SF-24

Like an SF-12, the SF-24 is actually two matched ribbon microphones placed one above the other in a coincident pair, each aimed 45 degrees from center in the classic Blumlein configuration. The magnet/pole piece structure of each ribbon transducer delivers a wide, uniform frequency response with no substantial peaks or dips, and the 1.8-micron ribbons produce superb transient response. Frequency response is excellent regardless of the angle of sound striking the ribbons and off-axis coloration is negligible.

The SF-24’s extension cable comes with a Y adapter that splits into separate 3-pin male XLR connectors labeled “Upper” and “Lower” for the upper and lower capsules of the microphone (when held vertically).

Gain

Our active ribbon mics (SF-24 and R-122 MKII) are as sensitive as phantom powered condenser microphones, allowing you to use virtually any mic preamplifier or board pre. Conventional ribbon microphones are 15 to 30 dB less sensitive than condenser mics, necessitating the use of high-quality, high-gain microphone preamplifiers when recording softer sound sources like acoustic instruments, vocals, and room ambiance. The SF-24 contains two fully balanced, discrete head amplifier systems utilizing specially wound toroidal transformers and ultra-low noise FETs, each delivering a sensitivity of -38 dB. This lets you mate an SF-24 to any preamplifier with average gain characteristics. Even with quiet sound sources, you’ll have enough level to drive any recording medium.

It is important to note that the SF-24’s higher sensitivity does not create additional self-noise. All of the SF-24’s increased level comes from its large, specially wound toroidal transformers: that wonderful thing called “free gain.” The level at each of the transformers is actually hotter than what comes out of the microphone. The phantom powered system operates at less than unity, adding no noise of its own.

Impedance matching

The electronics in the SF-24 provide a perfect load to the ribbon elements at all times, allowing the microphone to deliver 100% of its full sonic potential regardless of the input characteristics of the following mic pre. Due to its low-impedance output, SF-24s can also be used on extremely long cable runs with minimal signal loss.

A good impedance match is critical to ribbon microphones. Impedance mismatching loads a ribbon improperly, resulting in loss of low end, diminished body, lowered sensitivity, and overall compromised performance. With our Active Series ribbon mics, the ribbon element sees a perfect impedance at all times, regardless of the preamp you use, so its performance will never be compromised by the effects of improper loading. In addition, the ribbon element cannot be damaged by phantom power, electrical glitches, or miswired cables.

Recording

Like the SF-12, the SF-24 is uncanny for creating “you-are-there” stereo recordings that capture not only the instrument(s) being recorded but, depending on how the microphone is positioned, varying degrees of the acoustical space. In addition, the increased sensitivity and impedance matching circuitry allows for more consistent results in a variety of recording situations and with a wider selection of mic pres.

For mono recording, phase compatibility between the two sides of the SF-24 is excellent. This allows you to combine the two channels perfectly in mono without creating undesirable 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. Either side of the SF-24 can also be used individually as a mono microphone.

The SF-24 excels on classical piano, drum overheads, ensemble and orchestral recordings, a wide variety of percussion instruments, virtually all acoustic instruments, small vocal ensembles, large choirs, and more.