Royer R-122 MKII: A Revolutionary Active Ribbon™ Microphone
In 2002, Royer introduced the world’s first phantom-powered, active ribbon™ microphone, the R-122, revolutionizing ribbon mic technology. With impedance matching circuitry and condenser-like output levels, the R-122 could handle even the quietest sound sources and pair with any preamplifier. The R-122 MKII takes this innovation to new heights by incorporating a switchable -15 dB pad and a switchable bass-cut filter, providing unparalleled flexibility for ribbon mics.
Key Features
- -15 dB Pad: The switchable -15 dB pad, positioned before the microphone’s electronics, eliminates headroom-related distortion on loud sound sources, making it ideal for recording wide-open electric guitars.
- Bass Cut: The switchable bass-cut filter starts filtering at 100 Hz, reducing bass buildup due to proximity effect. This is beneficial for vocals, acoustic instruments, and close-miked electric guitars when less bottom end is desired.
- Pad and Bass Cut Switches: The switches are recessed on the back of the microphone to prevent accidental activation and are completely out of the circuit when disengaged.
- Hand-Wired Electronics: The R-122 MKII’s electronics are hand-wired in Royer’s Burbank, CA factory, featuring a specially designed toroidal transformer for a faster transient response than traditional ribbons.
- Gain: The R-122 MKII’s higher output level allows it to be used with virtually any mic preamplifier or board pre’s, providing full Royer performance and enough level to drive any recording medium.
- No Increase in Self-Noise: Despite its higher sensitivity, there is no increase in self-noise. The additional output comes from the large, specially wound toroidal transformer, providing “free gain.”
- Impedance Matching: The active electronics ensure a perfect load on the ribbon element at all times, allowing the microphone to deliver its full sonic potential regardless of the preamplifier’s input characteristics.
- Patented Offset Ribbon Technology: The proprietary offset ribbon transducer (Patent # 6,434,252) positions the ribbon element closer to the front side, allowing for full frequency response during high SPL recordings, contributing to the magic of Royer R-series microphones.
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
