Royer Labs SF-2 - Manual (Page 15)

Care and Maintenance
1. The SF-2 is a solidly built, precision instrument. Keep the following commonsense rules in
mind when using and/or storing it and it will last a lifetime.
2. Do not expose the microphone to severe shock or vibration, which could stretch the ribbon
element. If the microphone is accidentally dropped, test it to see if it was damaged before
returning it to service. Low output or a dull sound would indicate a stretched ribbon.
3. Do not expose the microphone to direct blasts of air or strong air currents. Use a windscreen
or suitable blast filter when close miking vocalists or certain types of wind instruments. P-
popping does not necessarily damage the ribbon element, but it may produce unacceptable
preamplifier overload or cause damage to speaker systems.
4. Do not expose the microphone to liquids or caustic smoke.
5. Use a soft cloth to clean the microphone body. A small amount of denatured alcohol can be
used to remove fingerprints and other stains.
6. Keep metal filings away from the microphone at all times. The SF-2’s powerful magnets can
attract minute ferrous particles into the ribbon transducer. If these particles reach the ribbon
element, the microphone will generate a scraping sound and a re-ribbon will be required.
7. When not in use, store the microphone in its protective wooden case. If the microphone is to
remain set up on a mic stand between sessions, cover it with its mic sock (provided with your
SF-2). Due to Royer’s patented direct-corrugation method, the microphone can be stored
horizontally without damaging the ribbon element.
8. Leave disassembly of the microphone to a trained technician. There are no user-serviceable
parts inside.
Caution!
Keep recorded tapes, spring-wound watches and personal credit cards using magnetic coding
away from the microphone to prevent possible damage to these items by the transducer’s strong
magnets.
Care for the Optical Black Finish
The SF-2'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 shoot. The finish requires occasional maintenance to
retain a smooth, even appearance and to maintain its unique optical qualities.
The SF-2's body is comprised of a low-carbon steel alloy. Its finish consists of black chrome
deposited over a nickel substrate, creating a finish that minimizes the reflective nature of the
metal surface. A small amount of oil has been worked into the finish at the factory to protect it.
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