Royer Labs R-122 MKII MP

From the original R-122 to the R-122 MKII: the legacy of the active ribbon, in a more flexible version

Launched in 2002, the R-122 marked a key milestone in the ribbon microphone world by popularizing the active ribbon approach powered by 48 V phantom. The idea is simple and highly effective: integrated active electronics ensure impedance matching and deliver a dynamic microphone-level output, which reduces dependence on very high-gain preamps and makes the ribbon more accessible for everyday use.

The R-122 MKII version builds on this sonic foundation while adding two tools expected in modern production: a -15 dB pad and a high-pass filter. Important for purists: when these functions are disabled, the switches are out of the circuit. With pad and filter off, the microphone behaves, in spirit, like a classic R-122, maintaining the same active ribbon philosophy with high output.

Who is it for and what uses in studio and live?

This pair is aimed at sound engineers, demanding home studio users, and recording studios seeking a coherent ribbon stereo setup that is quick to deploy. The figure-8 polar pattern is ideal for structuring space: it precisely captures front and rear while strongly rejecting the sides. This is a major advantage for controlling bleed, shaping a room image, or recording two sources face-to-face with a very natural aesthetic.

In practice, the R-122 MKII excels on acoustic and electric guitars (cabinet, room), overheads, piano, brass, strings, choirs, and ambient recordings. Live, the active electronics and high output level facilitate compatibility with many consoles and stage boxes while preserving the typical musicality of the ribbon.

MKII Features: more control without sacrificing ribbon sound

-15 dB Pad: managing strong sources without compromise

The switchable -15 dB pad secures recording on high-level sources (powerful guitar amp, close brass, percussion, aggressive room) and maintains comfortable headroom in the recording chain. This limits the risk of saturating the next stage while preserving the ribbon signature and spectral balance.

Switchable High-Pass Filter: cleaning the low end at the source

The switchable high-pass filter at 100 Hz with a 15 dB/octave slope is a valuable tool to control the proximity effect of a figure-8 pattern, reduce stage rumble, vibrations, handling noise, or room resonances. It also saves mixing time: unnecessary low frequencies are controlled during recording, not relying solely on post-production EQ.

Recessed Controls and True Bypass: designed for real-world conditions

The switches are located on the rear and recessed to prevent accidental activation during handling, mounting on the suspension, or transport. When pad and high-pass filter are off, they are declared out of the circuit: you maintain the most direct signal path possible, with a very "studio" fidelity-oriented approach.

Technical specifications