Mic Archive
Royer R-122 MKII
Photo: Royer Labs, from its spec sheet, p. 1.

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.

Type
Ribbon
Pattern
Figure-8
Sensitivity
−34 dBV/Pa
Self-noise
18 dB(A)
Max SPL
135 dB SPL
Impedance
200 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.

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 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.

Compare with other mics

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. Offset 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-noise18 dB(A), less than; weighting not stated. Printed "Self-Noise < 18 dB", with no weighting given; taken as dB(A), the usual convention.
Max SPL135 dB SPL, at 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 impedance200 ohm, balanced
Rated load impedance1000 ohm, minimum. "1K-Ohm minimum".
Rated frequency range30 Hz to 15 kHz, ±3 dB
Poweringphantom 48 V only. "48-Volt Phantom Only". Manual p. 6: "The microphone will not work at all if phantom power is not provided".
Current draw4 mA
Low cutoff, 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).
ConnectorXLR-3 male (pin 2 hot), gold-plated contacts. Gold-plated contacts from p. 1.
Weight309 g. "309 grams (10.9 oz)".
Dimensions206 × 25 mm. "206mm L X 25mm W (8 1/8" L X 1" W)": length, width (body diameter).
FinishBurnished satin nickel; matte black chrome optional. The manual (p. 21) says "Dull Satin Nickel / Matte Black Chrome (optional)".
Supplied accessoriesprotective wood case; mic sock. The manual (p. 21) adds a mic clip.
MagnetsRare Earth Neodymium
Optional AccessoriesWind 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
Back sideRecords slightly brighter on the back side at 3 feet (about 0.9 m) or closer; polarity reversed therep. 1
Patent6,434,252p. 2
Matched pairsAvailable at extra charge
From the manual
Pad and filter switchesRecessed, on the back; when off the circuit is completely bypassed, so the mic behaves as an original R-122p. 4
Internal baffleStainless steel internal baffle and dampenerp. 21
Proximity effectStarts at about 4-6 feet and increases as the source comes closerp. 18
From the product page
Pad positionBefore the electronics: with the pad in, the output is 2 dB lower than the R-121p. 1
Active electronicsHand-wired discrete head amplifier with a Royer toroidal transformer and low-noise FETs; impedance conversion only

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.com

Recommended for

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