Royer Labs R-122 Description

Introducing the ACTIVE RIBBON SERIES

The R-122 is the worlds first phantom powered, active ribbon microphone. Yes, you need to turn phantom power on when you use an R-122! The payback is far more output than youve ever imagined from a ribbon microphone. More importantly, the R-122s electronics place a perfect impedance load on the ribbon element, greatly expanding the number of preamps that will match up well with the R-122. 

Before the R-122, all ribbon microphones were passive devices, meaning that they were 15 to 30 dB less sensitive than average phantom powered condenser mics.  In addition, passive ribbon mics depend entirely on the input impedance of the preamp theyre mated with to set the proper impedance to the ribbon element. Simply put, even the best ribbon mics can sound mediocre if theyre plugged into the wrong mic pre. With the R-122, gain and impedance issues are a thing of the past.

Gain

Conventional ribbon microphones need high-quality, high-gain microphone preamplifiers to record softer sound sources like acoustic instruments, vocals and room ambience. The R-122 is as sensitive as a condenser microphone, allowing you to use practically any mic preamplifier or board 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 FETs. This system is extremely quiet, can handle 135 dB SPL, and brings the R-122s output to 37 dB! Go ahead and plug an R-122 into any preamplifier with average gain - youll get full Royer performance and youll have enough level to drive any recording medium.

The R-122s higher sensitivity does not create additional self-noise. All of the R-122s increased level comes from its large, specially wound toroidal transformer - that wonderful thing called free gain. The level at the transformer is actually hotter than the level at the output of the microphone. The phantom powered circuitry provides impedance conversion only, adding no noise of its own. This system took years to perfect and is currently in patent pending status.

Impedance Matching

The R-122s active electronics provide a perfect load to 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-122s can be used on extremely long cable runs with minimal signal loss.

A good impedance match is critical to getting the most from a ribbon microphone. An impedance mis-match will load the ribbon improperly, resulting in loss of low end, diminished body, lowered sensitivity and overall compromised performance. The R-122s ribbon element lives in a perfect world - it sees the optimal impedance at all times regardless of the following equipment, so its performance is never compromised by the effects of improper loading. In addition, the ribbon element cannot be damaged by phantom power, electrical glitches or miswired cables.

Patented Offset Ribbon Technology

The R-122s proprietary offset ribbon transducer (Patent Number: 6,434,252) positions the ribbon element closer to the front (logo) side of the microphone than the rear. This arrangement gives the ribbon more room to move within the prime magnetic field while maintaining full frequency response during high SPL recordings. Its an intrigle piece of the magic of all Royer R-series microphones.

Recording With the R-122

The R-122 is every bit as tough as our road-worthy R-121 and it can be used on high SPL applications with equally good results. It is a first-call mic for electric and acoustic guitars, drum overheads, brass, percussion, electric and acoustic bass, piano, strings, woodwinds, Foley, and many other applications.

Does the R-122 sound any different than the R-121?  Due to the similarities between the two mics, its a good question. The mics have a similar look, they both share the same offset-ribbon transducer and large ribbon, and apart from the R-122s increased sensitivity, their specs are the same. So do they sound any different?  The answer is yes, depending on what youre recording.

Sonically, the R-122 has a slightly tighter and more focused low-end response and its transient response is faster than the R-121's, giving the perception of a more open top-end. These differences are functions of the R-122's large toroidal transformer (versus the R-121's more traditional IE core transformer).

Between the two mics, we have found that people tend to prefer R-122s on drum overheads, acoustic instruments and vocals. With electric guitars and brass its a toss up, with some preferring the R-122s tighter low-end and more open top-end response and others preferring the straight ahead R-121 response.  Our opinion is that if youre recording mostly electric guitars and/or brass, the R-121 is the way to go. The R-122 is just as good on these instruments, but you may not need (or want) the additional top-end openness and you certainly wont need the R-122s higher sensitivity with these high SPL applications. If you plan on using the mics for drum overheads, vocals, piano, acoustic instruments or very quiet sound sources, we highly recommend you choose the R-122.

Note: The R-122 puts out a lot of level when used to record very loud electric guitars. To keep from overdriving the front end of your mic pre, we recommend the use of a Shure or Neutrik 10dB in-line pad.

Two Mics In One

At distances of three feet and closer, the back of the R-122 records slightly brighter than the front side. This can be extremely useful when recording acoustic guitars, vocals, and other sound sources that you may need a slightly brighter response on.

Lifetime to original owner (repair or replace at Royer's option) Ribbon Element Warranty: One Year

Royer Labs R-122 Features

• Phantom powered circuitry provides high output and impedance matching
• 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

Royer Labs R-122 Recommended 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

Royer Labs R-122 Tech Specifications

• Acoustic Operating Principle: Electrodynamic pressure gradient with active electronics
• Polar Pattern: Figure-8
• Generating Element: 2.5-micron aluminum ribbon
• Magnets: Rare Earth Neodymium
• Frequency Response: 30 -15,000 Hz ±3dB
• Sensitivity: -37 dB (referenced 1v/pa ±2dB)
• Self-Noise: < 20 dB
• Output Impedance: 200 Ohms, balanced
• Rated Load Impedance: 1K-Ohm
• Maximum SPL: >135dB
• Output Connector: Male XLR 3 pin (Pin 2 Hot).
• Dimensions: 206mm L X 25mm W (8 1/8 L X 1 W)
• Weight: 309 grams (10.9 oz)
• Finish: Dull Satin Nickel/Matte Black Chrome optional.

Royer Labs R-122 Accessories

• Protective wood case
• Microphone sock
• Documentation