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SKU

44121

Royer Labs R-122 MKII Ribbon Microphone - Matched Pair

Phantom powered mono ribbon microphones with -15 dB pad and bass roll off switch - matched pair

MFR# R-122 MKll-MP

Product Description

The Royer Labs R-122 MKII is an updated version of the world's first phantom powered, active ribbon microphone. Unique electronics package gives the R-122 greater output than standard, non-powered ribbons, and places a perfect impedance load on the ribbon element, greatly expanding the number of preamps the mic operates well with. The MKII also features a switchable 12 dB pad and high-pass filter.

Before the R-122, all ribbon microphones were passive devices. Tracking strings, acoustic guitars, vocals and other quieter sound sources required pre's with a lot of gain and a high input impedance. With the R-122, gain and impedance issues are a thing of the past, letting you use more pres with great results.

GAIN

Conventional ribbon microphones need high-quality, high-gain microphone preamplifiers to record softer sound sources. The R-122 is as sensitive as a condenser microphone, allowing you to use practically any mic preamplifier or board pre's to record even the quietest sounds. The R-122 contains a fully balanced, discrete head amplifier system utilizing a specially wound toroidal transformer and ultra-low noise FET's. This system is extremely quiet, can handle 135 dB SPL, and brings the R-122's sensitivity to 37 dB! Go ahead and plug an R-122 into any preamp with average gain - you'll get full Royer performance and enough level to drive any recording medium.

The R-122's higher sensitivity does not create additional self-noise. All of the R-122's increased sensitivity comes from its large, specially wound toroidal transformer - that wonderful thing called "free gain." The phantom powered circuitry provides impedance conversion only, adding no noise of its own.

IMPEDANCE MATCHING

The R-122's active electronics put a perfect load on the ribbon element at all times, allowing the R-122 to deliver 100% of its full sonic potential regardless of the input characteristics of the following mic pre. Due to its low-impedance output, R-122's can be used on extremely long cable runs with minimal signal loss. In addition, the ribbon element can't be damaged by phantom power, miswired cables or electrical glitches.

PATENTED OFFSET RIBBON TECHNOLOGY

The R-122's proprietary offset ribbon transducer (Patent # 6,434,252) is the first of its kind, positioning the ribbon element closer to the front (logo) side of the microphone. This arrangement gives the ribbon more room to move within the prime magnetic field while maintaining full frequency response during high SPL recordings. It's an integral piece of the magic of all Royer R-series microphones.

FEATURES:

  • Phantom powered circuitry provides high output and impedance matching
  • -15 dB pad before the mic’s electronics gives more headroom when activated.
  • Bass cut filter reduces proximity effect and bass below 100 Hz when activated
  • High SPL Capabilities
  • No distortion up to maximum SPL rating
  • Extremely low residual noise
  • Ribbon element is not affected by heat or humidity
  • Absence of high frequency phase distortion
  • Equal sensitivity from front or back of element
  • Consistent frequency response regardless of distance
  • Rear side of mic records slightly brighter when three feet or closer to sound source

APPLICATIONS:

  • Electric Guitar Amps
  • Acoustic Guitar
  • Drum Overheads
  • Percussion Instruments
  • Brass and Woodwinds
  • Horn Sections
  • Acoustic Piano
  • Acoustic Guitar
  • Harp
  • Solo Strings & String Sections
  • Choirs and Orchestras
  • Commercial Broadcast
  • Voice Over

Product Specifications

Condition New
Package Contents Includes protective wood case and mic sock
Length 8.12 in
Diameter 1 in
Unit Weight 0.68 lb
Tube or Solid State Solid State
Transducer Type Ribbon
Polar Pattern Bi-Directional / Figure-Eight
Number of Microphones Stereo Pair
Impedance 200 Ohms
Frequency Range 30 Hz - 15 kHz
Sensitivity -36 dBV/Pa (15.8 mV)
Max. SPL 135 dB

Product Reviews

5 out of 5 stars.
Review Count (2)

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It is hard to beat the versatility and tone of these microphones. They are brighter than passive ribbons, with a tone that is in between a passive ribbon and a condenser. I find that passive ribbons always need a bit of high frequency boost anyway, so that makes them more versatile. Excellent on flute, soprano sax, violin and overhead drums. They have a higher output and are less noisy than their passive counterparts, which makes them suitable for recording quiet sources and as room mics. I have been using these mics for years. They have never failed me, and I love their sound.

By Rogerio N on May 25, 2023

A studio staple for sure!!! Another great addition to our mic locker. Thanks again Josh for hooking me up!!!

By Phil G on May 25, 2020

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