Recording March 2022 - 28

A Family of Microphones Compared
The Royer R-Series
My second favorite use of the R-122 MKII was as a spaced pair
on a baby grand piano (low strings / high strings). I am still in
agreement with myself! " The best compliment I can give to the
R-122 MKII is that this is hands down the most versatile microphone
that Royer Labs has produced to date! " It comes with the
same accessories as the R-121.
Royer R-122V Vacuum Tube
Ribbon Microphone; $3095
The R-122V (2007) is a tube-based
R-121. It's housed in the same body as
the R-122 MKII but with added vents to
disperse the heat radiating from its onboard
NOS JAN mil-spec 5840W pentode
vacuum tube wired in triode configuration.
Internally, this mic is unique. As Scott
Dorsey pointed out in 2007, " The output of
the ribbon motor goes into a transformer...
with a toroidal core and a phenomenally
high ratio of 1:185. " Scott further pointed
out how David Royer conquered the issue
of high ratio windings and high-frequency
response by using four separate primary
windings in parallel, and also how the
output impedance is controlled by the tube
(vs. an external preamp). A second 8:1
Jensen output transformer lives in the mic's
robust external power supply, rather than
onboard the mic.
Again, the plot shows this mic falling
sonically right in line with both previous
models. When Scott compared the R-122V
with an R-121 running through a high-end
Millennia Media preamp, he didn't hear much difference.
However, due to impedance and gain issues, he noticed a
" stunning difference, " with both mics going straight into a budget
compact mixer. Fifteen years later, big differences like this
have been significantly narrowed thanks to better gear across
the board, and especially the plethora of inexpensive phantom-powered
boosters (such as the Royer dBooster) that are
trending hard with music producers and voiceover talent.
Up until now, the R-122V was the one mic in the collection
that I had never used. As such, I spent time getting to know it
on vocals, acoustic guitar, front of drum kit, kick drum (with a
pop shield), shakers, tambourine and of course electric guitar
cabinet. While it is very similar to the previous two models,
to my ears, the implementation of the tube and the unique
transformer scheme adds a gentle, opulent top-end air. Of
all the Royer R series mics, this one works best at a distance,
maintaining fullness and a great sense of depth. This is my
favorite of the R-Series on drum kit, where it makes an excellent
choice for one-mic drum recording, and even in mono it yields
tangible depth. It's also my favorite of the bunch on lead
vocals, especially on the rear lobe where the extra splash of
28 RECORDING March 2022
top-end openness is quite lovely. The R-122V comes in a velvet
sleeve, boxed and briefcased
with power supply, cables, and
a Sling-Shock mount.
R-10 Studio/Live Ribbon
Microphone; $499
The R-10 (2017) is the youngest
member of the family, and
the most affordable mic Royer
has produced to date, made
possible by global sourcing of
the body and frame, and the
implementation of a new David
Royer-designed transformer. The
motor and ribbon are the same
as the rest of the line.
I previously pondered and
concluded, " Is this a poor man's
R-121? The answer is: no, not
at all... it offers another facet of
the Royer sound... but it's still the
Royer sound. "
The R-10 has a bit bolder lowend
response and a broader boost
between 60 Hz and 100 Hz, and
while its midrange is similar to its
siblings, its high-end rolloff is less
extreme, with just a bit more presence
at 12 kHz and 15 kHz.
The R-10 is 5dB less sensitive than the R-121. On loud sources,
this gives you more headroom to keep from overloading the mic,
but on quiet sources you'll need a loud, clean preamp or in-line
booster. It offers more screening and protection than the other
mics, making it well suited for vocals and up-close work. It's my
favorite kick and low tom mic of the bunch. Like the R-121, the
R-10 excels on guitar cabinet, with a naturally full and smooth
sound imbued with the clarity of its more forward top end. From
my previous review: " A surprise favorite use of the R-10 was on
saxophone... with zero EQ and a touch of Bricasti reverb... the
R-10 is stellar on winds and brass! " Comparisons with the R-121
aside, the R-10 is an impressive ribbon mic in its own right, and
the price is stupid-affordable. The R-10 comes with a screw-on
swivel mount, a velvet sleeve and a carrying case.
Conclusion
Which R-Series mic is best for your needs? They all offer a
time-tested, distinct take on the classic ribbon sound, but with
a smooth modern thrust. The R-10 is so versatile and priced so
affordably that it's hard to argue against adding one to your
locker; the other three are sonic variations on a theme. The
R-121 is an undisputed modern classic. If you want one ribbon
mic for both soft and loud sources, the R-122 MKII is a great
option. Finally, the R-122V is the crème de la crème of the
family. The tube and its implementation add a delicate hint of
depth and opulence that is simply gorgeous for a wide range
of recording tasks, including jazz and classical applications.
More From: royerlabs.com
http://www.royerlabs.com
Recording March 2022

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