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Royer

Description

The R-121 is Royer's flagship microphone and the world's first radically redesigned ribbon microphone. The R-121 gives all of the warm, natural tonal response for which top engineers have always loved ribbon mics, but in a compact, lightweight, higher output, tough-as-nails package that was unheard of in a ribbon mic before the Royer R-121.

Like many of the best loved classic ribbon mics, the R-121 has a figure-8 pattern, sensitivity in the dynamic mic range, and a warm, realistic tone and flat frequency response. But that's where the similarities end. By using advanced materials and a blend of cutting-edge and old-school handbuild construction techniques, the R-121 is a far more versatile and user-friendly ribbon mic that can stand up to the most demanding tasks, including live stage use. It's built solid enough for Royer to give it a lifetime warranty. The R-121 redefined ribbon microphones so thoroughly that Recording Magazine wrote "...the Royer R-121 is destined to become one of the classic microphones of the 21st century".

Patented Offset Ribbon Technology

The R-121 microphone's proprietary offset ribbon transducer (Patent Number: 6,434,252) is the first of its kind, positioning the ribbon element closer to the front (logo) side of the microphone. 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.

Recording With the R-121

Tonally, an Royer R-121 hears things the way your ears hear them. Most microphones add their own characteristics to your recordings; some have a hyped high- and low-end response with scooped out mids; some are super sizzly in the highs; some accent midrange and give very little upper- and lower-end frequency response; some respond to nothing but low end. They all serve a purpose and have their place in recording and live work. But if you've ever heard something brilliant—an unbelievable electric guitar, an inspiring trumpet, a sweet flute, an amazing kit—and found that getting that sound to tape or hard drive was impossible, you owe it to yourself to try a Royer ribbon. The R-121 mic's response is flat and well balanced; low end is deep and full without being boomy, mids are well defined and realistic, and the high-end response is sweet and natural sounding, never edgy or sibilant. On playback you'll find the sound is natural and alive, with a panoramic, ambient feel much like what you heard when you were standing in the room with the instruments(s) you were recording.

Recording LOUD!

Need to record at insane levels? No problem! The R-121's maximum SPL rating is 135dB at 20Hz ,and it can handle that for years. In practical terms, that means you can put your R-121 ribbon mic directly in front of a souped up 100-watt Marshall and open it up without microphone distortion or damage to the ribbon. Royer doesn't recommend trying this with other ribbon mics, but the R-121 was built to take it.

Two Mics in One

At distances of three feet and closer, the back of the Royer R-121 records slightly brighter than the front side. This can be extremely useful when recording acoustic guitars, vocals and other sound sources you may need a slightly brighter response on.
Royer R-121 Matched Ribbon Microphone Pair - Nickel
Royer R-121 Matched Ribbon Microphone Pair - Nickel
Royer R-121 Matched Ribbon Microphone Pair - Nickel

Features

  • High SPL Capabilities
  • No internal active electronics to overload or produce 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

Specs

  • Acoustic Operating Principle: Electrodynamic pressure gradient
  • Polar Pattern: Figure-8
  • Generating Element: 2.5-micron aluminum ribbon
  • Magnets: Rare earth neodymium
  • Frequency Response: 30–15kHz +/- 3dB
  • Sensitivity: –50dBv Re. 1v/pa
  • Output Impedance: 300 ohms @ 1K (nominal)
  • Rated Load Impedance: >1,500 ohms @ 300 ohms
  • Maximum SPL: >135dB @ 20Hz
  • Output Connector: Male XLR 3 pin (Pin 2 Hot)
  • Dimensions (WxL): 58 mm, 25 mm (6.13", 1")
  • Weight: 244 g (8.6 oz)
  • Finish: Dull satin nickel

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Reviews

5

3 Reviews

0%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Reviewed by 3 customers

  • Gotta Love those Royers

    5

    submitted16 years ago

    byForgotten Charity

    fromPortland, Oregon

    The 121 is hands down one of the best ribbon mics in the industry. I have a few in my studio and I will never part with them. Buying a stereo pair is the way to go too! I use em on overheads, and for stereo acoustic or amp micing. Also sounds amazing on Piano! If your serious, you need to have at least a stereo pair in your mic cabinet

  • Great Mics Wish i owned them

    5

    submitted16 years ago

    byNick Margiotta

    fromEncinitas, CA

    I do not own the Royer R121's but have used the pair quite often in the studio. They are hands down my favorite ribbon mic's i've used. These babys on a Matchless are hands down the best clean guitar i've ever recorded. I also love a stereo pair over our yamaha concert grand it captures every nuances of the soundboard without it being brittle or thin. This is one Pair you gotta have in your cabinet.

  • just amazing

    5

    submitted16 years ago

    byColin Nealon

    fromOR

    There is not a better brand out there that makes as a good a ribbon as royer. With these microphones you get a sensitivity and ton quality that you can not achieve with others such as neuman (great mics as well).

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