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Royer
R-121 Ribbon Microphone |
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The R-121 is our flagship microphone and the worlds first
radically redesigned ribbon microphone. 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
warm, natural tonal response that top engineers have always loved
ribbon mics for, but in a compact, light-weight, higher output,
tough-as-nails package that was unheard of in a ribbon mic before
the R-121.
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".
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| Patented Offset Ribbon Technology |
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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 integral piece of the magic of all Royer R-series microphones.
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| Recording
With The R-121 |
Tonally, an 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.
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| 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 was built to take it.
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| Two
Mics In One |
At distances of three
feet and closer, the back of the R-121 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.
2 Mics In One - Recording
on the Back Side of the R-121 and R-122
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| 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
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| Recommended
Applications |
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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
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Technical
Specifications |
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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
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| Polar Pattern |
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| Frequency Response |
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| Accessories |
Protective wood case
Microphone sock
Documentation
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| Warranty |
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Lifetime to original owner (repair
or replace at Royer's option)
Ribbon Element Warranty: One Year
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List Price: $1,395.00
Patent Number: 6,434,252 |
