R-122 MKll Active Ribbon Microphone
In 2002 we introduced the R-122, the world’s first phantom powered, active ribbon™ microphone. It was a revolutionary development in ribbon mics, combining impedance matching circuitry with condenser-like output levels that allowed the R-122 to be used on even the quietest sound sources. It also allowed the mic to be paired to virtually any preamplifier.
The R-122 MKll takes the R-122 to a whole new level, delivering unprecedented flexibility for ribbons via the addition of a switchable -15 dB pad and a switchable bass-cut filter. The switches are completely out of the circuit when disengaged so when both are off, the microphone is for all purposes an original R-122. The switches are located on the back of the microphone and recessed to prevent accidental activation.
The Pad
The R-122 MKll’s switchable -15 dB pad is positioned before the microphone’s electronics and, when engaged, eliminates any potential for headroom-related distortion on even the loudest sound sources. Wide-open electric guitars are no problem. With the pad in, the R-122 MKll’s output is actually 2 dB lower than our flagship R-121.
The R-122 MKll’s well-designed pad has no sonic imprint. Once levels are matched, the R-122 MKll reproduces sound exactly the same with the pad in as with the pad out.
The Bass Cut
When switched in, the R-122 MKll’s bass cut starts filtering at 100 Hz, 6 dB per octave, effectively reducing the mic’s bass buildup due to proximity effect. This smooth filter is extremely useful on vocals, many acoustic instruments, and close-miked electric guitars when less bottom end is desired.
The R-122 MKll’s electronics are hand-wired in our Burbank, CA factory. The microphone utilizes a special Royer-designed toroidal transformer that delivers a faster transient response than traditional ribbons, making it a first call ribbon mic for drum overheads, percussion, and all acoustic instruments.
Gain
Conventional ribbon microphones need high-quality, high-gain microphone preamplifiers to record softer sound sources. The R-122 MKll’s output level is much higher, allowing you to use practically any mic preamplifier or board pre’s to record even the quietest sounds. The R-122 MKll contains a fully balanced, hand-wired, discrete head amplifier system utilizing a specially wound toroidal transformer and ultra-low noise FET’s. This system is extremely quiet and brings the R-122 MKll’s sensitivity to 37 dB, all while allowing for high SPL recording! Go ahead and plug a MKll into any preamp with average gain – you’ll get full Royer performance and enough level to drive any recording medium.
There is no increase in self-noise in the R-122 MKll’s higher sensitivity. All of the mic’s additional output comes from its large, specially wound toroidal transformer – that wonderful thing called “free gain.” The phantom-powered circuitry provides impedance conversion only, adding no noise of its own.
Impedance Matching
The R-122 MK’s active electronics put a perfect load on the ribbon element at all times, allowing the microphone to deliver its full sonic potential regardless of the input characteristics of the following pre. Due to its low-impedance output, R-122’s can be used on extremely long cable runs with minimal signal loss. In addition, the ribbon element can’t be damaged by phantom power, miswired cables or electrical glitches.
Patented Offset Ribbon Technology
The R-122’s proprietary offset ribbon transducer (Patent # 6,434,252) positions the ribbon element closer to the front (logo) side of the microphone. This configuration gives the ribbon more room to move within the prime magnetic field while maintaining full frequency response during high SPL recordings. It’s an integral piece of the magic of all Royer R-series microphones.
Features
- Phantom powered circuitry provides high output and impedance matching
- -15 dB pad before the mic’s electronics gives more headroom when activated.
