R-122V-300

R-122V Vacuum Tube Ribbon Microphone

The R-122V is the pinnacle of our R-Series line, a world-class tube ribbon microphone exhibiting unparalleled richness, depth, and detail, particularly in the midrange frequencies. With a lushness that has to be heard to be truly appreciated, the R-122V offers the ultimate in ribbon microphone performance for those who insist on the very best.

The R-122V takes the Royer-pioneered concept of active ribbon microphone technology to an unprecedented level by incorporating vacuum tube electronics into the same proven transducer system used in the venerable R-121 and R-122 ribbon microphones. The high operating voltage of the vacuum tube provides headroom far beyond that available from a standard phantom power supply. Sonically this translates into unmatched clarity, detail, and airiness, along with the ability to handle brute SPL levels without flinching.

The Electronics
The R-122V’s head amplifier consists of a low-noise, triode-connected military grade 5840 vacuum tube. Designed for a wide range of applications, the R-122V offers superb transient response and the drive capabilities only a vacuum tube head amplifier can provide. The circuit is devoid of typical vacuum tube coloration.

The R-122V’s triode-configured cathode follower circuitry enables the microphone to drive long cable runs without sonic degradation or high-frequency loss. This capability is further enhanced by the R-122V’s dedicated power supply, which provides ample current to the vacuum tube electronics. Induced noise is virtually eliminated by the microphone’s fully balanced output, which is electrically isolated with a special purpose Jensen output transformer.

Like our phantom powered R-122, the R-122V has far more level than non-powered ribbon microphones and its impedance matching circuitry places a perfect load on the ribbon element at all times. This allows the use of a wide variety of mic preamps without concern for gain and impedance matches, two critical issues with ribbon microphones. All of the R122V’s increased output comes from its large, specially designed toroidal transformer, so there is no additional noise associated with the microphone’s higher output.

Patented Offset Ribbon Technology
The R-122’s proprietary offset ribbon transducer (Patent Number: 6,434,252) positions the ribbon element closer to the front (logo) side of the microphone than the rear. This arrangement 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

  • Vacuum tube electronics provide high output capability, optimal impedance to the ribbon element and low output impedance
  • Extremely low self-noise
  • Operates from a dedicated power supply
  • 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
  • Very low magnetic leakage
  • 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

  • Orchestral miking, close and distant
  • Strings - solo & sections
  • Acoustic Piano, Harp, etc.
  • Electric Guitar
  • Acoustic Guitar
  • Vocals, Commercial Broadcast, Voice Over
  • Brass, Horn Sections
  • Drum Overheads, Room Miking
  • Percussion Instruments

ArtistMaterialEngineer, ProducerMicrophoneInstrumentGenreMedia
Adam Del MonteRibbons OnlyR-122VAcoustic Guitar, Classical
Guitar
ClassicalVideo
Alan
Meyerson (Scoring Engineer)
Full MixAlan MeyersonR-122VWoodwindsClassical, ScoringAudio
CalexicoFull Mix and Isolated Ribbon
Tracks
Craig SchumacherR-122VCello, Acoustic GuitarAmericana, Tex-Mex, IndieAudio
DevotchKaFull Mix and Isolated Ribbon
Tracks
Craig SchumacherR-122VStrings, ViolinIndie Folk, Indie RockAudio
Jonathan MerkelRibbons OnlyJonathan MerkelR-122VElectric Guitar, Home RecordingHard RockVideo
Mark HoldawayRibbons OnlyTim WeedR-122VKalimba, PercussionWorldAudio, Photos
Paul GalbraithFull MixAl SchmittR-122VClassical Guitar, Acoustic
Guitar
ClassicalAudio, Photos
Fab recording
Will Knox
Ribbons OnlyAlan MeyersonR-122VDrums OverheadSoundtrackAudio, Photos
LAGQFull MixRobert FriedrichR-122V, R-121Acoustic Guitar, FluteBrazilian, WorldAudio, Photos, Video
Jamie Laval
& Ashley Broder
Full Mix and Isolated Ribbon
Tracks
Jay ManneschmidtR-122V, SF-24Violin, Mandolin, FiddleFolk, CelticAudio, Photos

Listen to more samples in the Audio/Video Library

Technical Specifications

  • Acoustic Operating Principle: Electrodynamic pressure gradient with vacuum tube
    electronics.
  • Vacuum Tube: JAN mil-spec 5840W pentode wired in triode configuration
  • Polar Pattern: Figure-8
  • Generating Element: 2.5-micron aluminum ribbon
  • Magnets: Rare Earth Neodymium
  • Frequency Response: 30 -15,000 Hz +/- 3dB
  • Sensitivity: -36 dB (re. 1v/pa +/- 1 dB)
  • Self-Noise: < 18 dB
  • Output Impedance: 200 Ohms, balanced
  • Rated Load Impedance: 1 K-Ohm
  • Maximum SPL: >135dB SPL @ 20 Hz
  • Power Requirements: Plate supply: 135 VDC @2ma, Filament supply: 6 VDC@ 150ma from dedicated power supply.
  • Dimensions: 206mm L, 25mm W (8 1/8 " L, 1" W).
    Weight: 300g (10.9 oz )
  • Finish: Dull Satin Nickel/Matte Black Chrome optional

Polar Pattern

polar pattern

Frequency Response

frequency response

Manual

R-122V CD-R Manual 2015_Page_01

Cutsheet

R-122V Cutsheet_Page_1

Pro Audio Review - Royer Labs R-122V Ribbon Microphone Can it possibly be better than Royer's other ribbon mics? Read and see...

Tape Op - R-122V Review

Mix - Field Test: Royer R-122V Tube Ribbon Mic