R-122MKII-25thDR - R-122MKII Distressed Rose Anniversary Edition - Active Ribbon-Velocity Studio Microphone
The R-122, introduced in 2002, revolutionized the world of ribbon microphones as the first phantom-powered model. It delivered the warm, smooth performance synonymous with world-class ribbon mics but at an unprecedented sensitivity level. This debut set the stage for the R-122 to become one of our most beloved microphones, closely following the flagship R-121. In 2016, Royer further refined the R-122 with the MKII version, adding a high-pass filter and a 15dB pad. This upgrade elevated it to become the company's most versatile ribbon microphone.
R-122 MKII 25th Anniversary - A Distinct Tribute
The 25th Anniversary model of the R-122 MKII pays homage to the iconic R-122's legacy. It's a limited edition release, with only eighty units meticulously crafted in Royer's unique "Distressed Rose" finish. Depending on the lighting conditions, this special finish reveals a range of aesthetics – from a dark bourbon hue in subdued studio settings to a rich rose color when exposed to brighter light. The 25th Anniversary R-122 MKII retains its original design and performance, except for this once-in-a-lifetime finish.
Exceptional Sound Quality and Versatility
The R-122 MKII is a compact monaural ribbon microphone, powered by phantom power and equipped with a switchable -15 dB pad and a low-cut filter. Sharing its sonic characteristics with the groundbreaking R-121, the R-122 MKII boasts a flat frequency response and a well-balanced, expansive soundstage. However, it's uniquely 13 dB more sensitive and offers a faster transient response, resulting in a sense of open, airy highs.
This microphone is ideal for a wide range of applications, including drum overheads, room miking, electric and acoustic guitars, brass instruments, piano, violin, cello, ukulele, and virtually any acoustic stringed instrument. It excels in capturing percussion, vocals, and countless other sources. When you require less low-end or proximity effect, the high-pass filter is expertly balanced, set at 100 Hz and attenuating at 6dB per octave. For high SPL applications like recording electric guitars and brass, the 15dB pad reduces the R-122 MKII's output to match that of the R-121, ensuring a clean signal path free from unwanted distortion.
Innovative Design for Exceptional Performance
The R-122 MKII incorporates a low-mass, 2.5-micron, pure (99.99%) aluminum ribbon element in a patented offset-ribbon transducer assembly. This design, coupled with sophisticated active electronics, guarantees a consistent, natural acoustic performance with extraordinary realism. Its frequency response remains excellent, regardless of the angle at which sound strikes the ribbon, and off-axis coloration is virtually non-existent.
The patented offset-ribbon design positions the ribbon element toward the front of the microphone body. This allows for high SPL handling on the front (logo) side while providing the option of a slightly brighter response when recording lower SPL sound sources on the back side, especially when placed within 3 feet (phase-reversed in this position).
Features
- Limited edition of THE R-122 MKII with „Distressed Rose“ finish
- Active electronics provide high output capability, optimal impedance to the ribbon element, extremely low self-noise and low output impedance
- -15 dB pad and low cut filter provide greater flexibility and increased headroom
- High SPL capabilities for electric guitar and percussion instruments
- Absence of high frequency peaks, "ringing" and phase shifts
- Ribbon element unaffected by impedance/load, heat or humidity
- Operates on standard 48-volt phantom power
- Gold plated XLR contacts
- Equal sensitivity from front or back of element
- Consistent frequency response regardless of distance
- Rear side of mic records slightly brighter when three feet or closer to sound source
- Also available as matched pair
Applications
- Close and distant miking
- Electric and acoustic guitar
- Vocals, commercial broadcast, voiceover
- Brass, horn sections
- Drum overheads, kick drum (see manual for position), room miking
- Percussion instruments
- Strings - solo & sections
- Acoustic piano, harp
- Live events - recording and sound reinforcement
Technical specifications
- Acoustic Operating Principle: Electrodynamic pressure gradient with active electronics.
- Polar Pattern: Figure-8
- Generating Element: 2.5-micron aluminum ribbon
- Magnets: Rare Earth Neodymium
- Frequency Response: 30 - 15,000 Hz ±3 dB
- Sensitivity: -36 dB (re. 1v/pa ±1 dB)
- Switchable Pad: -15 dB
- Switchable Bass Cut: 100 Hz (6 dB per octave)
- Self-Noise: < 18 dB
- Output Impedance: 200 Ohms, balanced
- Output Connector: Male XLR 3-pin (Pin 2 Hot)
- Rated Load Impedance: 1K-Ohm minimum
- Maximum SPL: 135 dB @ 30 Hz
- Power Requirements: 48-Volt Phantom Only
- Supply Current: 4 mA
- Dimensions: 206 mm (L) X 25 mm (W) (8 1/8” L X 1” W)
- Weight: 309 grams (10.9 oz)
- Finish: Distressed Rose
- Accessories: Protective wood case, mic sock
- Optional Accessories: Shock mount
- Ribbon Element Warranty: One Year
