Ribbon-velocity studio microphone
The Royer R-121 Studio is a radically redesigned ribbon microphone and Royer's flagship product. Like most ribbons, the Royer R-121's pattern is figure 8, its sensitivity is roughly equal to a good dynamic mic, and it exhibits a warm, realistic tone and flat frequency response. Royer has received a GRAMMY award for their outstanding ribbon mics. In the words of the Academy, these mics "were revolutionary and moved the art of recording forward." With the R-121, they took a fresh approach, using advanced materials and cutting-edge construction techniques. The R-121 redefines ribbon microphones, leading Recording Magazine to say "the Royer Royer R-121 is destined to become one of the classic microphones of the 21st century." It's a sleek, light, exceptionally versatile microphone that is easy to use, wonderfully musical, and extremely sturdy.
Recording with the Royer R-121
The Royer R-121 ribbon microphone hears things the way your ears hear them. If you've ever heard that incredible guitar, melodic trumpet, sweet flute, deep kick drum, (pick your sound), and found that getting the sound to tape or hard drive was impossible, you owe it to yourself to try a Royer ribbon. On playback, you'll notice that the recorded sound is natural and alive, with a panoramic, ambient feel much like what you heard when you were standing in front of the instruments you recorded. The R-121's response is flat and well balanced; low end is deep and full without getting boomy, mids are well defined and realistic, and the high-end response is sweet and natural sounding, never edgy or sibilant.
Need to record hot?
No problem! The Royer R-121's maximum SPL rating is >135dB, and it can take that all day long. In practical terms, that means you can put your Royer R-121 directly in front of a dimed high-gain guitar amp without distorting the mic or damaging the ribbon. We don't recommend trying this with many other ribbon mics, but the R-121 can take it.
Two mics in one
At distances of two feet and closer, the back of the Royer R-121 Studio is brighter than the front side. The difference in the sound is somewhat like blending 10% of a condenser mic in with your ribbon mic signal. This can be extremely useful when you record acoustic guitars, vocals, and other sound sources that would benefit from a little more top end.
Royer R-121 Studio Ribbon Microphone Matched Pair Features:
- High SPL handling — perfect for close-miking electric guitar, brass, and other instruments
- No internal active electronics to overload or produce 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
- Field-replaceable ribbon transducer
- Includes 2 attractive wooden storage boxes
Specifications
- Acoustic Operating Principle: Electrodynamic pressure gradient
- Polar Pattern: Figure-8
- Generating Element: 2.5-micron aluminum ribbon
- Magnets: Rare Earth Neodymium
- Frequency Response: 30 -15,000 Hz +/- 3dB
- Sensitivity: -50 dBv Re. 1v/pa
- Output Impedance: 300 Ohms @ 1K (nominal)
- Rated Load Impedance: >1500 Ohms @ 300 Ohms
- Maximum SPL: >135dB @ 20 Hz
- Output Connector: Male XLR 3 pin (Pin 2 Hot)
- Dimensions: 155.7mm L, 25mm W (6.13" L, 1" W) Weight: 244g (8.6 oz)
- Finish: Dull Satin Nickel/Matte Black Chrome optional