Mic Archive
Royer SF-2
Photo: Royer Labs, from its spec sheet, p. 1.

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.

Type
Ribbon
Pattern
Figure-8
Sensitivity
−38 dBV/Pa
Self-noise
20 dB(A) computed
Max SPL
130 dB SPL
Impedance
300 Ω
Rated range
30 – 15k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the spec sheet, p. 2. 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

Polar pattern: from the spec sheet, p. 2. 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.

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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-noise20 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 impedance300 ohm, less than (cut sheet); at 1 kHz (manual). "< 300 Ohms"; the manual: "300 Ohms @ 1kKz".
Rated load impedance1000 ohm, rated, more than; also 1500 ohm, manual: "> 1500 Ohms". "> 1K-Ohm".
Rated frequency range30 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".
Poweringphantom 48 V only. "48-Volt Phantom Only".
Current draw4 mA. "4 mA."
ConnectorXLR-3 male (pin 2 hot)
Weight465 g; also 448, manual. "16.4 OZ. (465 grams)"; the manual: "448 grams (15.8 oz.)".
Dimensions203 × 39 × 25 mm. Length × 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.
Finishmatte 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 accessoriesSling-Shock shock mount; protective microphone case; mic sock; carrying case. Optional: wind screen, pop filter.
MagnetsRare earth neodymium
Matched pairsAvailable at extra charge
WarrantyLifetime to the original owner; first re-ribbon free within the first year
From the manual
Capsule1.8 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 SPL130 dB SPL, at 50 Hz. "Maximum SPL: > 130 dB SPL"; page 3: "130 dB @ 50 Hz". Not on the cut sheet.p. 16
PolarityIn phase when addressed from the front (the "ROYER" logo side)p. 4
Use (Royer)Not for close miking kick drums, guitar or bass amplifiers; Royer R-series mics suit thosep. 12

Documents

Copies kept by Mic Archive, because manufacturers move and drop their documents. Each is © Royer Labs, unchanged, with its original address.

Product page on royerlabs.comRecording Hacks

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