RoyerLabs R-121L (Special order item)

High SPL performance. Non-active circuit design prevents distortion even at maximum SPL. Ultra-low residual noise. Ribbon element unaffected by heat or humidity. High frequency range without phase distortion. Maintains the same sensitivity front and rear. Frequency response unaffected by distance.

The R-121 Live is a more durable version of Royer's popular R-121, perfect for live performance. While the studio-use R-121 is already tough enough and has been used on the road for many years, the even more durable R-121 Live has earned the trust of house engineers to withstand the rigors of long tours.

The R-121 Live's output is comparable to that of a typical dynamic microphone, with the warmth and character of a ribbon microphone. Its smooth, natural response effectively suppresses the harsh high frequencies often heard on stage in guitars and brass. Turn up the faders on the PA console and you'll hear the R-121 Live's faithful reproduction of the source. The peaky high end that has long plagued house and monitor engineers is no longer a fear.

The R-121 Live, with its red logo, features a thicker ribbon element (4 microns thick, compared to 2.5 microns thick for the R-121), significantly improving the microphone's durability and slightly damping the high-end response. While high frequencies are often cut in the negative direction during live performances, the R-121 Live's smooth texture requires no EQ adjustment.

Figure-8's On Stage
The R-121 Live's bidirectional polar pattern effectively minimizes bleed on stage. Point the side of the microphone toward sounds you don't want to pick up. You should experience minimal bleed. This is the R-121 Live's null (0) point, and the top and bottom of the microphone also pick up very little sound. If the stage monitor is placed near the back, slightly reposition the microphone so that the monitor output is at the null point of the R-121 Live. This will remove it from the microphone's pickup area and eliminate bleed.

Patented Offset Ribbon Technology
Royer's patented offset ribbon transducer is a unique design that positions the ribbon element closer to the front of the microphone (logo side). This placement creates space for the ribbon to vibrate within the magnetic field, maintaining a wide frequency response even when recording in high sound pressure (high SPL) environments. It's an essential element of the magic of Royer R Series microphones.

The Sound
Royer microphones sound like your ears. Try them and you'll understand what we mean. The R-121 Live accurately reproduces the tonal character of the source. Many microphones add their own character: mics with stripped-out midrange, mics with excessive lows, mics with unnecessarily sizzling highs, or mics that are only good for their price. Of course, each has its place in the studio, but if you want to capture the sound you truly hear, without excess or lack, you need the R-121 Live. The R-121 has a flat, well-balanced response, with a thick low end that's not boomy, a well-defined midrange, and a smooth, natural high end that's never harsh.

When you're editing a mix and raising the faders of tracks recorded with the R-121Live, you'll understand why today's engineers swear by it. When a track sounds this realistic, it's easy to integrate it into the mix.

LOUD GUITARS!
Need to mic a loud guitar? No problem. The R-121 Live will maintain a maximum sound pressure level (SPL) of 135dB for years without degradation. You can mic it directly into a 100-watt Marshall amp at a fairly high output setting without worrying about distortion or ribbon damage. I wouldn't recommend this with other ribbon mics. This is where the R-121 Live excels.


Applications: Electric guitar amplifiers, brass and woodwind instruments, percussion


Polar Pattern: Bidirectional Material: 4 micron aluminum ribbon Frequency Response: 30-15,000Hz +/-3dB
Sensitivity (0db=1V/1pa): -50dB
Output impedance: 300Ω
Rated load impedance: 1500Ω
Maximum sound pressure level (SPL): 135dB
Connection terminal: XLR 3-pin (pin 2 hot)
Size: H:155.7mm x W:25mm
Weight: 244g
Finish: Non-gloss satin