Royer R-122 MKII Active Ribbon Microphone (Satin Nickel)

The Royer R-122 MKII is a phantom-powered active ribbon microphone built around the same offset-ribbon transducer as the R-121. Its hand-wired head amplifier raises the output to -36 dBV, so it works with almost any preamp on quiet sources such as acoustic guitar, strings and voice-over. A switchable -15 dB pad and a 100 Hz bass cut let the same mic handle a wide-open guitar amp or a close vocal.

Pad and Bass Cut

The -15 dB pad sits ahead of the electronics, so even the loudest sources cannot push them into distortion. With the pad in, the MKII's output is 2 dB lower than an R-121's, and Royer reports no change in tone once levels are matched. The bass cut starts at 100 Hz with a 6 dB per octave slope to reduce proximity buildup on vocals, acoustic instruments and close-miked guitars. Both switches are recessed on the back of the body, and when they are off they are out of the circuit entirely.

Active Electronics

The extra level comes from a large, specially wound toroidal transformer designed by Royer. The discrete, fully balanced head amplifier with low-noise FETs only converts impedance and adds no noise of its own, and self-noise is under 18 dB. The circuit keeps a constant load on the ribbon whatever preamp follows it, drives long cable runs with little loss, and protects the ribbon from phantom power and miswired cables. Compared with the R-121, the MKII's faster transient response gives more open highs and a tighter low end, which is why Royer suggests it for drum overheads, piano, strings, acoustic instruments and vocals.

Features

• Active figure-8 ribbon microphone, 48 V phantom powered
• Hand-wired discrete head amplifier with a toroidal transformer
• Switchable -15 dB pad placed before the electronics
• Switchable bass cut at 100 Hz, 6 dB per octave
• Recessed switches on the rear of the body
• Self-noise under 18 dB
• Handles more than 160 dB SPL at 1 kHz
• Patented offset ribbon with a slightly brighter back side at three feet and closer
• Ribbon element unaffected by heat or humidity
• Ribbon protected from phantom power and miswired cables

Specifications

• 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 Hz to 15 kHz, ±3 dB
• Sensitivity: -36 dB (re. 1 V/Pa, ±1 dB)
• Self-noise: Under 18 dB
• Pad: -15 dB, switchable
• Bass cut: 100 Hz, 6 dB per octave, switchable
• Output impedance: 200 ohms, balanced
• Rated load impedance: 1,000 ohms minimum
• Maximum SPL: More than 160 dB at 1 kHz, more than 135 dB at 30 Hz
• Output connector: 3-pin male XLR, pin 2 hot
• Power: 48 V phantom only, 4 mA
• Dimensions: 206 mm long, 25 mm wide (8 1/8 x 1 in)
• Weight: 309 g (10.9 oz)
• Finish: Satin nickel

In the Box

• Royer R-122 MKII active ribbon microphone
• Protective wood case
• Mic sock