Royer R-121 Ribbon Microphone
Released in 1998, the award-winning the R121 is Royer Labs flagship microphone; the world’s first radically reengineered ribbon microphone and the model that reintroduced ribbon mics to engineers around the world. We did away with the large, heavy, fragile “classic” approach to ribbon microphones and went in a completely new direction. The R-121 gives all of the warmth and natural sound that experienced engineers have long turned to ribbon mics for, but in a compact, light-weight, high output and tough-as-nails package that was unheard of in a ribbon mic before the Royer R121. After spending more than a decade on the market, thousands of R-121’s have been sold around the world and it’s well established as a standard for tracking electric guitar and brass.
The Royer R-121 redefined ribbon microphones so completely that Recording Magazine wrote “…the Royer R-121 is destined to become one of the classic microphones of the 21st century.”
Like many of the best loved classic ribbon mics, the R-121 has a figure-8 pattern, sensitivity in the dynamic mic range, and a warm, realistic tone and flat frequency response. But that’s where the similarities end. By using advanced materials and a blend of cutting edge and old-school hand-build construction techniques, the R-121 is a far more versatile and user-friendly ribbon mic that can stand up to the most demanding tasks, including live stage use. It’s built solid enough for us to give it a lifetime warranty. The R-121 redefined ribbon microphones so thoroughly that Recording Magazine wrote “…the Royer R-121 is destined to become one of the classic microphones of the 21st century”.
R-121’s Patented Offset Ribbon Technology
The R-121’s proprietary offset ribbon transducer (Patent Number; 6,434,252) is the first of its kind, positioning the ribbon element closer to the front (logo) side of the microphone. This arrangement gives the ribbon more room to move within the prime magnetic field while maintaining full frequency response during high SPL recordings. It’s an intrigle piece of the magic of all Royer R-series microphones.
Recording With The Royer Labs R-121
Tonally, a Royer R-121 hears things the way your ears hear them. Most microphones add their own characteristics to your recordings; some have a hyped high and low end response with scooped out mids, some are super sizzly in the highs, some accent midrange and give very little upper and lower end frequency response, some respond to nothing but low end. They all serve a purpose and have their place in recording and live work. But if you’ve ever heard something brilliant – an unbelievable electric guitar, an inspiring trumpet, a sweet flute, an amazing kit – and found that getting that sound to tape or hard drive was impossible, you owe it to yourself to try a Royer ribbon. The R-121’s response is flat and well balanced; low end is deep and full without being boomy, mids are well defined and realistic, and the high end response is sweet and natural sounding, never edgy or sibilant.
On playback you’ll find the sound is natural and alive, with a panoramic, ambient feel much like what you heard when you were standing in the room with the instruments(s) you were recording.
Recording LOUD!
Need to record at insane levels? No problem! The R-121’s maximum SPL rating is 135dB at 20 Hz and it can handle that for years. In practical terms, that means you can put your R-121 directly in front of a souped up 100-watt Marshall and open it up without microphone distortion or damage to the ribbon. We don’t recommend trying this with other ribbon mics, but the R-121 ribbon mic was built to take it.
Two Mics In One
At distances of three feet and closer, the back of the R-121 ribbon mic records slightly brighter than the front side. This can be extremely useful when recording acoustic guitars, vocals, and other sound sources that you may need a slightly brighter response on.
Features
- High SPL Capabilities
- 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
Applications
- Electric Guitar Amps
- 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
Accessories included
- Protective wood case
- Microphone sock
- Documentation
Warranty
- Lifetime to original owner (repair or replace at Royer’s option)
- Ribbon Element Warranty; One Year
The Royer R-121 studio ribbon microphone is available in single units and matched pairs and is supplied in nice wooden 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; 58mm L, 25mm W (6.13″ L, 1″ W)
- Weight; 244g (8.6 oz)
- Finish; Dull Satin Nickel/Matte Black Chrome optional