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

Royer Labs

Royer R-122

Active ribbon (phantom-powered), figure-8

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

Type
Ribbon
Pattern
Figure-8
Sensitivity
−36 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 rear lobe (90° to 180°) is opposite in polarity (manual p. 16). 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. Offset ribbon and purity on p. 1; ribbon size and "patented Flux-Frame" from the manual, p. 19.p. 1
Sensitivity−36 dBV/Pa, ±1 dB; also −37 dBV/Pa, ±2 dB, 2006 cut sheet. "-36 dB (re. 1v/pa ±1dB)"; the manual (p. 18) agrees. The 2006 cut sheet says "-37 dB (re. 1v/pa ±2dB)".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. 16). "135 dB @ 30 Hz". Manual p. 16: "recordings on the rear side should not exceed 115dB 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. 5: "The microphone will not work at all if phantom power is not provided".
Current draw4 mA
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. 19) says "Dull Satin Nickel or Matte Black Chrome".
Supplied accessoriesprotective wood case; mic sock. The manual (p. 19) 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
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
Internal baffleStainless steel internal baffle and dampenerp. 19
Active electronicsToroidal transformer and electronic buffer stage; output comparable to condenser mics, load on the ribbon independent of the preampp. 3
Proximity effectStarts at about 4-6 feet and increases as the source comes closerp. 16

Documents

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

Recording Hacks

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