Microphones / Tube ribbon microphone
R-122V
The pinnacle of our R-Series line: a world-class tube ribbon microphone with unparalleled richness, depth, and detail.
The R-122V is the pinnacle of our R-Series line, a world-class tube ribbon microphone exhibiting unparalleled richness, depth, and detail, particularly in the midrange frequencies. With a lushness that has to be heard to be truly appreciated, the R-122V offers the ultimate in ribbon microphone performance for those who insist on the very best.
From the library
Hear the R-122V
- Allen Toussaint, “That’s My Home”Piano and upright bass, as a full mix and isolated tracks, recorded with the R-122V and SF-24 at Avatar Studios, New York. Recorded and mixed by Kevin Killen, produced by Joe Henry.
- Calexico, “Falling From Sleeves”Acoustic guitar and cello on the R-122V, as a full mix and isolated tracks. Recorded and mixed by Craig Schumacher at Wavelab Studio, Tucson.
- Paul GalbraithClassical guitar on the R-122V, recorded and mixed by Al Schmitt at Capitol Studios (Studio A), Hollywood.
The R-122V takes the Royer-pioneered concept of active ribbon microphone technology to an unprecedented level by incorporating vacuum tube electronics into the same proven transducer system used in the venerable R-121 and R-122 MKII ribbon microphones. The high operating voltage of the vacuum tube provides headroom far beyond that available from a standard phantom power supply. Sonically this translates into unmatched clarity, detail, and airiness, along with the ability to handle brute SPL levels without flinching.
The electronics
The R-122V’s head amplifier consists of a low-noise, triode-connected military grade 5840 vacuum tube. Designed for a wide range of applications, the R-122V offers superb transient response and the drive capabilities only a vacuum tube head amplifier can provide. The circuit is devoid of typical vacuum tube coloration.
The R-122V’s triode-configured cathode follower circuitry enables the microphone to drive long cable runs without sonic degradation or high-frequency loss. This capability is further enhanced by the R-122V’s dedicated power supply, which provides ample current to the vacuum tube electronics. Induced noise is virtually eliminated by the microphone’s fully balanced output, which is electrically isolated with a special purpose Jensen output transformer.
Like our phantom powered R-122 MKII, the R-122V has far more level than non-powered ribbon microphones and its impedance matching circuitry places a perfect load on the ribbon element at all times. This allows the use of a wide variety of mic preamps without concern for gain and impedance matches, two critical issues with ribbon microphones. All of the R-122V’s increased output comes from its large, specially designed toroidal transformer, so there is no additional noise associated with the microphone’s higher output.
Patented offset ribbon technology
The R-122V’s proprietary offset ribbon transducer (Patent Number: 6,434,252) positions the ribbon element closer to the front (logo) side of the microphone than the rear. 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.
Available in matched pairs
The R-122V is available as a matched pair. Matched pairs of Royer mics are consecutively serial numbered and shipped together as a perfect match. Use a pair for stereo recording: orchestral miking, acoustic piano, drum overheads and room miking.
Features
- Vacuum tube electronics provide high output capability, optimal impedance to the ribbon element and low output impedance
- Extremely low self-noise
- Operates from a dedicated power supply
- High SPL capabilities for electric guitar and percussion instruments
- Absence of high-frequency peaks, “ringing” and phase shifts
- Ribbon element unaffected by impedance/load, heat or humidity
- Very low magnetic leakage
- 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
- Available in matched pairs
Applications
- Orchestral miking, close and distant
- Strings, solo and sections
- Acoustic piano and harp
- Electric guitar
- Acoustic guitar
- Vocals, commercial broadcast, voice over
- Brass and horn sections
- Drum overheads and room miking
- Percussion instruments
Technical specifications
| Acoustic operating principle | Electrodynamic pressure gradient with vacuum tube electronics |
|---|---|
| Vacuum tube | JAN mil-spec 5840W pentode wired in triode configuration |
| Polar pattern | Figure-8 |
| Generating element | 2.5-micron aluminum ribbon |
| Magnets | Rare Earth Neodymium |
| Frequency response | 30 - 15,000 Hz +/- 3dB |
| Sensitivity | -36 dB (re. 1v/pa +/- 1 dB) |
| Self-noise | < 18 dB |
| Output impedance | 200 Ohms, balanced |
| Rated load impedance | 1 K-Ohm |
| Maximum SPL | >160dB @ 1kHz, >135dB @ 20Hz |
| Power requirements | Plate supply: 135 VDC @ 2mA. Filament supply: 6 VDC @ 150mA, from dedicated power supply |
| Dimensions | 206mm L, 25mm W (8 1/8" L, 1" W) |
| Weight | 300g (10.9 oz) |
| Finish | Dull Satin Nickel / Matte Black Chrome optional |
Polar pattern
Frequency response
Reviews
Pro Audio Review: Royer Labs R-122V Ribbon Microphone
Tape Op: R-122V Review