*Delivery will occur in a week, barring any unforeseen circumstances that might cause delays.
“When you already make some of the best ribbon mics in the world, improving on them isn’t easy — but Royer have done just that.” – Sound On Sound
“The best compliment I can give to the R122 MKII is that this is hands down the most versatile microphone that Royer Labs has produced to date! From here on out I expect it to be Royer’s most popular model. This is now the true workhorse of the Royer line. I fully expect engineers to be extolling its virtues 20 years from now and beyond, just as we currently do with the R-121. Royer has really knocked this one out of the park.” – Recording Magazine
“With the R-122 MKII, Royer Labs has taken an already wonderful mic design to another level of flexibility. There is little doubt you could find a place to use the R-122 MKII to achieve stellar results on any session for any style of music. Whether you are or you aren’t already in love with ribbon mics, the Royer Labs R-122 MKII will make you swoon.” – Tape Op
“As for sound quality, the R-122 MkII meets my expectations perfectly. The sound is precise, natural and warm. In short, the characteristic sound of ribbon microphones. What sets it apart from other microphones of this type: no need for an equalizer to obtain a balanced and rich sound.” – Studio Microphone
Active Ribbon Microphone
In 2002, Royer Labs introduced the R-122, the world’s first phantom-powered, active ribbon microphone — a groundbreaking innovation in ribbon mic technology. By integrating impedance-matching circuitry with condenser-like output levels, the R-122 made it possible to capture even the quietest sound sources with ease, while offering compatibility with virtually any preamplifier.
Building on this legacy, the R-122 MKII takes the original to new heights, adding a switchable -15 dB pad and a switchable bass-cut filter for enhanced versatility. Both switches are fully bypassed when disengaged, preserving the original R-122’s pure signal path. Strategically recessed on the back of the microphone, these switches are designed to prevent accidental activation, ensuring reliable performance in any recording setting.
The Pad
The R-122 MKII features a switchable -15 dB pad positioned before the microphone’s electronics. When engaged, it effectively prevents headroom-related distortion, even on the loudest sound sources, making it perfect for capturing wide-open electric guitars. With the pad activated, the R-122 MKII’s output is 2 dB lower than the flagship R-121. This well-designed pad introduces no sonic coloration, ensuring that, once levels are matched, the sound remains identical whether the pad is engaged or not.
The Bass Cut
The R-122 MKII’s switchable bass-cut filter begins rolling off at 100 Hz with a gentle slope of 6 dB per octave. This filter effectively reduces bass buildup caused by the proximity effect, making it highly useful for vocals, many acoustic instruments, and close-miked electric guitars when a tighter low end is desired.
Electronics
The R-122 MKII’s electronics are meticulously hand-wired at our Burbank, CA factory. It utilizes a custom-designed Royer toroidal transformer that delivers a faster transient response than traditional ribbon microphones. This design makes the R-122 MKII an ideal choice for drum overheads, percussion, and all acoustic instruments.
Gain
Unlike conventional ribbon microphones that require high-quality, high-gain preamplifiers for softer sound sources, the R-122 MKII provides a significantly higher output. This allows it to be used with virtually any microphone preamplifier or console preamp, even for the quietest sounds. The R-122 MKII features a fully balanced, hand-wired, discrete head amplifier system using a custom toroidal transformer and ultra-low noise FETs. This combination achieves a high sensitivity of 37 dB while enabling high SPL recording. Plug the R-122 MKII into any standard preamp, and you’ll achieve the full Royer experience with enough gain to drive any recording medium.
Despite its higher sensitivity, the R-122 MKII introduces no additional self-noise, as its enhanced output comes solely from its specially wound toroidal transformer, providing what we like to call “free gain.” The microphone’s phantom-powered circuitry solely handles impedance conversion, contributing no noise to the signal.
Impedance Matching
The R-122 MKII’s active electronics ensure an optimal load on the ribbon element at all times, allowing the microphone to deliver its full sonic potential regardless of the preamp’s input characteristics. Its low-impedance output allows for long cable runs with minimal signal loss. Additionally, the microphone’s design protects the ribbon element from damage caused by phantom power, miswired cables, or electrical issues.
Patented Offset Ribbon Technology
The R-122 MKII incorporates Royer’s proprietary offset ribbon transducer (Patent # 6,434,252), which positions the ribbon element closer to the front (logo) side of the microphone. This configuration provides the ribbon with more room to move within the prime magnetic field while maintaining full frequency response during high SPL recordings. This technology is an essential component of the signature Royer sound in all R-series microphone.
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
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
*Please note that pre-orders are non-cancelable, so make sure the item you are ordering is correct.