- Bass cut filter reduces proximity effect and bass below 100 Hz when activated
- 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
Applications
- Electric Guitar Amps
- Acoustic Guitar
- Drum Overheads
- Percussion Instruments
- Brass and Woodwinds
- Horn Sections
- Acoustic Piano
- Acoustic Guitar
- Harp
- Solo Strings & String Sections
- Choirs and Orchestras
- Commercial Broadcast
- Voice Over
| Artist | Material | Engineer, Producer | Microphone | Instrument | Genre | Media |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ben Sollee | Full Mix | Stephen Schauer | R-122 | Vocals, Cello | Folk, R&B | Video |
| Holly Brook (Skylar Grey) | Full Mix | Ross Hogarth | R-122 | Cello | Rock, Pop | Audio |
| Marshall Ruffin | Full Mix | Stephen Schauer | R-122 | Vocals, Acoustic Guitar | Americana, Folk | Video |
| Randy Kohrs | Ribbons Only, Educational | Randy Kohrs | R-122 | Dobro, Banjo | Country, Bluegrass | Video |
| Tim Weed | Full Mix | Jimbo Neal | R-122 | Banjo | Americana, Bluegrass, Jazz | Audio |
| R-122 MKII Tests - Electric Guitar & Dobro | Ribbons Only | Michael Wagener, Randy Kohrs | R-122 MKII | Electric Guitar, Dobro | Rock, Country | Video |
| Winona Zelenka | Ribbons only | Ron Searles | R-122, R-122V | Cello | Classical | Video |
| Robert Friedrich and The San Diego Symphony | Full Mix, Isolated tracks | Robert Friedrich | R-122, R-122V, SF-24 | Orchestra, Piano, Strings, Video, Woodwinds | Classical | Video |
| String Quartet | Microphone Comparisons | Ron Searles | R-122, R-122V, SF-24, Schoeps CMC6-U | Cello, Comparison, Strings, Violin | Classical | Audio, Photos |
| Ray Charles and Norah Jones with Billy Preston | Full Mix | Terry Howard, Al Schmitt | R-122, SF-12, R-121 | B3, Electric Guitar, Electric Guitar-Jazz, Organ, Piano | R&B, Pop | Video |
| Arturo Sandoval | Full Mix, Educational | R-122, SF-24 | Trumpet, Piano, Brass | Jazz | Video | |
| Malcolm McNab | Full Mix | Gary Grant | R-122, SF-24 | Brass, French Horn, Trombone, Trumpet | Jazz | Audio |
| Dirty Dozen Brass Band 1 | Full Mix and Isolated Ribbon Tracks | Brass, Electric Guitar, Sousaphone, Trombone, Trumpet, Tuba | R-121, R-122 | Brass,Drums, Percussion,, Saxophone, Sousaphone, Tuba, Vocals | New Orleans Brass Band | Audio, Photos |
| Stephen Bruton | Full Mix and Isolated Ribbon Tracks | Ross Hogarth, Stephen Bruton | R-121, R-122 | B3, Drum Room, Drums, Electric Guitar, Harmonica, Resonator Guitar | Rock, Blues | Audio |
| Lukas Rossi and Kenny Aronoff | Full Mix and Isolated Ribbon Tracks | Ross Hogarth | R-121, R-122, R-122V, SF-24 | Drum Overhead, Drum Room, Drums, Electric Guitar, | Rock, Pop | Video |
| Ross Hogarth and Tim Pierce | Ribbons Only, Educational | R-121, R-122, R-122V, SF-24 | Electric Guitar, Electric Guitar-Heavy Rock, Electric Guitar-Jazz, Electric Guitar-Rock | Rock, Blues, Heavy Rock, Pop | Video | |
| Fab recording Will Knox | Full Mix | Fab | R-121, R-122, R-122V, SF-24, SF-2 | Acoustic Guitar, Banjo, Drum Overhead, Drums, Fiddle, Kick Drum, Standup Bass, Tom-Toms, Upright Bass, Violin | Folk | Video |
| Arturo SandovalåÊ | Full Mix | Camellia City Flute Choir | R-121, R-122, SF-12 | SF-2 | Jazz | Audio, Photos, Video |
| Dirty Dozen Brass Band 2 | Full Mix and Isolated Ribbon Tracks | Brass,åÊ Electric Guitar, Sousaphone, Trombone, Trumpet, Tuba | R-121, R-122, SF-12 | Classical | New Orleans Brass Band | Audio, Photos |
Technical Specifications
- Acoustic Operating Principle: Electrodynamic pressure gradient with active
electronics. - Polar Pattern: Figure-8
- Generating Element: 2.5-micron aluminum ribbon
- Magnets: Rare Earth Neodymium
- Frequency Response: 30 - 15,000 Hz ±3 dB
- Sensitivity: -36 dB (re. 1v/pa ±1 dB)
- Switchable Pad: -15 dB
- Switchable Bass Cut: 100 Hz (6 dB per octave)
- Self-Noise: < 18 dB
- Output Impedance: 200 Ohms, balanced
- Output Connector: Male XLR 3-pin (Pin 2 Hot)
- Rated Load Impedance: 1K-Ohm minimum
- Maximum SPL: 135 dB @ 30 Hz
- Power Requirements: 48-Volt Phantom Only
- Supply Current: 4 mA
- Dimensions: 206mm L X 25mm W (8 1/8” L X 1” W)
- Weight: 309 grams (10.9 oz)
- Finish: Burnished Satin Nickel / Matte Black
Chrome (optional) - Accessories: Protective wood case, mic sock
Optional Accessories: Wind screen, shock mount - Microphone Warranty: Lifetime to original owner (repair or replace
at Royer’s option) - Ribbon Element Warranty: One Year
Polar Pattern
Frequency Response
The R-122 MKll is every bit as tough as our R-121. It is a first-call mic for electric and acoustic guitars, drum overheads, brass, percussion, electric and acoustic bass, piano, strings, woodwinds, Foley, and many other applications.
