Royer Labs
Royer R-121
Passive ribbon, figure-8
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
- −47 dBV/Pa
- Among 28 ribbons: more output than 59%
- Among 311 mics: more output than 40%
- 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
- 1998
vs 24 side-address ribbons
More output than 57% 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.
Instruments sources recommend it for most
5 of 21; all under Recommended for.
Proximity effect: the bass it gains up close
From the spec sheet, p. 2.
Distance, anechoic or not, smoothing and typical-vs-individual are not stated. The rated response is 30 - 15,000 Hz ± 3 dB.
That unit is from the Multi-Angle, Multi-Distance Microphone Impulse Response Dataset (CC BY 4.0), measured at 1.25 m and set to 0 dB at 1 kHz, from 136 Hz up. Not the manufacturer's curve.
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° (front, logo side) up; values fold left and right halves. Measuring conditions not stated. The rear lobe (90° to 180°) is opposite in polarity (manual p. 15).
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 pure (99.99%) aluminium ribbon, 1.5" x 3/16"; offset ribbon; neodymium magnets in a Flux-FrameRibbon size from the manual, p. 17. | p. 1 |
| Sensitivity | −47 dBV/Paalso −49 dBV/Pa, as stated in the manual, p. 17. The 2021 manual (p. 17) says -49 dB (re 1 V/Pa). | p. 2 |
| Max SPL | 135 dB SPLat 20 Hz (front side); also 115 dB SPL, rear side, recommended limit (manual p. 15). Page 1 of the same cut sheet and the manual (p. 17) say 135 dB at 30 Hz. Rear side: do not exceed 115 dB SPL (manual p. 15). | |
| Output impedance | 300 ohm1 kHz, nominal; balanced | |
| Rated load impedance | 1500 ohmrated load impedance. Manual p. 6: use a preamp input of at least five times the mic impedance. | |
| Rated frequency range | 30 Hz to 15 kHz± 3 dB | |
| Connector | XLR-3 male, pin 2 hot | |
| Weight | 244 g | |
| Dimensions | 156 × 25 mmLength × width. The manual (p. 18) says 158 mm x 25 mm. | |
| Finish | dull satin nickel; matte black chrome (optional) | |
| Supplied accessories | Protective wood case; Mic sock | |
| Magnets | Rare Earth Neodymium | |
| Optional Accessories | Pop screen, shock mount | |
| Microphone Warranty | Lifetime to original owner (repair or replace at Royer's option) | |
| Ribbon Element Warranty | First re-ribbon free to original owner within first year of purchase | |
| Matched pairs | Available at extra charge | |
| Patent | 6,434,252 | |
| From the manual | ||
| Powering | none (passive)"No power supply required". Safe with phantom power on correctly wired cables (manual p. 4-5). | p. 17 |
| Back side | Records slightly brighter on the back side at 3 feet or closer; the back is out of phase | p. 15 |
| Recommended preamp gain | At least 60-70 dB of clean gain | p. 6 |
| Weight with case | 21.1 ounces | p. 18 |
| Mechanical | Stainless steel internal baffle and dampener | p. 17 |
| From the Recording Hacks page | ||
| Released | 1998 | |
Documents
- R-121 manual
- R-121 cutsheet
- R-121 cutsheet2006
- Multi-Angle, Multi-Distance Microphone Impulse Response DatasetJuan Carlos Franco Hernández, Bogdan Bacila, Tim Brookes, Enzo De Sena, University of Surrey
- Royer Labs R-121 | RecordingHacks.com
Copies kept by Mic Archive (manufacturers move and drop their documents). Each is © Royer Labs, unchanged, with its original address.
Recommended for
By recording guides, engineers and mic makers, for this mic or an earlier version of it.