Description

The Royer R121 Ribbon Mic is New Delivered to all areas of the UK using our roadie delivery service.

The Royer R121 Ribbon Microphone is an industry-defining studio and live performance microphone, renowned worldwide for its unmistakably natural sound. As Royer’s flagship ribbon microphone, the R121 played a crucial role in bringing modern ribbon technology into mainstream recording, becoming the first choice for electric guitar cabinets across countless professional studios. Its warm tonal character, smooth high frequency response and exceptional realism make it equally impressive on brass, drums, piano, strings and orchestral sources.

Designed to handle extreme sound pressure levels with ease, the R121 delivers consistent, musical results whether placed in front of a high-powered guitar amplifier or capturing subtle acoustic detail. The compact, lightweight body makes positioning simple, while the passive ribbon design ensures extremely low noise and zero electronic distortion. Hand-built in the USA with meticulous attention to detail, every R121 is crafted for a lifetime of dependable use.

Key Features

• Exceptional High SPL Handling:
  Capable of capturing sources exceeding 160 dB without distortion, making it ideal for loud guitar amps, brass instruments and powerful drum recordings.
• Patented Offset Ribbon Technology:
  Unique ribbon placement delivers full frequency response at high levels and provides two distinct tonal characters from the front and rear of the microphone.
• Natural Ribbon Sound Quality:
  Produces a warm, smooth and phase accurate response that translates instruments authentically without harshness or artificial brightness.

Iconic Ribbon Performance:

The R121 is celebrated for redefining what engineers expect from a ribbon microphone. Its smooth, realistic sound captures the true character of instruments without exaggerated highs or brittle transients. Electric guitars benefit from added depth and clarity, while brass and woodwinds retain body and power without harsh edges. The figure eight polar pattern also allows creative room capture, making it a favourite for ambient drum recordings and orchestral applications.

Two Sounds in One Microphone:

Thanks to Royer’s patented offset ribbon design, the R121 offers two distinct tonal options. The front logo side delivers a classic warm ribbon sound, while the rear side provides a subtly brighter response at closer distances. This versatility allows engineers to tailor the microphone to different instruments and performance styles without changing equipment, simply by reversing the microphone orientation and adjusting polarity.

Built for a Lifetime of Recording:

Every R121 is hand assembled in Royer’s Burbank facility using a blend of modern precision engineering and traditional craftsmanship. The ribbon element is unaffected by heat or humidity, ensuring consistent performance in demanding environments. Built to withstand daily professional use, the microphone includes a lifetime warranty and a complimentary first re ribbon service, reflecting Royer’s confidence in its durability.

Specifications

• Acoustic operating principle: Electrodynamic pressure gradient
• Polar pattern: Figure eight
• Ribbon element: 2.5 micron aluminium ribbon
• Magnets: Rare-earth neodymium
• Frequency response: 30 Hz to 15,000 Hz plus or minus 3 dB
• Sensitivity: minus 47 dBv re 1 V per Pa
• Output impedance: 300 Ohms at 1 kHz nominal
• Rated load impedance: Greater than 1500 Ohms
• Maximum SPL: Over 160 dB at 1 kHz
• Output connector: Male 3-pin XLR
• Dimensions: 155.7 mm length, 25 mm width
• Weight: 244 g