The R-122 MKll is similar to the R-121, but the faster transient response and larger size of the MKll's audio transformer translates into more open highs and a tighter, more focused low end response. These characteristics make the R-122 MKll an exceptional choice for drum overheads, many acoustic instruments, percussion, strings, piano, standup bass and vocals.
As with all Royer ribbons, pushing up the faders on your ribbon-recorded tracks at mixdown is a revelation. When your tracks sound natural and real, there's nothing to fight or “fix” and instruments drop into the mix easily.
Should I Use An R-122 MKll or R-121?
Because of the R-122 MKll's faster transient response and tighter low end, engineers often choose them over R-121's for drum overheads, acoustic instruments and vocals. R-121's sometimes edge out R-122 MKll's on electric guitars and brass, but it's a matter of taste. If you're recording mostly electric guitars and/or brass, we usually suggest going with the R-121 - it’s less expensive and sounds incredible. The MKll is equally good on these instruments, but you may not need (or want) the additional openness in the highs from the faster transient response, and you certainly won't need the MKll’s higher sensitivity on these high SPL applications. If you plan on using the mics primarily for drum overheads, vocals, piano, acoustic instruments, strings, classical music applications and so forth, we highly recommend going with the R-122 MKll, which will also be excellent on electric guitars, percussion and brass.
Two Mics in One
Recording
The R-122 MKll is every bit as tough as our R-121. It is a first-call mic for electric and acoustic guitars, drum overheads, brass, percussion, electric and acoustic bass, piano, strings, woodwinds, Foley, and many other applications.
The R-122 MKll is similar to the R-121, but the faster transient response and larger size of the MKll's audio transformer translates into more open highs and a tighter, more focused low end response. These characteristics make the R-122 MKll an exceptional choice for drum overheads, many acoustic instruments, percussion, strings, piano, standup bass and vocals.
As with all Royer ribbons, pushing up the faders on your ribbon-recorded tracks at mixdown is a revelation. When your tracks sound natural and real, there's nothing to fight or “fix” and instruments drop into the mix easily.
Should I Use An R-122 MKll or R-121?
Because of the R-122 MKll's faster transient response and tighter low end, engineers often choose them over R-121's for drum overheads, acoustic instruments and vocals. R-121's sometimes edge out R-122 MKll's on electric guitars and brass, but it's a matter of taste. If you're recording mostly electric guitars and/or brass, we usually suggest going with the R-121 - it’s less expensive and sounds incredible. The MKll is equally good on these instruments, but you may not need (or want) the additional openness in the highs from the faster transient response, and you certainly won't need the MKll’s higher sensitivity on these high SPL applications. If you plan on using the mics primarily for drum overheads, vocals, piano, acoustic instruments, strings, classical music applications and so forth, we highly recommend going with the R-122 MKll, which will also be excellent on electric guitars, percussion and brass.
Two Mics in One
Due to our patented offset ribbon transducer, the back of the R-122 MKll records slightly brighter than the front side at distances of three feet and closer. This can be extremely useful for recording acoustic guitars, vocals, drum overheads and other sound sources that you may want a slightly brighter response on. Learn more about it here: 2 Mics In One - Recording on the Back Side of the R-121, R-122 and R-122V.
Manual
Cutsheet
Recording Magazine - R-122 MKII Review by Paul Vkuk Jr.
Sound On Sound - Royer R-122 MKII
Pro Audio Review - Royer R-122 MKII Active Ribbon Mic by Russ Long
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