Output similar to condenser mics due to active electronics

Impedance matching circuitry optimizes mic with any preamp

Pure aluminum ribbon with outstanding frequency response

Offset ribbon design handles high SPLs

Phantom-powered ribbon mic, more sensitive than any other ribbon

The R-122 is a compact, monaural, phantom powered ribbon microphone - the first ribbon microphone of its kind. Sonically similar to Royer's R-121, the R-122 exhibits a flat frequency response and a well balanced panoramic sound field, but it is 13 dB 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's ability to withstand high SPLs 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 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, 15 to 20 dB less sensitive than condenser mics, necessitating the use of high-quality, high-gain microphone preamplifiers for recording softer sound sources like acoustic instruments, vocals and room ambience. The R-122 contains a fully balanced, discrete head amplifier systems utilizing ultra-low noise FET's. Go ahead and plug an R-122 into any preamplifier with average gain characteristics - you'll get full Royer performance regardless of how quiet the sound source, and you'll have enough gain to drive any recording medium.

Impedance matching circuitry optimizes mic with any preamp
The electronics in the R-122 provide a perfect load on the ribbon element at all times, meaning that R-122's are able to deliver 100% of their full sonic potential regardless of the input characteristics of the following mic-pre. Due to the low-impedance output, Active Series 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 mis-matching "loads" a ribbon improperly, resulting in loss of low end, diminished body, lowered sensitivity and overall compromised performance. With the R-122, 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 mis-wired cables.

Pure aluminum ribbon with outstanding frequency response
The R-122 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, coupled with its sophisticated active electronics system, enable the R-122 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'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 (3 feet and closer; phase reversed in this position).

Gain
The R-122 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, 15 to 20 dB less sensitive than condenser mics, necessitating the use of high-quality, high-gain microphone preamplifiers for recording softer sound sources like acoustic instruments, vocals and room ambience. The R-122 contains a fully balanced, discrete head amplifier systems utilizing ultra-low noise FET's. Go ahead and plug an R-122 into any preamplifier with average gain characteristics - you'll get full Royer performance regardless of how quiet the sound source, and you'll have enough gain to drive any recording medium.

Impedance Matching
The electronics in the R-122 provide a perfect load on the ribbon element at all times, meaning that R-122's are able to deliver 100% of their full sonic potential regardless of the input characteristics of the following mic-pre. Due to the low-impedance output, Active Series 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 mis-matching "loads" a ribbon improperly, resulting in loss of low end, diminished body, lowered sensitivity and overall compromised performance. With the R-122, 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 mis-wired cables.

Royer R-122 Ribbon Microphone Features
Active electronics provide high output capability, optimal impedance to the
ribbon element, extremely low self noise and low output impedance
Operates on standard 48-volt phantom power
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 front and back of element
Very low magnetic leakage

Recommended 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