Royer Labs SF-12 - Manual (Page 4)

User Guide
Using the SF-12 Ribbon Microphone
Operation
The SF-12 is a versatile device capable of accurate sound reproduction. There are a few
important facts about ribbon microphones that are key in understanding how to use them
intelligently.
1. The SF-12 is a side-address, bi-directional microphone and the rejection in the ‘dead’ areas is
very strong. Due to this directionality, ribbon microphones should be placed at 1.3 times the
distance normally used with omni-directional microphones, or about the same distance used
for cardioid microphones. This method is used to achieve the same ratio of direct to reflected
sound.
2. In the horizontal plane, ribbon microphones do not discriminate against the ‘highs’ off axis,
nor do they boost them on axis. Therefore, several instruments or vocalists can be placed in
front of the microphone without favoring the performer in the center of the group.
Several performers can be grouped at both the front and the back of the microphone, with
one proviso; since the outputs are out of phase at the front and back of the microphone,
cancellation can result if two tenors are placed on opposite sides at equal distances and are
singing in unison. Therefore, listen to the feed before committing to it.
3. The Royer model SF-12 requires no power supply and is safe to use on consoles with
phantom microphone powering, provided that the cabling is wired properly. It should be
noted that not all ribbon microphones are compatible with phantom-powering systems, so
check the manufacturer’s recommendations before using other ribbon microphones. Faulty
or improperly wired cables could also cause problems with your SF-12.
4. Never attempt to test the SF-12 or any ribbon microphone with an ohmmeter. A blown ribbon
could result.
5. Always provide adequate protection for your SF-12, or any ribbon microphone for that
matter. If the microphone is to remain set up on a stand when not in use, place the included
mic sock over it until it is to be used. Do not carry the microphone around without placing a
mic sock over it. Failure to follow this common-sense practice may yield a stretched ribbon
and compromised performance!
Amplification Considerations
The performance of a ribbon microphone is directly affected by the choice of microphone
preamplifier it is paired with. With so many mic preamps on the market, how do you select one
that gives the best possible performance with a ribbon microphone? Additionally, what kind of
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