recordinghacks

BidirectionalRoyer Labs R-122

MSRP: $1,895 Bidirectional Active Ribbon Microphone

Royer Labs R-122

Description

The Royer 122 is the world’s first “active” ribbon mic — it requires phantom power. This makes the R-122 perhaps the most user-friendly ribbon mic on the market, because it does not suffer from the low output or impedance-matching confusion characteristic of most ribbon mics.

Royer Labs has applied for a patent on the technology that makes this possible. Read more of the specifics on the Royer site (see the link in the sidebar).

More 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

Does the R-122 sound any different than the R-121? Due to the similarities between the two, it?s a good question. The mics … share the same offset-ribbon transducer and large ribbon, and apart from the R-122’s increased sensitivity, their specs are the same. So do they sound any different? The answer is yes, depending on what you’re 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…

Like the R-121, the R-122 has a pure aluminum, 2.5 micron ribbon element that is offset toward the front of the case. This allows the mic to operate under extreme SPL; it is rated at “>135dB.” Further, it gives the two sides of the mic slightly different sound qualities for sources located within three feet. Read more about this here: “two mics in one” on under patent #6434252.

The R-122, like the R-121, carries a lifetime warranty for the original owner. (The ribbon is warrantied for 1 year.)

The mic is available in “Burnished Satin Nickel” or “Matte Black Chrome” finishes, and ships in a wood case. Matched pairs are presumably available.

In 2008, Royer Labs began shipping a “Live” version of the R-122, called the R-122L. It is distinguished by a thicker, more durable ribbon and a red logo badge. It is intended for higher-SPL live applications.

The Royer Labs R-122 is also known as: R122, R-122L, R122L.

Pickup Patterns Pads & Filters
  • Bidirectional (30 - 15,000 Hz)
Ribbon Construction Impedance Max SPL
2.5-micron aluminum ribbon 200 Ohms (Low (50-1000 Ohms)) 135 dB
Weight Length Max Diameter Interface(s)
309g (10.90oz) 206mm (8.11'') 25mm (0.98'')
  • 3-pin XLR male (1)
Power Specifications
  • Requires Phantom Power

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