Royer R-122 MKII Active Ribbon Microphone
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The R-122 MKll takes the R-122 to a whole new level, delivering unprecedented flexibility for ribbons with the addition of a switchable -15 dB pad and a switchable bass-cut filter. The switches are completely out of the circuit when disengaged so when both are off, the microphone is for all purposes an original R-122. The switches are located on the back of the microphone and recessed to prevent accidental activation.
Features
• Phantom powered circuitry provides high output and impedance matching
• -15 dB pad before the mics electronics gives more headroom when activated.
• Bass cut filter reduces proximity effect and bass below 100 Hz when activated
• High SPL Capabilities
• No 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
• Rear side of mic records slightly brighter when three feet or closer to sound source
Two Mics in One
Due to the patented offset ribbon transducer, the back of the R-122 MKll records slightly brighter than the front side at distances of three feet and closer. This can be extremely useful for recording acoustic guitars, vocals, drum overheads and other sound sources that you may want a slightly brighter response on.
Exceptional Recording
The faster transient response and larger size of the MKII's audio transformer translates into more open highs and a tighter, more focused low end response. These characteristics make the R-122 MKll an exceptional choice for drum overheads, many acoustic instruments, percussion, strings, piano, standup bass and vocals.
As with all Royer ribbons, pushing up the faders on your ribbon-recorded tracks at mixdown is a revelation. When your tracks sound natural and real, there's nothing to fight or "fix" and instruments drop into the mix easily.
The Pad
The R-122 MKII's switchable -15 dB pad is positioned before the microphones electronics and, when engaged, eliminates any potential for headroom-related distortion on even the loudest sound sources. Once levels are matched, the R-122 MKll reproduces sound exactly the same with the pad in as with the pad out.
The Bass Cut
When switched in, the R-122 MKlls bass cut starts filtering at 100 Hz, 6 dB per octave, effectively reducing the mics bass buildup due to proximity effect. This smooth filter is extremely useful on vocals, many acoustic instruments, and close-miked electric guitars when less bottom end is desired.
The R-122 MKlls electronics are hand-wired in our Burbank, CA factory. The microphone utilizes a special Royer-designed toroidal transformer that delivers a faster transient response then traditional ribbons, making it a first call ribbon mic for drum overheads, percussion and all acoustic instruments.
Gain
Conventional ribbon microphones need high-quality, high-gain microphone preamplifiers to record softer sound sources. The R-122 MKlls output level is much higher, allowing you to use practically any mic preamplifier or board pre's to record even the quietest sounds. The R-122 MKll contains a fully balanced, hand-wired, discrete head amplifier system utilizing a specially wound toroidal transformer and ultra-low noise FET's. This system is extremely quiet and brings the R-122 MKll's sensitivity to 37 dB, all while allowing for high SPL recording! Go ahead and plug a MKII into any preamp with average gain - you'll get full Royer performance and enough level to drive any recording medium.
There is no increase in self-noise in the R-122 MKII's higher sensitivity. All of the mics additional output comes from its large, specially wound toroidal transformer - that wonderful thing called "free gain." The phantom powered circuitry provides impedance conversion only, adding no noise of its own.
Impedance Matching
The R-122 MK's active electronics put a perfect load on the ribbon element at all times, allowing the microphone to deliver its full sonic potential regardless of the input characteristics of the following pre. Due to its low-impedance output, R-122's can be used on extremely long cable runs with minimal signal loss. In addition, the ribbon element can't be damaged by phantom power, miswired cables or electrical glitches.
Patented Offset Ribbon Technology
The R-122's proprietary offset ribbon transducer (Patent # 6,434,252) positions the ribbon element closer to the front (logo) side of the microphone. This configuration 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.
Specifications
Acoustic Operating Principle: Electrodynamic pressure gradient with active electronics.
