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At distances of two feet and closer,
the back side of R-121s and R-122s give slightly brighter recordings
than the front side. It's a subtle difference, but it has proved
to be extremely useful for recording acoustic instruments, vocals
and other sound sources that may require a little more top end
than the front side of the microphone gives. The effect is even
more pronounced on the R-122 than on the R-121. For this writing
we will refer only to the R-121.
To record on the back side of an R-series mic,
turn the microphone around (logo side facing away from the instrument
or vocalist – see
picture), and either flip the phase switch on your mic preamplifier
or use a phase reverse cable or adapter to flip the phase. The
R-121’s
pattern is figure-8, so the front side of the mic is in-phase
(positive polarity) and the rear side is reverse-phase (negative
polarity). Flipping the phase will
make the back side of the mic in-phase side.
When recording vocals, position a pop filter at least three inches
from the mic (see photos), have the singer start at 6 to 8 inches
from the mic, and make your position changes from that starting
point. For a large, very warm response, have the singer move in
closer on the mic until the proximity effect becomes noticeable.
For a good starting point with acoustic guitar, try positioning
the mic 8 to 12 inches off the 12th fret, with the ribbon facing
the sound hole.
Important note!!! Remember
that the front (logo) side of the R-121 was designed to handle
high SPL's. The back side was not designed for high SPL abuse,
so don't record extremely loud sounds (like close up guitar cabinets)
on the R-121s back side, as you will likely damage the ribbon
element. Loud vocalists (don't forget the pop filter!) or aggressive
acoustic work will present no problem to either side of an R-121.
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R-121 facing forward
R-121 flipped around for backward
recording |
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The reason for the
different response on the two sides of the mic is our Offset Ribbon
design (patent pending), found only on our R-series ribbon mics.
This design positions the ribbon element slightly forward of the
center of the mic and enables the R-121 and R-122 to handle louder
sound sources than conventional ribbon mics. The back side sonic
difference was actually a happy accident - it was pointed out to
us by an engineer friend. Being offset, the ribbon element is in
a different position relative to the chamber of the microphone. When
the mic is turned around, the difference in the ribbon position
creates an acoustical dissimilarity that is quite useful. Sound
sources that are further than three feet from the R-121 will record
exactly the same on the back side as on the front side.
Remember
to always use a pop filter when using the R-121 or R-122 for vocals.
 
R-121 with pop filter - side and front view |
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