World-class Ribbon Mic with a Vacuum Tube
As the first commercially produced vacuum tube ribbon microphone made available, the Royer R-122V has been heralded for its distinct depth, detail, and richness. Performance-wise, the R-122V falls in line with the R-121 and R-122. The tube offers 15dB more gain than the R-121 and 10dB more than the R-122, but the sound is pure Royer — familiar and natural. The increased output lets you be more flexible with which preamp you choose, as a high-gain preamp is no longer necessary to get a sufficient signal. Plus, long cable runs are no problem, thanks to the R-122V's power supply. In the words of Royer, the R-122V represents "the pinnacle" of its R-Series line, so you can be sure it will be a splendid addition to your mic locker.
Related Videos: R-122V Vacuum Tube Ribbon Microphone
Same large-ribbon transducer as R-121 and R-122, but hotter
A limited-production vacuum tube studio ribbon microphone, the R-122V utilizes the same large-ribbon transducer assembly found in the R-121 and R-122 active ribbon microphones, providing the familiar sonic performance associated with the R-Series microphones. The R-122V exhibits a flat frequency response and a well-balanced soundfield and provides an output of -36dB, which is approximately 15dB hotter than an R-121. Like its predecessors, the R-122V's ability to withstand high SPL levels makes it well suited for applications previously considered off-limits to ribbon microphones.
Exceptionally high SPL handling capacity
The R-122V's offset-ribbon design positions the ribbon element toward the front of the microphone body. This design enables SPL handling of >160dB on the front (logo) side of the instrument, with the option of a slightly brighter response when recording via the microphone's back side (three feet and closer; phase reversed in this position).
Military-grade 5840W tube
The R-122V's active electronics utilize a NOS (new old stock) US-built military 5840W vacuum tube and Royer's proprietary toroidal ribbon matching transformer (patent pending). A Jensen 8:1 ratio output transformer provides an electrically isolated, fully balanced output signal. The R-122V can drive virtually any preamplifier and long cable runs (from power supply to preamp) with ease. The active circuitry provides optimum impedance to the ribbon element at all times, preventing over-damping of the ribbon element and ensuring consistent microphone performance. The R-122V undergoes an extensive burning in procedure to ensure proper settling of the vacuum tube.
Low-mass aluminum ribbon
The R-122V employs a pure (99.99%), low-mass, 2.5-micron-thick aluminum ribbon. The R122V's unique, patented offset-ribbon transducer assembly incorporates rare-earth neodymium magnets in a specially designed flux frame, which forms a powerful magnetic field while reducing unwanted stray magnetic radiation. The smooth frequency response and phase linearity of the R-122V, coupled with its classic triode-connected vacuum tube circuitry, enable the R-122V to deliver consistent acoustic performance with stunning realism, according to the company. The mic's frequency response is excellent, regardless of the angle of sound striking the ribbon, and off-axis coloration is negligible.
With a nickel finish, black transducer, and venting slots that glow lightly when the mic is powered up, the Royer R-122V is a visually striking microphone. This microphone comes with a dedicated power supply, and the included cable set is equipped with military-grade locking-type XLR connectors.
Royer: mics that are as good as Grammy gold
In 2013, Royer Labs was honored with a Technical Grammy Award for the company's outstanding ribbon mics. In the words of The Recording Academy, these mics "were revolutionary and moved the art of recording forward."
Royer R-122V Features:
- Takes the Royer-pioneered concept of active ribbon microphone technology to another level
- Incorporates vacuum tube electronics into the proven transducer system used in the venerable R-121 and R-122 active series microphones
- High operating voltage of the tube provides a headroom capability far beyond that of a standard phantom supply
- A panoramic soundfield that is unmatched for its clarity, detail, and airiness
- Triode-configured cathode follower circuitry enables the microphone to drive long cable runs without sonic degradation or high frequency loss
- Dedicated power supply provides ample current to the vacuum tube electronics
- Induced noise is virtually eliminated by the microphone's fully balanced output that is electrically isolated with a special-purpose Jensen output transformer
- The head amplifier consists of a low-noise, triode-connected military grade 5840W vacuum tube
- Ultra-fast transient response devoid of typical vacuum tube coloration
- Circuity is conservatively rated to perform flawlessly for many years
