Royer Labs R-122 MKII Active Ribbon Microphone (2.5-micron, Nickel, Single)
Features
- Phantom Powered Circuitry
- High Output and Impedance Matching
- -15 dB Pad
- High SPL Capabilities
- No Distortion Up to Maximum SPL Rating
Description
The Royer Labs R-122 MKII Active Ribbon Microphone (2.5-micron, Nickel, Single) uses phantom power and founder David Royer's innovative approach to microphone design to record natural and transparent electric guitars, acoustic guitars, electric bass, acoustic bass, drum overheads, brass, percussion, piano strings, woodwinds, Foley, and many other sources.
The microphone is similar to the company's R-121 ribbon microphone but with a faster transient response and a larger audio transformer for more open highs and a tighter more focused low end response.
The MKII version of the original (introduced in 2002), incorporates a -15 dB pad and a switchable bass-cut filter. The switches are completely out of the circuit when disengaged. They are also recessed to prevent accidental activation.
The microphone's -15 dB pad is positioned before the unit's electronics and when engaged eliminates the potential for headroom-related distortion on even the loudest sources without imparting a sonic imprint on the material.
The microphone's bass cut starts filtering at 100 Hz at a rate of 6 dB per octave to effectively reduce the unit's bass buildup due to the proximity effect. The smooth filter is useful for vocals, acoustic instruments, and closed-miked electric guitars when less bottom end is desired.
The active electronics of the device are hand-wired in Burbank, CA with a specially designed toroidal transformer that delivers faster transient response than traditional ribbons. This makes the microphone useful for drum overheads, percussion, and all acoustic instruments.
A fully balanced hand-wired discrete head amplifier system uses the specially wound toroidal transformer and ultra-low noise FETS to bring the microphone's sensitivity to 36 dB while still allowing high SPL recording without the introduction of self-noise. The phantom powered circuitry provides impedance conversion to handle a wide variety of preamplifiers.
The microphone's proprietary offset ribbon transducer positions the ribbon element closer to the front (logo) side of the microphone to allow more room to move within the prime magnetic field while maintaining a full frequency response during high SPL recordings.
Key Features:
Gain
Uses a fully balanced discrete head amplifier system with a specially wound toroidal transformer to handle SPLs as high of 135 dB and a sensitivity of 37 dB
Impedance Matching
Balances the load on the ribbon at all times to deliver 100% of its full sonic potential regardless of the input characteristics of the connected preamp. This also allows the microphone to be used with long cable runs with minimal signal loss as well ensure that the ribbon element won't be damaged by phantom power, miswired cables, or electrical glitches
Patented Offset Ribbon Technology
Uses an offset ribbon transducer to give the ribbon more room to move within the prime magnetic field while maintaining a full frequency response during high SPL recordings
Applications
- Electric Guitar Amps
- Acoustic Guitar
- Drum Overheads
- Percussion Instruments
- Brass and Woodwinds
- Horn Sections
- Acoustic Piano
- Acoustic Guitar
- Harp
- Solo Strings and String Sections
- Choirs and Orchestras
- Commercial Broadcast
- Voice Over
Specifications
Operating Principle | Electrodynamic pressure gradient with active electronics |
Polar Pattern | Figure-8 |
Element | 2.5-micron aluminium ribbon |
Magnets | Neodymium |
Frequency Response | 30 to 15,000 Hz ± 3 dB |
Sensitivity | -36 dB (referenced at 1 v/pa ±2 dB) |
Self Noise | < 18 dB |
Output Impedance | 200 Ohms, balanced |
Rated Load Impedance | 1 kOhms |
Maximum SPL | > 135 dB |
Output Connector | XLR-3M (pin 2 hot) |
Finish | Dull satin nickel |
Dimensions (L x W) | 8.13 x 1.00" (206 x 25 mm) |
Weight | 10.9 oz (309 g) |
In The Box
- Royer Labs R-122 MKII Active Ribbon Microphone (Nickel, Single)
- Protective Mic Sock
- Protective Wood Case
- Mic Clip
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Details
- Product: Royer Labs R-122 MKII Active Ribbon Microphone (2.5-micron, Nickel, Single)
- Manufacturer: Royer Labs
- Model: R-122 MK II
- SKU: R-122 MK II
- RM Product #: 77344