(s)ROYER SF-1Royer has just released the SF-1 ($1,075), a single-element, figure-8 ribbon microphone that features the same cross-field transducer as the company's SF-12 stereo microphone. The cross-field transducer design features four diamond-shaped Neodymium magnets and two trapezoidal Permendur iron pole pieces, which the company says enhances the microphone's high-frequency response as well as its perceived "reach" in distance recordings. The overall frequency response of the SF-1 is 30 Hz to 15 kHz (ñ3 dB), with slight boosts in the response between 40 to 80 Hz and 900 Hz to 9 kHz.

According to Royer, the important design features of the SF-1 include an ingot-iron casing, a high-efficiency toroid matching transformer, and a gold-plated output connector. The casing forms a magnetic return circuit, which gives the microphone its high sensitivity and low self-noise in a small package. Royer adds that the SF-1's ribbon element is more delicate than the one in its R-121 microphone, but is unaffected by heat and humidity.

The SF-1, finished in matte black chrome only, is available individually or in matched pairs for an extra $50. Royer offers a lifetime warranty on the SF-1 to the original owner. Royer Labs; tel. (818) 760-8472; fax (818) 760-8864; e-mail info@ royerlabs.com; Web www .royerlabs.com.