Royer Labs
Royer R-101
Passive ribbon, figure-8, offset ribbon with internally shock-mounted transducer and multi-layer wind screen
Approximate Some readings for this mic are uncertain; see the graphs.
Power None (passive). Switch phantom power off before you plug it in: a faulty cable can damage the ribbon.
- Type
- Ribbon
- Pattern
- Figure-8
- Sensitivity
- −48 dBV/Pa
- Among 28 ribbons: more output than 56%
- Among 311 mics: more output than 37%
- Max SPL
- 135 dB SPL
- Among 29 ribbons: takes louder sound than 25%
- Among 343 mics: takes louder sound than 36%
- Rated range
- 30 – 15k Hz
- Released
- 2010
vs 24 side-address ribbons
More output than 52% of 24 side-address ribbons.
Each stripe is one side-address ribbon with a published sensitivity, and each bar counts them; further right means more output. This mic is in blue.
vs 28 side-address ribbons
Takes louder sound than 22% of 28 side-address ribbons.
Each stripe is one side-address ribbon with a published max SPL, and each bar counts them; further right means it takes louder sound. This mic is in blue.
Proximity effect: the bass it gains up close
From the spec sheet, p. 2.
Untitled graph under "Frequency Response and Polar Pattern". Distance, room, smoothing and typical-vs-individual are not stated. The rated response is 30 - 15,000 Hz ± 3 dB.
Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.
Polar pattern
From the spec sheet, p. 2. Approximate
Full circle, 0° up; values fold left and right halves and the front and rear lobes are drawn alike. Measuring conditions not stated. The back of the ribbon is in reversed phase (cut sheet p. 1).
Approximate: reading error up to about 3 dB; the graph's dB scale is not labelled and was assumed.
In practice
All specs
| From the spec sheet | ||
|---|---|---|
| Capsule | 2.5-micron aluminium ribbon (99.9% pure), 1.5" x 3/16"; offset ribbon; neodymium magnets in a Flux-Frame; internally shock-mountedPurity and offset ribbon from the cut sheet, p. 1; ribbon size and Flux-Frame from the manual, p. 17; shock mounting from the product page. | p. 2 |
| Sensitivity | −48 dBV/Pa"-48 dB (re. 1v/pa)"; the manual (p. 16) gives "-48 dBv Ref 1 v/pa". | |
| Max SPL | 135 dB SPLat 30 Hz. "135 dB @ 30 Hz"; the manual (p. 16) says "> 135dB". | |
| Output impedance | 300 ohmat 1 kHz, nominal; balanced. "300 Ohms @ 1kHz (nominal)"; "300Ω (nominal) balanced" in the manual, p. 16. | |
| Rated load impedance | 1500 ohmor greater. "Rated Load Impedance: 1500 Ohms (or greater)". | |
| Rated frequency range | 30 Hz to 15 kHz± 3 dB. "30 - 15,000 Hz ± 3dB". | |
| Connector | XLR-3 male, pin 2 hot"Male XLR 3-pin (Pin 2 Hot)". | |
| Weight | 483 g"483g (17 oz)". | |
| Dimensions | 200 × 36 mmLength x width: "200mm L X 36mm W (7.9" L X 1.4" W)". | |
| Finish | matte black | |
| Supplied accessories | shock mount; carrying case; mic sock"Shock mount, carrying case, mic sock"; the manual (p. 17) says "shock-mount, aluminum case, protective mic sock". | |
| Magnets | Rare Earth Neodymium | |
| Microphone warranty | Lifetime to original owner (repair or replace at Royer's option) | |
| Ribbon element warranty | One year | |
| Matched pairs | Available at extra charge | |
| Optional accessories | Pop screen | |
| Wind screen | Multi-layered; protects the ribbon from air blasts and plosives and lowers proximity effect | p. 1 |
| Back side | Brighter response on the back side for lower-SPL sources at 3 feet or closer (phase reversed); the front (logo) side takes higher SPL | |
| Patent | 6,434,252 | p. 2 |
| From the manual | ||
| Powering | none (passive)"No power supply required"; "No internal active electronics" (p. 15). | p. 16 |
| Weight with case | 3 lbs (1.4 kg) | p. 17 |
| Mechanical | Stainless steel internal baffle and dampener | |
| From the Recording Hacks page | ||
| Released | 2010 | |
| From the product page | ||
| Discontinued | Replaced by the R-10, which "utilizes the groundbreaking technology introduced in the R-101 (including the shock mounted ribbon transducer and 3-layer wind screen system)"; Royer still services R-101s | p. 1 |
Documents
- Royer R-101 Ribbon-Velocity Studio Microphonecut sheet
- Model R-101 Mono Ribbon Velocity Microphone, Operation Instructions Manual & User Guide
- R-101 - Royer Labs
- Royer Labs R-101 | RecordingHacks.com
Copies kept by Mic Archive (manufacturers move and drop their documents). Each is © Royer Labs, unchanged, with its original address.