R-122 MKII

Common name: Royer Labs R-122 MKII

Production Status: In production

The R-122 MKII is an active ribbon microphone. The R-122’s proprietary offset ribbon transducer 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. The R-122 MKll contains a fully balanced, hand-wired, discrete head amplifier system utilising 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. 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. The phantom powered circuitry provides impedance conversion only, adding no noise of its own. 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, wrongly wired cables or electrical glitches.The R-122 MKll features a -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. The R-122 MKll’s switchable -15 dB pad is positioned before the microphone’s electronics and, when engaged, eliminates any potential for headroom-related distortion on even the loudest sound sources. With the pad in, the R-122 MKll’s output is actually 2 dB lower than the R-121. The pad has no sonic imprint. 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 starts filtering at 100 Hz, 6 dB per octave, effectively reducing the mic’s bass buildup due to proximity effect. The microphone comes with a wooden box, microphone sock and stand clip.