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Average Price: $2,816
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$499
$1500+
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Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Royer SF-12". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Discover the Royer SF-12, a ribbon microphone that transcends the ordinary to capture sound with impeccable detail and natural warmth. Its design is a nod to the discerning audiophile and the professional seeking authentic, phase-coherent stereo recordings. The SF-12 stands out in the world of studio recording gear, offering an unparalleled listening experience that brings the subtleties of live performances into sharp relief. Whether you're miking drum overheads, mallet percussion, or the dynamic layers of a choir, the SF-12 delivers a sonic fidelity that feels like you're standing in the room with the performers. This isn't just another microphone; it's a gateway to capturing the true essence of music.
Key Features:
- True phase-coherent stereo recording with crossed figure-of-eight ribbons
- Ultra-thin ribbon elements for fast, detailed sound capture
- Ideal for drum overheads, mallet percussion, choirs, and orchestras
- Captures natural, lifelike audio without artificial enhancements
Product specs
| Microphone Type | Ribbon |
| Ribbon Type | 1.8-micron Aluminum |
| Mono/Stereo | Crossed Figure-8 |
| Polar Pattern | Dual Figure 8, Bluemlein, M-S |
| Frequency Response | 30Hz-15kHz |
| Max SPL | 130dB |
| Output Impedance | 300 ohms |
| Connector | 5-Pin XLR |
| Dimensions | 8" x 1" |
| Weight | 0.81 lbs. |
FAQs
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What recording techniques can the Royer SF-12 Stereo Ribbon Microphone be used for?
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The Royer SF-12 is ideal for true stereophonic recording, supporting Blumlein and M-S techniques, allowing for detailed stereo imaging from a single microphone.
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How does the Royer SF-12 handle high sound pressure levels?
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The SF-12 is designed to handle high SPLs up to 130dB without internal distortion, making it suitable for loud sources like drums and amplified instruments.
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What is the frequency response range of the Royer SF-12?
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The Royer SF-12 has a frequency response range of 30Hz to 15kHz, providing a flat and natural sound suitable for various recording applications.
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What type of polar pattern does the Royer SF-12 feature?
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The Royer SF-12 features dual figure-8 polar patterns, making it versatile for capturing sound from both the front and back of the microphone.
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Is the Royer SF-12 affected by environmental conditions like heat or humidity?
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The ribbon element of the SF-12 is not affected by heat or humidity, ensuring consistent performance in various recording environments.
Videos
Creative Sound Lab
Critical Comparison - R88 vs. SF-12 - Stereo Passive Ribbons - Drum Overheads, Vocal, Acoustic
Reviews
PROS
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Outstanding build quality with heavy metal casing for protection
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Slim, unobtrusive design with a beautiful matte finish
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Features two figure-eight ribbon elements for mono or Blumlein Stereo Array
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Produces clear, astoundingly accurate, and detailed stereo images
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Smooth, velvety character that tames harsh overtones and maintains robust mids
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Versatile, excellent for a wide range of instruments including drums, guitars, and vocals
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Requires minimal to no EQ for a pleasing sound
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Comes with a velvet storage sock for protection
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Excellent customer support and warranty from Royer Labs
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Pairs well with high-quality preamps for best sound
CONS
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Delicate ribbon elements require careful handling
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Significant gain needed, necessitating high-quality preamps
Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
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At the 17:55 mark of the YouTube video titled "Twenty One Pilots' Drummer, Josh Dun’s Epic Home Studio Tour" by Sweetwater, the Royer SF-12 microphone can be seen in Josh Dun's home studio.
Used as a room mic for some of Only by the Night, particularly on "Sex on Fire", as stated by producer Jacques King in this December 2008 Sound on Sound interview.
"The microphones on the drums changed a lot from song to song. On the kick it could be a Beta 52, sometimes it was an RE20, or a [Sennheiser] 421, or a [Neumann] FET 47, or an NS10 [i.e. the driver from a Yamaha NS10 monitor used as a mic], or a combination. It depends on what I was trying to achieve. The mics were usually in front of the kick, or just barely inside. On one song, 'Crawl', I did put a U87 on the batter side of the kick, next to the pedal, which gives a very attack-orientated sound, with a Led Zeppelin-ish quality. On 'Sex On Fire' I used the 52, FET 47 and NS10 on the kick. I had all the kick mics on a Neve BCM10 sidecar and I'd submix them and run them through a GML EQ and then to one track on the tape. I didn't want to keep them separate. It was a matter of get the sound, make the decision, and move on.
"The snare was recorded in similar fashion to the kick. I had the option of various mics that all went through a BCM10 and were submixed, through a GML 580 EQ, then a [Empirical Labs] Distressor, just to give it some control and make sure the snare hit the tape at the right level. On the track sheet a transformerless Shure SM57 is indicated. It was something I read about a couple of years ago, and it's a really good thing. It gives a nicer, more transparent, usable sound that requires less EQ. You lose a bit of level, but typically the things that you record with a 57 are so loud anyway that it doesn't matter. So I asked the people at Blackbird to take the transformer out of one of their 57s and they were gracious enough to do this. After recording I also ran the snare and kick through an Eventide DSP4000 on a Big Muff setting, and recorded that in Pro Tools during the transfer to the computer.
"The toms were recorded with three Josephson E22S mics, which are a modern type, and they're fantastic on the toms. There were a rack of toms plus two floor toms, and I also submixed the tom mics via a BCM10 to a stereo pair, panning the toms as was appropriate for the track. The overheads were recorded with a Telefunken Elam 251 going through a Neve 1081 preamp/EQ, then an Urei 1176, and then to tape. The ride cymbal and the hi-hat were recorded with RCA77 ribbon mics, the ones that David Letterman used to have on his show. When I use a mono overhead, as I did in this case, I like using ribbons, for a good stereo spread between ride and cymbal.
"I had half a dozen mics up for the room sound: a Neumann U67, M49, AKG C12, RCA 44, and/or a Royer SF12 in the echo chamber. I'd leave the door to the echo chamber open so the sound of the drums was happening in there as well, and I'd move the room mics around to get the sound that I wanted for a particular song. I would then bus different combinations to the two room tracks, depending on the song. In the case of 'Sex On Fire' I used a U67 and an RCA 44 for Room 1, and an RCA4 4 and an SF12 for Room 2. Some of these mics went through Neve preamps, some through an old RCA tube mic that Blackbird customised. The combination of room mics was bussed through a Fairchild 670."
Album Usage
The Royer SF-12 has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Royer SF-12, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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