Royer Labs R-122 - Manual (Page 4)

focused. The transient response of the R-122 is faster so its high-end frequency response will
seem to be slightly extended.
Key points:
• No longer is it necessary to mate a ribbon microphone to an ultra-high gain, low noise
preamplifier for optimum performance. Any preamplifier of nominal gain will provide good
results with the R-122.
• No longer is it necessary to carefully consider impedance matching characteristics when
choosing a preamplifier. Microphone loading is a non-issue and consistent performance is
assured, regardless of the preamplifier’s impedance characteristics.
• No longer is it necessary to be concerned about damaging the ribbon element with phantom
power. The active electronics need phantom power to operate - a first for ribbon microphones.
• No longer is it necessary to worry about the effects of long cable runs degrading the
performance of your ribbon microphone. The active electronics provide a robust low
impedance signal that can handle long cable lengths without loss of signal.
Description
The R-122 is a compact, active, bi-directional (figure-eight) velocity type ribbon microphone
designed for professional applications. The figure-eight pickup pattern allows the R-122 to be
addressed from either side with equal sensitivity. The in-phase signal is achieved when the
microphone is addressed from the front, indicated by the “ROYER” logo.
The R-122 is reasonably tolerant of shock and vibration, and performance is unaffected by
changes in temperature or humidity. However, ribbon microphones are somewhat more sensitive
to direct blasts of air, and the R-122 is no exception to this rule. Discretionary use of a
windscreen or pop screen, such as the Royer PS-101, WS58 or equivalent, is highly
recommended for close-miking vocalists or certain types of percussion and wind instruments.
Applications
The Royer Labs model R-122 is a versatile microphone and is ideally suited for many critical
recording applications. Its smooth frequency response characteristics and ability to capture detail
make it a fine choice for many instruments, as well as for general broadcast applications. Its
gentle low-frequency proximity effect makes it especially useful for vocalists and announcers.
Female vocalists often benefit from the R-122’s ability to capture high frequencies without
distortion or edginess. Orchestral instruments are captured in a natural-sounding way, free from
microphone-induced “hype.” The R-122 has exceptionally smooth high frequency characteristics
and is devoid of microphone induced ringing. Phase-related distortion and irregular frequency
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