Royer Labs
Royer R-122 MKII
Active ribbon (phantom-powered), figure-8, with -15 dB pad and 100 Hz bass cut
Approximate Some readings for this mic are uncertain; see the graphs.
Power Phantom 48 V only.
- Type
- Ribbon
- Pattern
- Figure-8
- Sensitivity
- −34 dBV/Pa
- Among 28 ribbons: more output than 93%
- Among 311 mics: more output than 79%
- Self-noise
- 18 dB(A)
- 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
- 2015
vs 24 side-address ribbons
More output than 91% 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 272 mics
Quieter than 32% of 272 mics.
Each stripe is one mic with a published self-noise, and each bar counts them; further right means quieter. 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
3 of 4; 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.
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 back side is "phase reversed" (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 pure (99.99%) aluminium ribbon, 1.5" x 3/16"; offset ribbon; neodymium magnets in a Flux-FrameOffset ribbon and purity on p. 1; ribbon size and "patented Flux-Frame" from the manual, p. 21. | p. 1 |
| Sensitivity | −34 dBV/Pa±1 dB; also −36 dBV/Pa, ±1 dB, manual (2019/2021). "-34 dB (re. 1v/pa ±1 dB)". The manual (p. 20) says "-36 dB (Ref 1 v/pa ± 1 dB)", the R-122's figure; the product page says the electronics bring "the R-122 MKll's sensitivity to 37 dB". | p. 2 |
| Self-noise | 18 dB(A)less than; weighting not stated. Printed "Self-Noise < 18 dB", with no weighting given; taken as dB(A), the usual convention. | |
| Max SPL | 135 dB SPLat 30 Hz (front side); also 115 dB SPL, rear side, recommended limit (manual p. 18). "135 dB @ 30 Hz". Manual p. 18: "recordings on the rear side should not exceed 115 dB SPL". | |
| Output impedance | 200 ohmbalanced | |
| Rated load impedance | 1000 ohmminimum. "1K-Ohm minimum". | |
| Rated frequency range | 30 Hz to 15 kHz±3 dB | |
| Powering | phantom 48 V only"48-Volt Phantom Only". Manual p. 6: "The microphone will not work at all if phantom power is not provided". | |
| Current draw | 4 mA | |
| Low cut | off, 100 Hz; 100 Hz; 6 dB/octave"Switchable Bass Cut 100 Hz (6 dB per octave)". Recessed switches on the back. | |
| Pad | −15 dB"Switchable Pad -15 dB"; before any other electronics (p. 1). | |
| Connector | XLR-3 male (pin 2 hot), gold-plated contactsGold-plated contacts from p. 1. | |
| Weight | 309 g"309 grams (10.9 oz)". | |
| Dimensions | 206 × 25 mm"206mm L X 25mm W (8 1/8" L X 1" W)": length, width (body diameter). | |
| Finish | Burnished satin nickel; matte black chrome optionalThe manual (p. 21) says "Dull Satin Nickel / Matte Black Chrome (optional)". | |
| Supplied accessories | protective wood case; mic sockThe manual (p. 21) adds a mic clip. | |
| Magnets | Rare Earth Neodymium | |
| Optional Accessories | Wind 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 | |
| Back side | Records slightly brighter on the back side at 3 feet (about 0.9 m) or closer; polarity reversed there | p. 1 |
| Patent | 6,434,252 | p. 2 |
| Matched pairs | Available at extra charge | |
| From the manual | ||
| Pad and filter switches | Recessed, on the back; when off the circuit is completely bypassed, so the mic behaves as an original R-122 | p. 4 |
| Internal baffle | Stainless steel internal baffle and dampener | p. 21 |
| Proximity effect | Starts at about 4-6 feet and increases as the source comes closer | p. 18 |
| From the product page | ||
| Pad position | Before the electronics: with the pad in, the output is 2 dB lower than the R-121 | p. 1 |
| Active electronics | Hand-wired discrete head amplifier with a Royer toroidal transformer and low-noise FETs; impedance conversion only | |
| From the Recording Hacks page | ||
| Released | 2015 | |
Documents
- R-122MKII Cutsheet 2019
- Model R-122 MKII Active Ribbon Velocity Microphone, Operation Instructions Manual & User Guiderevised 2019
- R-122 MKII | Royer Labsproduct page
- Royer Labs R-122 Mk II | RecordingHacks.com
Copies kept by Mic Archive (manufacturers move and drop their documents), unchanged, with their original addresses. Each is © its publisher.
Recommended for
By recording guides, engineers and mic makers, for this mic or an earlier version of it.