Mic Archive
Royer R-121
Photo: Royer Labs, from its spec sheet, p. 1.

Royer Labs

Royer R-121

Passive ribbon, figure-8

Approximate Some readings for this mic are uncertain; see the graphs.

Type
Ribbon
Pattern
Figure-8
Sensitivity
−47 dBV/Pa
Max SPL
135 dB SPL
Impedance
300 Ω
Rated range
30 – 15k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: 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.

Independent measurement: also drawn, from the Multi-Angle, Multi-Distance Microphone Impulse Response Dataset (Juan Carlos Franco Hernández, Bogdan Bacila, Tim Brookes, Enzo De Sena, University of Surrey) (CC BY 4.0): one unit, 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

Polar pattern: from the spec sheet, p. 2. 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.

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All specs

From the spec sheet
Capsule2.5-micron pure (99.99%) aluminium ribbon, 1.5" x 3/16"; offset ribbon; neodymium magnets in a Flux-Frame. Ribbon size from the manual, p. 17.p. 1
Sensitivity−47 dBV/Pa; also −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 SPL135 dB SPL, at 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 impedance300 ohm, 1 kHz, nominal; balanced
Rated load impedance1500 ohm, rated load impedance. Manual p. 6: use a preamp input of at least five times the mic impedance.
Rated frequency range30 Hz to 15 kHz, ± 3 dB
ConnectorXLR-3 male, pin 2 hot
Weight244 g
Dimensions156 × 25 mm. Length × width. The manual (p. 18) says 158 mm x 25 mm.
Finishdull satin nickel; matte black chrome (optional)
Supplied accessoriesProtective wood case; Mic sock
MagnetsRare Earth Neodymium
Optional AccessoriesPop screen, shock mount
Microphone WarrantyLifetime to original owner (repair or replace at Royer's option)
Ribbon Element WarrantyFirst re-ribbon free to original owner within first year of purchase
Matched pairsAvailable at extra charge
Patent6,434,252
From the manual
Poweringnone (passive). "No power supply required". Safe with phantom power on correctly wired cables (manual p. 4-5).p. 17
Back sideRecords slightly brighter on the back side at 3 feet or closer; the back is out of phasep. 15
Recommended preamp gainAt least 60-70 dB of clean gainp. 6
Weight with case21.1 ouncesp. 18
MechanicalStainless steel internal baffle and dampenerp. 17

Documents

Copies kept by Mic Archive, because manufacturers move and drop their documents. Each is © Royer Labs, unchanged, with its original address.

Product page on royerlabs.comRecording Hacks

Recommended for

Instruments whose sources name this mic, or an earlier version or variant of it.

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