Royer Labs SF-24V - Manual (Page 6)

lifting the Pin-1 connection from either connector (preferably done at the input amplifier or
patch bay) will usually cure the problem.
3. Be certain that the input channel fader or volume control is set to minimum before plugging
in any microphone. Preamplifier gain trim should be set to minimum. Plug the microphone in
and activate the power switch. The microphone’s electronics will stabilize in a few minutes
but it may take up to ten minutes for optimum noise performance to be fully realized.
4. When the microphone becomes operational, bring the two channel faders to 0-dB (unity) and
use the preamplifier trims to set the desired level. This technique maximizes the signal-to-
noise performance of the preamplifier or console input channel.
5. When disconnecting the microphone, bring the channel faders down then turn off the power
supply and unplug the microphone cable ends.
Operation
There are a few important facts that are key to understanding how to use ribbon microphones
intelligently.
1. With ribbon microphones, rejection in the “dead” areas is very strong. Due to this
directionality, ribbon mics should be placed at 1.3 times the distance normally used with
omni-directional microphones, or at approximately 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-24V is a powered microphone and must be connected to its power
supply to operate.
4. Never attempt to “test” the SF-24V (or any ribbon microphone) with an ohmmeter. Damage
to the electronics could occur. Always provide adequate protection for your SF-24V (or any
ribbon microphone). If the microphone is to remain set up on a stand when not in use, place a
“mic sock” (provided) over it until it is to be used. As even light wind can stretch the
SF-24V’s delicate ribbon elements, do not carry the microphone around without placing a
mic sock over it. Failure to follow this commonsense practice may yield a stretched ribbon
and compromised performance!
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