Royer Labs is now shipping its R-122V ($2,995) vacuum tube ribbon microphone, a limited production model and the company’s newest addition to its R-Series microphone line. The R-122V is a compact, monaural, bi-directional microphone.
The R-122V uses the same patented large-ribbon transducer assembly found in the R-121 and R-122 active ribbon microphones. Royer states that the R-122V promises a flat frequency response and a well-balanced soundfield, and provides an output of -37 dB, which is approximately 13dB hotter than an R-121. Royer also notes that like its predecessors, the R-122V’s ability to withstand high SPL levels makes it well suited for applications that were previously considered off limits to ribbon microphones.
The R-122V’s offset-ribbon design positions the ribbon element toward the front of the microphone body. This design enables high SPL handling on the front (logo) side of the instrument, with the option of a slightly brighter response when recording via the microphone’s back side (three feet and closer; phase reversed in this position).
The R-122V’s active electronics utilize a NOS (new old stock) U.S. built, military 5840 triode-connected vacuum tube and Royer’s proprietary toroidal ribbon matching transformer (patent pending). A Jensen 8:1 ratio output transformer provides an electrically isolated, fully-balanced output signal.
The microphone comes in a camera-style case with a dedicated power supply and a shock-mount, and the included cable set is equipped with military-grade, locking type XLR connectors.
For more information, go to www.royerlabs.com.