Polar Pattern: Figure-8
Generating Element: 2.5-micron aluminum ribbon
Magnets: Rare Earth Neodymium
Frequency Response: 30 - 15,000 Hz 3 dB
Sensitivity: -36 dB (re. 1v/pa 1 dB)
Switchable Pad: -15 dB
Switchable Bass Cut: 100 Hz (6 dB per octave)
Self-Noise: < 18 dB
Output Impedance: 200 Ohms, balanced
Output Connector: Male XLR 3-pin (Pin 2 Hot)
Rated Load Impedance: 1K-Ohm minimum
Maximum SPL: 135 dB @ 30 Hz
Power Requirements: 48-Volt Phantom Only
Supply Current: 4 mA
Dimensions: 206mm L X 25mm W (8 1/8 L X 1 W)
Weight: 309 grams (10.9 oz)
Finish: Burnished Satin Nickel
Q & A
Reviews
Protect your investment with the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty
A warranty can be a very important factor when making a buying decision. Because repairs can be very expensive in terms of parts and labour costs, manufacturers usually only provide one year limited warranties that generally only cover items that malfunction due to a manufacturer’s defect. With an important purchase such as a musical
instrument or piece of studio gear, however, many people want to have the peace of mind in knowing that their investment will be protected should the product no longer be performing at 100%.
Because of this, Long & McQuade provides our customers with a FREE one-year Performance Warranty on most of our products. The Long & McQuade Performance Warranty supplements the manufacturer’s warranty to ensure that our customers receive complete “no hassle” warranty coverage within their first year.
How does the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty differ from most manufacturers' warranties?
- Performance Guarantee: Normal wear and tear is covered, so your product will be performing as well as the day you purchased it for the entire duration of the coverage. Band and Orchestral Performance Warranty does not include replacing pads or cleaning for woodwind instruments, unless deemed necessary by our repair staff. Ultrasonic cleaning for brass instruments will be provided if deemed necessary by our repair staff, but is not routinely offered under the Performance Warranty.
- Product Replacement: If your product cannot be fixed or costs too much to fix, we will replace it with the equivalent model for no additional charge. If this is not possible, a full refund will be provided.
- No Lemon Policy: Your product will be replaced should the same problem occur multiple times.
- Convenient: Easy drop off and pick up of the product at any Long & McQuade location.
- Guitar Setup: Guitars purchased at Long & McQuade come with 1 free setup, to be redeemed within 1 year for new guitars and 90 days for used guitars.
- Loaners Available: A loaner product may be given while the product is being repaired.
- Power Surge Protection: Your product is covered even if damaged from a power surge.
- Accessory Coverage: Any peripheral devices or accessories that come with your product (i.e. foot pedal, case) are also covered.
- Commercial Use Coverage: Music and recording professionals who purchase gear for “heavy-use” commercial purposes will still be covered.
Long & McQuade reserves the right to restrict the purchase of additional years of Performance Warranty. Used products come with a 3-month Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Some products (i.e. computers, software, cymbals and other items) are covered only by the manufacturer‘s warranty. Consumables (i.e. strings, reeds, drum sticks, batteries, tubes, cross faders) are excluded as they are designed to be replaced. Cosmetic Damage, Accidental Damage, or problems caused by Humidity or Temperature Issues are not covered. Speakers damaged by overpowering are generally not covered. Our coverage does not provide compensation for loss of use. As of June 2018 the Performance Warranty is no longer transferable. The warranty is only valid in Canada.
Purchasing additional years of coverage
Some manufacturers provide warranties for longer than 1 year; however, these are usually limited warranties that do not provide the same coverage as the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Customers interested in more complete and convenient (but not necessarily longer) coverage are still able to purchase additional years of the Performance Warranty.
If you are interested in receiving this coverage for longer than one year, you have the option of purchasing additional years of the Performance Warranty. The pricing is as follows:
- NEW products: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year.
- USED products: 4% of the current new selling price to increase the warranty from 3 months to 1 year. 4% for each additional year.
- GUITARS: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year. $45 maximum. An additional free setup is not included with additional purchased years of Performance Warranty.
- BAND and ORCHESTRAL instruments: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year.
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| Product | SKU | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| R-122 MKII Active Ribbon Microphone | 438579 |
