R-122MKII - Active Ribbon-Velocity Studio Microphone
The R-122 MKII is a compact, monaural, phantom powered ribbon microphone with a switchable -15 dB pad and a low cut filter. Sonically similar to our groundbreaking R-121, the R-122 MKII exhibits a flat frequency response and a well-balanced, panoramic soundfield, but it’s 13 dB more sensitive and has a faster transient response, giving a sense of more open highs. Like the R-121, it is capable of handling high SPL applications.
The R-122 MKII’s -15 dB pad is positioned before any other electronics, giving the microphone 15 dB more headroom for high SPL work. The low cut filter is configured to reduce proximity effect for close miking and vocal applications and effectively filters rumble. The R-122 MKII’s active electronics produce an output comparable to studio condenser microphones and provide an optimum impedance to the ribbon element, preventing overdamping of the ribbon and assuring consistent microphone performance. The high gain and low output impedance of the R-122 allow it to operate with any microphone preamplifier with phantom power, and also allows for use with long cable runs.
The R-122 MKII utilizes a low mass, 2.5-micron, pure (99.99%) aluminum ribbon element in a patented offset-ribbon transducer assembly. The smooth frequency response and phase linearity of the R-122 MKII, coupled with its sophisticated active electronics system, enable it to deliver a consistent natural acoustic performance with extraordinary realism. Frequency response is excellent regardless of the angle of sound striking the ribbon, and off-axis coloration is negligible. The R-122’s patented offset-ribbon design positions the ribbon element toward the front of the microphone body, which allows for high SPL handling on the front (logo) side and the option of a slightly brighter response when recording lower SPL sound sources on the back side (3 feet and closer; phase reversed in this position).
Features
- 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
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: Burnished Satin Nickel / Matte Black, Chrome (optional)
- Accessories: Protective wood case, mic sock
- Optional Accessories: Wind screen, shock mount
- Ribbon Element Warranty: One Year
