Royer R-122 MKII Active Ribbon Microphone
Royer has enhanced one of its most popular ribbon mics with the R-122 MKII active ribbon microphone. This version packs the same impressive output and flexibility as the original R-122, with the addition of a 15dB pad and a bass roll-off switch. Now you can record even the loudest sound sources, up to >160dB SPL, without worrying about overload and distortion. And you can use the R-122 MKII's proximity effect to your advantage while also cutting out mud and rumble with the switchable filter. Sweetwater has always been impressed with Royer ribbon microphones, and the enhancements in the R-122 MKII active ribbon microphone make it an amazing solution for any stage or studio task.
NEWS: Royer Labs has been given a GRAMMY award for their outstanding ribbon mics! In the words of the Academy, these mics "were revolutionary and moved the art of recording forward."
Related Videos: R-122 MKII Active Ribbon Microphone
Phantom-powered ribbon mic, more sensitive than any other ribbon
The R-122 MKII is a compact, monaural, phantom-powered ribbon microphone. Sonically similar to Royer's R-121, the R-122 MKII exhibits a flat frequency response and a well-balanced panoramic soundfield, but it is 13dB more sensitive, its transient response is faster, and its electronics provide an optimum load to the ribbon element at all times. Like the R-121, the R-122 MKII's ability to withstand SPLs of >160dB makes it ideal for applications that were previously considered off-limits to ribbon microphones.
Output similar to condenser mics due to active electronics
The R-122 MKII is as sensitive as condenser microphones, allowing you to use practically any mic preamplifier or board preamp (even those of nominal characteristics). Conventional ribbon microphones are, on average, 15dB to 20dB less sensitive than condenser mics, necessitating the use of high-quality, high-gain microphone preamplifiers for recording softer sound sources, such as acoustic instruments, vocals, and room ambience. The R-122 MKII contains a fully balanced, discrete head amplifier system utilizing ultra-low-noise FETs. Go ahead and plug an R-122 MKII into any preamplifier with average gain characteristics — you'll get full Royer performance regardless of how quiet the sound source is, and you'll have enough gain to drive any recording medium.
Impedance-matching circuitry optimizes the mic with any preamp
The electronics in the R-122 MKII provide a perfect load on the ribbon element at all times, meaning that the R-122 MKII is able to deliver 100% of its full sonic potential regardless of the input characteristics of the following mic preamp. Due to the low-impedance output, Royer's active ribbon mics can also be used with extremely long cable runs with minimal signal loss.
A good impedance match is critical with ribbon microphones because impedance mismatching "loads" a ribbon improperly, resulting in loss of low end, diminished body, lowered sensitivity, and overall compromised performance. With the R-122 MKII, the ribbon element lives in a perfect world; it sees an optimum impedance match at all times, regardless of the following equipment, so its performance will never be compromised by the effects of improper loading. In addition, the ribbon element can't be damaged by phantom power, electrical glitches, or miswired cables.
Pure aluminum ribbon with outstanding frequency response
The R-122 MKII utilizes a low mass, 2.5-micron, pure (99.99%) aluminum ribbon element. The R-122'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-122 MKII, coupled with its sophisticated active electronics system, enable the R-122 MKII to deliver a consistent natural acoustic performance with stunning realism. Frequency response is excellent regardless of the angle of sound striking the ribbon, and off-axis coloration is negligible.
Offset ribbon design handles high SPLs
The R-122 MKII's offset-ribbon design positions the ribbon element toward the front of the microphone body, which allows for high SPL handling on the front side and the option of a slightly brighter response when recording lower SPL sound sources on the back side (three feet and closer; phase reversed in this position).
Royer R-122 MKII Features:
- Active electronics provide high output capability, optimal impedance
- Switchable 15dB pad and bass roll-off for maximum recording flexibility
- High SPL capabilities for electric guitar and percussion instruments
- Absence of high-frequency peaks, "ringing," and phase shifts
- Ribbon element unaffected by impedance/load, heat, or humidity
- Equal sensitivity from the front and back of the element
- Requires +48V phantom power
