Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $2,166

High-end/Boutique

$499

$1500+

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Royer SF-2 Active Ribbon Microphone". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 30, 2026.

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Description

Meet the Royer SF-2 Active Ribbon Microphone, an elegant blend of vintage charm and modern innovation tailored for the discerning musician. Crafted with Royer's renowned expertise in ribbon microphone technology, this mic is a testament to durability and exceptional audio fidelity, making it an indispensable tool for studio and stage alike. It stands out with its active electronics, providing sensitivity comparable to that of condenser microphones, ensuring versatility across a range of audio equipment.

Engineered primarily for classical and acoustic applications, the SF-2 boasts a 1.8-micron ribbon element that captures sound with exquisite detail and a wide, uniform frequency response. Its unique magnet/pole piece transducer structure ensures that the nuances of your performance are captured without peaks or dips, offering a sound that's both rich and authentic. With a self-noise level of less than 18 dB, your recordings will remain pristine and clear.

The SF-2's impedance matching technology guarantees that its ribbon element is loaded perfectly, allowing it to perform at its full potential regardless of the preamp used. This active ribbon microphone is tailored to withstand the rigors of long cable runs without signal loss, making it ideal for professional setups. Packaged with a deluxe set of accessories including a shock mount and premium cable, the SF-2 is as much a joy to own as it is to use.

Key Features:

  • Active ribbon microphone design with condenser-like sensitivity
  • 1.8-micron ribbon element for outstanding transient response
  • Ultra-quiet operation with less than 18 dB self-noise
  • Wide frequency response with minimal off-axis coloration
  • Perfect impedance matching for optimal performance
  • Durable and suitable for high SPL environments
  • Includes deluxe packaging with premium accessories

Product specs

Brand Royer
Model SF-2 Active Ribbon Microphone
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Microphones
Electronics Analog, Solid State
Microphone Type Ribbon
Polar Pattern Bidirectional
Wired/Wireless Wired

FAQs

What is the primary application for the Royer SF-2 Active Ribbon Microphone?

The Royer SF-2 is ideal for studio recording, particularly for capturing the natural sound of acoustic instruments, orchestras, and vocals due to its smooth frequency response and high SPL capabilities.

How does the Royer SF-2 handle high sound pressure levels?

The SF-2 can handle up to 130 dB SPL at 70 Hz without distortion, making it suitable for close-miking loud sound sources like brass instruments and drums.

What is the polar pattern of the Royer SF-2 and how does it affect recording?

The SF-2 features a bidirectional polar pattern, capturing sound equally from the front and back while rejecting sound from the sides, which is excellent for stereo recording and minimizing room reflections.

Does the Royer SF-2 require phantom power?

Yes, the SF-2 is an active ribbon microphone that requires phantom power to operate its internal circuitry, which provides high output and impedance matching.

What are the benefits of the SF-2's toroidal transformer and gold plated output connector?

The high efficiency toroidal transformer and gold plated output connector ensure low magnetic leakage and optimal signal transfer, contributing to the microphone's pristine sound quality and reliability.

Royer Labs

Royer Labs

Rachel Barton Pine - Violin Recorded With Royer Labs SF-2 Ribbon Microphones

Video thumbnail for Rachel Barton Pine - Violin Recorded With Royer Labs SF-2 Ribbon Microphones by Royer Labs

Rachel Barton Pine - Violin Recorded With Royer Labs SF-2 Ribbon Microphones

Royer Labs

Royer Labs

Video thumbnail for Royer SF-2 Ribbon Microphone Overview by Sweetwater

Royer SF-2 Ribbon Microphone Overview

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Recording Unique Sounds w/Royer SF-2 Ribbon Mics by Guitar Player Magazine

Recording Unique Sounds w/Royer SF-2 Ribbon Mics

Guitar Player Magazine

Guitar Player Magazine

Reviews

Critic Reviews

Royer SF-2 Active Ribbon Mic Review | TapeOp Magazine | Tape Op Magazine

tapeop.com

The Royer SF-2 Active Ribbon Microphone shines with its beautiful sound capture, especially excelling in nuanced detail without the typical ribbon mic harshness. Ideal for acoustic instruments and room miking, its articulate top end and smooth, velvety tones make it a versatile studio favorite. However, its delicate ribbon element means it’s unsuited for high-pressure environments like guitar cabs or kick drums. While it could use a better shockmount, the SF-2’s consistent performance and low self-noise make it a worthy investment, overshadowing these minor drawbacks.

positive

Royer SF2

soundonsound.com

Royer's SF-2 Active Ribbon Microphone is a masterpiece of engineering, delivering sublime, natural sound quality that captures the true essence of classical and acoustic recordings. Its active electronics provide a high output level and compatibility with a wide range of preamps, making it versatile for distant and closer mic placements. The build quality is top-notch, offering a lifetime warranty, and its design ensures excellent transient response without HF ringing. However, this level of excellence comes at a steep price, which might deter budget-conscious buyers. For those who can afford it, the SF-2 stands as an unparalleled choice in the realm of ribbon mics.

positive

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