The new R-122 MKll is one of the most versatile ribbon microphones ever made.
Based on our award-winning R-122 platform (the world’s first phantom-powered ribbon mic), the R-122 MKll takes ribbons to a new level with condenser-level output, high SPL handling, a switchable -15 dB Pad, a switchable bass cut filter, and the lightweight, small footprint Royer innovated in the 1990’s.
In their off positions, the pad and bass cut switches are completely out of the circuit, leaving you with a stock R-122. Both switches are located on the back of the microphone and recessed to prevent accidental activation.
The Pad
Switched in, the -15 dB pad is located in front of the microphone’s electronics, allowing you to record extremely loud guitars and other high-SPL instruments with no worry of distorting the microphone or overloading your preamplifier. When activated, the -15 dB pad actually reduces the MKll’s output to 2 dB lower than our flagship R-121!
The Bass Cut
The bass cut filter starts at 100 Hz when switched in and rolls off at 6 dB per octave. It’s very musical sounding and allows for easy elimination of bass buildup due to proximity effect – highly effective on acoustic instruments and vocals.
Gain
Conventional ribbon microphones need high-quality, high-gain microphone preamplifiers to record softer sound sources. The R-122 MKll’s 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 MKll 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 MKll's higher sensitivity. All of the mic’s 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.
Like all Royers, the R-122 MKll is hand-built in our Burbank, CA factory, it comes with a lifetime warranty to the original owner, and the first re-ribbon is free.
Royer R-122 MKII Features
- Greatly increased versatility in a proven microphone.
- Switchable -15 dB pad greatly reduces any potential for microphone and preamplifier distortion on high SPL applications like electric guitar, trumpet, etc.
- Switchable bass cut filter reduces proximity effect and allows for easy low-end tailoring.
- Phantom-powered circuit provides enough gain for even the quietest recordings.
- Impedance matching circuitry allows the R-122 MKll to give great results with virtually any mic preamplifier.
- Royer engineered and hand-built in the USA.
- Lifetime guaranteed and first re-ribbon free (to original owner).
- Extremely versatile ribbon microphone – can be used to record virtually anything with great results.
- Excellent first-call mic for many instruments: electric and acoustic guitars, electric and acoustic bass, drum overheads and rooms, percussion, all acoustic stringed instruments, brass, woodwinds, vocals.
Royer R-122 MKII 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 / Matte Black
- Chrome (optional)
- Accessories: Protective wood case, mic sock
- Optional Accessories: Wind screen, shock mount
- Microphone Warranty: Lifetime to original owner (repair or replace at Royer’s option)
- Ribbon Element Warranty: One Year
Royer R-122 MKII Applications
- Electric Guitar Amps
- Acoustic Guitar
- Drum Overheads
- Percussion Instruments
- Brass and Woodwinds
- Horn Sections
- Acoustic Piano
- Acoustic Guitar
- Harp
- Solo Strings & String Sections
- Choirs and Orchestras
- Commercial Broadcast
- Voice Over
