Royer SF-24V Stereo Tube Ribbon Microphone

A matched pair in one mic

The SF-24 is actually two matched ribbon microphones placed one above the other, each aimed 45 degrees from center in a coincident-pair configuration that provides true stereophonic Blumlein and mid-side (M-S) recording from one microphone. The magnet/polepiece structure of each ribbon transducer facilitates a broad, uniform frequency range, while the two 1.8-micron ribbons deliver outstanding transient response. Frequency response is excellent regardless of the angle of sound hitting the ribbons, and off-axis coloration is imperceptible. The SF-24's included external power supply has a 7‑pin XLR jack for the supplied mic cable, plus two 3‑pin XLRs for the outputs.

High output and drive efficiency

The SF-24V delivers the robust output and drive efficiency only vacuum tube head amplifiers can provide. Low-noise, triode-connected military-spec 5840 vacuum tubes comprise the SF-24V's dual head amplifiers, which do not exhibit typical vacuum tube coloration. Designed for a wide range of applications, the SF-24V's independent tube circuits provide an output level of -38dB, ideal for use with any pro preamp. And with self-noise of less than 18dB, the SF-24V's ultra-quiet operation is a perfect choice for the most demanding audiophile recording applications.

Easily drives longer cable runs

The SF-24V's triode-configured cathode follower circuitry permits the microphone to drive long cable runs without sonic degradation or loss of high frequencies. This capability is further enhanced by the SF-24V's included dedicated external power supply, which provides sufficient current to the tube electronics. Induced noise is virtually eliminated by the microphone's fully balanced outputs, which are electrically isolated with special purpose Jensen output transformers.

Use with any preamp

The SF-24V delivers significantly higher output than passive ribbon microphones, and its impedance-matching circuitry places an optimal load on the ribbon element at all times. This gives you a broad choice of mic preamps to use without concerning yourself with insufficient gain and impedance mismatches — two critical issues typical with ribbon microphones. In addition, the microphone's electronics protect the ribbon elements from the possibility of damage due to phantom power, electrical spikes, or faulty cable wiring. Note that the SF-24V's higher sensitivity comes with no additional self-noise. The tube system operates below unity gain, adding no noise of its own; all of the mic's elevated level comes from its beefy, custom-wound toroidal transformers.

Ideal for stereo capture of acoustic sources

The SF-24V sounds stunning on virtually all acoustic instruments and voices. It's perfect on large orchestras, chamber ensembles, choirs, small vocal groups, piano, drum overheads, a wide range of percussion instruments, and more. It also makes an amazing stereo room mic, capturing an uncanny sense of you-are-there realism highlighted by the acoustical space in which the recording was made.

Mono compatibility with no phase artifacts

The SF-24V features excellent phase compatibility between left and right, which allows you to combine the two channels in mono with no 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. Each side of the SF-24V can also be used as an independent mono microphone.

Royer SF-24V Vacuum Tube Stereo Ribbon Microphone Features:

• Vacuum tube circuitry provides high output and impedance matching
• Low-noise, triode-connected military-spec 5840 vacuum tubes
• True stereophonic (Blumlein and M-S) recording from one coincident microphone
• High SPL capabilities
• No distortion up to maximum SPL rating
• Extremely low residual noise
• Ribbon elements are not affected by heat or humidity
• No high-frequency phase distortion
• Equal sensitivity from front or rear of elements
• Consistent frequency response regardless of distance
• Matching high-efficiency toroidal transformers
• Very low magnetic leakage
• Includes external power supply and 7-pin cable