the ribbon element from impedance mismatches, phantom power, and other
conditions that can degrade microphone performance or damage the SF-2’s sensitive ribbon
element.
This operator’s manual describes the SF-2, its function and method of use. It also describes the
care and maintenance required to ensure proper operation and long service life. The users guide
section of this manual offers practical information that is designed to maximize the performance
capabilities of this microphone.
Royer Labs products are manufactured to the highest industrial standards using only the finest
materials obtainable. Your SF-2 went though extensive quality control checks before leaving the
factory. Normal care is all that is required to assure years of trouble-free service.
Please read this manual thoroughly in order to become familiar with the SF-2’s capabilities. It
will assist you in making the most of the microphone’s superior acoustic properties. This owner’s
manual is a handy reference guide and we suggest you refer to it whenever questions arise on the
use and care of your SF-2 ribbon microphone.
Active Ribbon Technology
The SF-2 is distinguished by its cross-field ribbon transducer and its proprietary electronic
system, consisting of a specially designed toroidal transformer and an electronic buffering stage.
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. This
ribbon system is able to respond to the most minute tonal nuances and transients beautifully, with
an extremely natural, uncolored output. The electronics system provides excellent frequency
response, extremely low noise and distortion, and moderately high 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. Non-powered ribbon
microphones suffer substantially degraded frequency response and lowered gain when paired to
preamps with too low an input impedance. With the SF-2’s active electronic system, variations in
the input impedance of the following preamp have virtually no effect on the microphone’s
frequency response and output.
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