The Royer R-121 Matched Pair is two of Royer Labs' flagship passive figure-8 ribbon microphones, supplied as a matched set for stereo recording. Each R-121 has a 2.5-micron aluminum ribbon that handles more than 160 dB SPL at 1 kHz, so the pair can take on loud guitar amps, brass sections and drum rooms, and it stays natural on acoustic guitar, piano, strings and choirs.

Stereo Setups

Royer's manual covers the classic figure-8 techniques: a Blumlein pair crossed at 90 degrees for a well-defined stereo image, and mid-side, where recording mid and side on separate tracks lets you set the width at mixdown. It also suggests a spaced pair over the bass and treble strings of a piano, an X-Y pair a couple of feet from the soundboard, and a pair 4 to 6 feet above a drum kit. The figure-8 pattern adds ambience and depth to room, orchestral and choral recordings.

Features

• Two R-121 passive ribbon microphones, sold as a matched pair
• Figure-8 pattern suited to Blumlein and mid-side stereo
• 2.5-micron, 99.99% pure aluminum ribbon
• Handles over 160 dB SPL at 1 kHz
• Patented offset-ribbon transducer with a brighter back side
• No active electronics to overload or distort up to the maximum SPL
• Rare earth neodymium magnets in Royer's flux-frame design
• Extremely low residual noise
• Ribbon element unaffected by heat or humidity
• Gold-plated XLR contacts
• Hand-built in Burbank, California

Specifications

• Quantity: 2 microphones, matched pair
• Operating principle: Electrodynamic pressure gradient
• Polar pattern: Figure-8
• Element: 2.5-micron aluminum ribbon
• Magnets: Rare earth neodymium
• Frequency response: 30 Hz to 15 kHz, +/- 3 dB
• Sensitivity: -47 dBV (re. 1 V/Pa)
• Output impedance: 300 ohms at 1 kHz (nominal)
• Rated load impedance: 1,500 ohms or greater
• Maximum SPL: Over 160 dB at 1 kHz, over 135 dB at 20 Hz
• Output connector: 3-pin male XLR (pin 2 hot), gold-plated contacts
• Dimensions: 155.7 mm (6.13 in) long, 25 mm (1 in) wide
• Weight: 244 g (8.6 oz)
• Finish: Dull satin nickel