Royer Labs R-122 Live
Bidirectional Active Ribbon Microphone
The R-122 Live is an active ribbon microphone. Like the rest of the “Live series,” it is intended for stage use.
The mic is identical to the standard R-122 in every respect but two:
- The “Live” ribbon element is made of thicker aluminum (4 micron vs. 2.5 micron).
- The Royer logo badge on the front of the microphone is red, rather than green.
Like the other Royer “R series” ribbons, the R-122 Live uses the company’s patented “offset ribbon” design. The R-122 and R-122 Live share sensitivity and frequency-response specifications.
Curiously, the max SPL rating for the R-122 Live is the same as the standard R-122, despite the use of stronger ribbon material. Both are rated at “>135dB @ 20Hz.” Note that this spec is for the front side of the microphone only.
Royer Labs
[R]ecordings [made with] the rear side [of the microphone] should not exceed 115dB SPL. When tracking loud sounds on the front side, the R-122’s offset-ribbon design allows ample space for rearward excursions of the ribbon element. However, tracking on the back side causes the ribbon to move forward towards the front side of the microphone, where the internal dampening screen is much closer to the ribbon element. Rear-side recordings of loud, low-frequency sounds, or vocalists with no pop filter, can drive the ribbon into the front dampening screen, creating noise and possibly damaging the ribbon element. Limit back side recording on your R-122 to lower SPL sound sources.
Royer’s Live series won the 2008 TEC award in the “Microphone Technology/Sound Reinforcement” category.
Permalink: Royer Labs R-122-Live
The mic was released in 2008.
Specifications
Pickup Patterns | Pads & Filters |
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Bidirectional
(14.1 mV/Pa; 30 - 15,000 Hz) |
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Ribbon Construction | Impedance | SPL/Noise |
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4-micron, 3/16''x1.75'' offset aluminum ribbon | 200 Ohms (Low) | Max SPL: 135 dB Self-noise: 20.0 dB(A) |
Weight | Length | Max Diameter | Interface(s) |
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309g (10.90oz) | 206mm (8.11'') | 25mm (0.98'') |
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Power Specifications |
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