The Royer R-10 is a passive figure-8 ribbon microphone for the studio and the stage, hand-built by Royer Labs in Burbank, California. It uses the same 2.5-micron aluminum ribbon as Royer's R-121 and handles more than 160 dB SPL at 1 kHz, so it can sit close to a loud guitar cabinet or a trumpet. A three-layer windscreen and an internally shock-mounted transducer protect the ribbon, soften plosives and reduce bass buildup when you mic up close.

Front and Back

Royer's patented offset-ribbon design sets the ribbon toward the front of the transducer. The front (logo) side takes loud sources, and the back side gives a brighter sound for quieter ones such as acoustic guitar, ukulele and vocals at 3 feet or closer, with the polarity reversed. A custom Royer transformer keeps the passive design from saturating at high levels, and the transducer is wired for humbucking to reject electromagnetic noise.

Where to Use It

Royer recommends the R-10 for electric and acoustic guitars, brass and horn sections, drum overheads and rooms, percussion, strings, acoustic piano and vocals. Ribbons take EQ well, so a high-frequency boost adds top end on a vocal without harshness. The compact body and swivel mount make it easy to place on stage.

Features

• Passive mono ribbon microphone with a figure-8 pattern
• 2.5-micron aluminum ribbon, the same element used in the R-121
• Handles over 160 dB SPL at 1 kHz
• Three-layer windscreen protects the ribbon from air blasts and plosives
• Internally shock-mounted ribbon transducer
• Custom Royer transformer resists overload at high SPL
• Humbucking transducer wiring for very low residual noise
• Patented offset-ribbon design with a brighter back side
• Ribbon element unaffected by heat or humidity
• Hand-built in Burbank, California

Specifications

• Operating principle: Electrodynamic pressure gradient
• Polar pattern: Figure-8
• Element: 2.5-micron aluminum ribbon
• Magnets: Rare earth neodymium (grade 52)
• Frequency response: 30 Hz to 15 kHz, +/- 3 dB
• Sensitivity: -54 dBV (re. 1 V/Pa)
• Output impedance: 100 ohms
• Recommended load impedance: 700 ohms or greater
• Maximum SPL: Over 160 dB at 1 kHz, over 135 dB at 50 Hz
• Output connector: 3-pin male XLR (pin 2 hot)
• Dimensions: 149 mm (5 7/8 in) long including mounting base, 35 mm (1 3/8 in) wide
• Weight: 368 g (13 oz)
• Warranty: Five years; first re-ribbon free to the original owner within the first year

In the Box

• Royer R-10 ribbon microphone
• Swivel microphone mount
• Mic sock
• Aluminum carrying case