Royer Labs R-122 MKII

From the First Phantom-Powered Active Ribbon to the R-122 MKII: An Evolution Designed for Modern Sessions

Launched in 2002, the R-122 marked a turning point by democratizing the use of ribbon microphones in setups where available gain was often a limitation. Its principle: combining the musical character of a ribbon with active impedance-matching electronics to provide a condenser-mic-level output and easier integration with preamplifiers, including on quiet sources.

The Royer R-122 MKII builds on this now-classic foundation and takes it further with tools directly useful in recording: a -15 dB pad to confidently handle very energetic sources, and a high-pass filter to clean up low frequencies when they become overwhelming. An important feature: when these functions are disabled, the switches are designed to be out of the signal path, preserving the original R-122's character.

Who It's For and Uses: A High-Level Ribbon for Vocals, Instruments, and Ambiences

The R-122 MKII is aimed at studios seeking the typical warmth and density of a ribbon without the usual gain and sensitivity constraints. It excels on electric guitars (cabinet), brass, strings, overheads, and room mics, delivering a natural texture and detailed transient response.

Its figure-8 polar pattern is a creative asset: it captures sound from the front and back while rejecting the sides. This allows playing with room acoustics, controlling bleed in live situations, or building classic stereo pairs based on figure-8 patterns according to the chosen recording technique. Thanks to its active electronics, it remains effective on quieter sources where some passive ribbons require very high-gain preamps.

MKII Features: More Control Without Sacrificing Ribbon Purity

-15 dB Pad: The Margin That Changes Everything

The switchable -15 dB pad is ideal when the source is very close or naturally loud: loud guitar cabinets, brass, percussion, or certain projected vocal setups. It helps maintain a healthy signal chain, prevents preamp input overload, and provides immediate comfort when setting gain, all while preserving the ribbon's character.

High-Pass Filter: Better-Controlled Low End

The switchable 100 Hz high-pass filter (with a 15 dB/octave slope) reduces vibrations, mic stand rumble, and proximity buildup. It's a valuable option for close-miking, on stage, or whenever a room boosts the low frequencies. The goal: to achieve a "mix-ready" signal faster, with clearer lows without heavy EQ correction.

Recessed Switches and Preserved Signal Path

Switches are located on the rear and recessed to limit accidental changes. When the pad and high-pass filter are off, their design removes them from the audio path: you then experience a sound very close to the original R-122, with added flexibility on demand.

Technical specifications

Frequency response - start	30 Hz	Capsule	ribbon dynamic
Frequency response - end	15 kHz	Connection	XLR
Category	studio microphone	Color	Grey
Directivity	bidirectional

Type	active ribbon microphone	Maximum SPL	135 dB at 20 Hz
Principle	electrodynamic pressure gradient with active electronics	Switchable pad	-15 dB
Polar pattern	figure-8	High-pass filter	100 Hz, 15 dB/octave slope, switchable
Applications	studio and live	Required power	48 V phantom
Frequency response	30 Hz - 15 kHz (-3 dB)	Connector	XLR, gold-plated contacts
Output level	high	Included	shock mount and wooden case
Self-noise level	below 18 dB	Dimensions (L x W)	206 x 25 mm
Sensitivity	-36 dB (Ref 1 V/Pa / -2 dB)	Weight	309 g