Royer’s Do-it-all Active Ribbon Mic
In 1998, the Royer R-121 spearheaded a new generation of ribbon microphones that paired the desirable sonic characteristics and operational advantages of their ancestors with increased robustness to handle the rigors of touring and close-mic deployment on cranked guitar amps and boisterous drums. In the ensuing decades, Royer Labs has gone on to revolutionize the ribbon mic with a bevy of innovative new designs. One such product is the R-12 active ribbon microphone, which delivers flawless sonic performance along with the versatility of a phantom-powered active design. Ideal for both stage and studio, the Royer R-12 accurately captures nuanced performances from any source, including acoustic and electric stringed instruments, vocals, brass, keyboards, and percussion, and renders them with an alluring, lifelike vibrance and velvety smoothness.
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Maximum versatility
Engineers prize passive ribbon mics for their warm, smooth, and silky sound and their unique ability to tame harsh, sibilant sources. However, their typically low output can challenge engineers striving to maintain a healthy gain structure in the signal chain. Enter the active ribbon microphone, which delivers all the sonic qualities of its passive stablemates with the added advantage of an active gain stage. The extra gain provides flexibility and creative latitude by putting your favorite preamps into play, regardless of the gain they have on tap. This transforms preamp selection into a creative decision rather than a technical one, letting front-of-house and recording engineers focus on job one: nailing the sound.
Perfect for stage and studio
Notably, the R-12 incorporates the same 2.5-micron ribbon utilized in Royer’s renowned R-121. The ribbon element’s unique robustness facilitates Royer’s signature high SPL handling, allowing the R-12 to withstand the cacophonous sound pressure levels frequently encountered in onstage use. Royer also spec’d the R-12 with a switchable 15dB pad to provide ample headroom for especially loud sources such as dimed guitar amps and thunderous drummers, thus eliminating the risk of distortion even on the loudest instruments. Armed with its impressive SPL capabilities and pre-attenuation pad, the R-12 is perfectly suited for capturing backline amps in live sound reinforcement, where its figure-8 polar pattern provides excellent rejection of unwanted sounds from the sides. In the studio, the R-12’s active electronics significantly increase output level for more subdued sound sources like vocals and acoustic instruments while consistently placing an optimal load on the ribbon element, enabling the microphone to realize its full sonic potential.
A full-featured, value-packed mic
Every recording and FOH engineer has to deal with proximity effect and wind-induced noise, and the Royer R-12 is equipped to handle both. The R-12 is outfitted with a switchable highpass filter meticulously calibrated to minimize low-frequency build-up, making it an ideal choice for capturing intimate vocal performances and close-miked instruments. Further enhancing its comprehensive feature set, the R-12’s ribbon transducer is internally shock mounted to safeguard the ribbon element while simultaneously attenuating handling noise. Additionally, the microphone’s built-in 3-layer wind screen effectively shields the ribbon from plosives and other wind-related noise. Given its outstanding performance and versatility, full feature set, and gentle price tag, the Royer R-12 active ribbon microphone is a valuable addition to any professional mic locker. Grab yours at Sweetwater today!
Royer R-12 Features:
- Electrodynamic pressure-gradient active ribbon microphone
- 2.5-micron aluminum ribbon transducer element
- Rare-earth neodymium magnet
- Versatile fig-8 polar pattern
- Frequency response: 30Hz–15kHz (+/-3dB)
- Sensitivity: -36dB (re. 1V/pa)
- Switchable 15dB pre-attenuation pad
- Switchable HPF: 100Hz (6dB/octave)
- Self noise: <16dB
- Output impedance: 200 ohms, balanced
- Output connector: Male 3-pin XLR (Pin-2 = hot)
- Rated load impedance: 1k ohm, minimum
- Maximum SPL: >160dB @ 1kHz, >135dB @ 30Hz
- 48V phantom powered
- Supply current: 4mA
- Includes microphone holder, mic sock, and carrying case
