Royer Labs Intros New Tube Ribbon Mic

(Click for a close-up)

Royer Labs has announced the R-122V Vacuum Tube Ribbon Microphone, the company's newest addition to the R-Series microphone line. The R-122V is a compact, monaural, bi-directional microphone, and is the first commercially produced vacuum tube ribbon microphone available.

A limited production vacuum tube studio ribbon microphone, the R-122V utilizes the same large-ribbon transducer assembly that is found in the R-121 and R-122 Active Ribbon microphones--providing a familiarity of sonic performance associated with the R-Series microphones. The R-122V exhibits a flat frequency response and a well-balanced soundfield, and provides an output of -29dB, which is approximately 25dB hotter than an R-121. 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 (3 feet and closer; phase reversed in this position).

The R-122V's active electronics utilize a NOS (new old stock) U.S. built military 6AU6 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 R-122V can drive virtually any preamplifier and long cable runs (from power supply to preamp) with ease. The active circuitry provides optimum impedance to the ribbon element at all times, preventing over-damping of the ribbon element and assuring consistent microphone performance. The R-122V receives an extensive burning in procedure to assure proper settling of the vacuum tube.

The R-122V employs a pure (99.99%), low mass, 2.5-micron thick aluminum ribbon. The R122V's unique, patented offset-ribbon transducer assembly incorporates rare earth Neodymium magnets in a specially designed flux frame, which forms a powerful magnetic field while reducing unwanted stray magnetic radiation. The smooth frequency response and phase linearity of the R-122V, coupled with its classic triode-connected vacuum tube circuitry, enable the R-122V to deliver a consistent acoustic performance with stunning realism according to the company. Frequency response is excellent, regardless of the angle of sound striking the ribbon, and off-axis coloration is negligible.

With an 18-carat gold finish, the new Royer Labs R-122V is a visually striking microphone. This microphone comes with a dedicated power supply and the included cable set is equipped with military grade locking type XLR connectors.

The new R-122V Vacuum Tube Ribbon Microphone carries a suggested retail price of $3,495.00. The microphone will be available in late 2005.