Royer Labs R-122 - Manual (Page 3)

Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of a Royer model R-122 Active Ribbon Microphone™. The
R-122 is a handcrafted precision instrument capable of delivering superior sound quality and
exceptional performance. The R-122 represents a new level of performance for ribbon
microphones,
combining sophisticated technological advancements with old-world
craftsmanship. The R-122 incorporates a head amplification system that operates on standard 48
volt simplex power, just like a standard condenser microphone. This enables the R-122 to deliver
the same sensitivity and output performance that the recording industry has grown accustomed to
with modern condenser microphones. In addition, the active circuitry completely isolates the
ribbon element from impedance mismatches, short-circuits and other anomalies that can degrade
microphone performance or damage the ribbon. The R-122 breaks the long-standing taboo
associated with ribbon microphones and phantom power; it is the first commercially available
ribbon microphone that requires phantom power to operate.
This operator’s manual describes the R-122, its function and method of use. It also describes the
care and maintenance required to ensure proper operation and long service life. The User Guide
section of this manual offers practical information that is designed to maximize the performance
capabilities of your microphone.
Royer Labs products are manufactured to the highest industrial standards using only the finest
materials obtainable. Your model R-122 went though extensive quality control checks before
leaving the factory. Normal care is all that is required to assure a lifetime of trouble-free service.
Please read this manual thoroughly in order to become familiar with all of the R-122’s
capabilities. It will assist you in making the most of your microphone’s superior acoustic
properties. This operator’s manual is a handy reference guide and we suggest you refer to it
whenever questions arise about the use and care of your R-122 Active Ribbon Microphone™.
Active Ribbon™ Technology
The heart of the R-122 (and all Royer Active Ribbon Microphones™) is a proprietary system
consisting of a specially designed toroidal transformer and electronic buffering stage. These
work together as a single unit to provide excellent frequency response, very low noise, very low
distortion and very high SPL handling without the use of pads. The system gives the R-122 an
output level comparable to that of condenser microphones, and its buffer stage provides a low
impedance output and presents a perfect impedance load to the ribbon element. Unpowered
ribbon microphones suffer substantially degraded frequency response and lowered gain when
they are paired to a preamp with too low an input impedance. With the R-122’s active circuit, the
microphone’s frequency response and output are much less affected by variations in the input
impedance of the following preamp.
Sonically the R-122 differs from the unpowered R-121 in a few subtle ways. Due to the extra
iron in the R-122’s much larger transformer, low-end frequencies sound slightly tighter and more
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