The Royer R-121 Ribbon Microphone has all of the warmth and natural sound that experienced engineers have long turned to ribbon mics for, but in a compact, light-weight, high output and tough-as-nails design.
The Royer R-121 is a thoroughly modern ribbon microphone designed for today's studio and live environments, exhibiting a flat frequency response and well balanced, panoramic sound field. Its ability to withstand 135 dB SPL @ 30 Hz makes it ideal for applications that were previously considered off limits to ribbon microphones. The R-121 was developed through relatively recent advancements in magnetics, materials and mechanical construction techniques. The ribbon element's smooth frequency response and phase linearity, coupled with sensitivity levels surpassing those of "classic" ribbons, make this microphone an ideal choice for digital recording. The R-121 delivers a consistent, natural acoustical performance with stunning realism. Widely used on electric guitars, brass instruments and drums, the R-121's figure-8 pattern also conveys superb ambiance and depth when used for room miking applications, orchestral and choral recordings.
Patented Offset Ribbon Technology
The Royer R-121 Ribbon Microphone's proprietary offset ribbon transducer is the first of its kind, positioning the ribbon element closer to the front (logo) side of the microphone. This arrangement gives the ribbon more room to move within the prime magnetic field while maintaining full frequency response during high SPL recordings. It's an integral piece of the magic of all Royer R-series microphones.
Recording
We've always said Royers "hear like your ears." Put one up and you'll know what we mean. The R-121 accurately reproduces what you hear at the sound source. Most microphones add their own characteristics; some have hyped highs and lows with scooped out mids, some are extremely sizzly in the highs, some accentuate midrange, some respond to nothing but low end... They all serve a purpose and have their place in the studio. But if your goal is to capture something the way it really sounds - that unbelievable electric guitar, that wailing trumpet, that full kit - and you've found that recording that sound was next to impossible, put up an R-121 and get ready. The R-121's response is flat and well balanced, with a deep, non-boomy low end, well defined and realistic mids, and a smooth and natural sounding high end response that's never edgy or sibilant.When it's time to mix, push up the faders on your ribbon-recorded tracks and you'll see why so many of today's engineers rely on R-121's. When your tracks sound real, fitting them into the mix is a breeze. On playback you'll find the sound is natural and alive, with a panoramic, ambient feel much like what you heard when you were standing in the room with the instruments(s) you were recording.
Recording LOUD!
Need to record at insane levels? No problem! The R-121's maximum SPL rating is 135dB at 20 Hz and it can handle that for years. In practical terms, that means you can put your R-121 directly in front of a souped up 100-watt Marshall and open it up without microphone distortion or damage to the ribbon. We don't recommend trying this with other ribbon mics, but the R-121 was built to take it.
Two Mics In One
At distances of three feet and closer, the back of the R-121 records slightly brighter than the front side. This can be extremely useful when recording acoustic guitars, vocals, and other sound sources that you may need a slightly brighter response on.
Royer R-121 Ribbon Microphone Features
- High SPL capabilities for electric guitar and percussion
- No internal active electronics to overload or produce distortion up to maximum SPL rating
- Extremely low residual noise
- Ribbon element unaffected by heat or humidity
- Absence of high frequency peaks, "ringing" and phase shifts
- Equal sensitivity from front or back of element
- Gold plated XLR contacts
Royer R-121 Ribbon Microphone Applications
- Close miking
- Electric & acoustic guitar
- Drum overheads, kick drum (see manual for position), room miking
- Percussion instruments
- Brass, horn sections
- Strings - solo & sections
- Acoustic piano
- Vocals
- Live events – recording and sound reinforcement
Royer R-121 Ribbon Microphone Specifications
- Acoustic Operating Principle: Electrodynamic pressure gradient
- Polar Pattern: Figure-8
- Generating Element: 2.5-micron aluminum ribbon
- Magnets: Rare Earth Neodymium
- Frequency Response: 30 -15,000 Hz +/- 3dB
- Sensitivity: -47 dBv Re. 1v/pa
- Output Impedance: 300 Ohms @ 1K (nominal)
- Rated Load Impedance: >1500 Ohms @ 300 Ohms
- Maximum SPL: >135dB @ 20 Hz
- Output Connector: Male XLR 3 pin (Pin 2 Hot)
- Dimensions: 58mm L, 25mm W (6.13" L, 1" W) Weight: 244g (8.6 oz)
Royer R-121 Ribbon Microphone Includes
- Royer R-121 Ribbon Microphone
- Protective Wood Box
- Microphone Sock
- Microphone Clip
- Royer Brochure
- Quick Start Guide
- 2 Cable Ties
- Royer Sticker
- Manufacturers Warranty
6 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews
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Yeah. It’s the one.
Jun 24th 2023I researched and deliberated looking for an alternative, especially cheaper, for guitar cab. The AT4081 is close, and 1/2 the price but once I’m spending that kind of money, it’s hard to pay $750. For 2nd place. The SE X1R sounded killer for the price but I’d always wonder if it could have been better. Threw the 121 up and it just sounded great. Now I know without a doubt if it doesn’t sound amazing, it’s either placement or the instrument. Mic choice is set, which is a relief, with all the other electric guitar variables. To each their own but I feel all the recording/demos I heard that didn’t sound good was due to excessive close mic, or preamp input impedance too low. I’m not putting this any closer than 6” from grill cloth. It actually has plenty of midrange brightness like this, but I paired it with a PR40 since I don’t own an sm57 (haha) to increase bite if needed. If you look at the graphs the heil pr40 is one of the brightest dynamic mics out there. (“Recording hacks” site let’s you overlay frequency graphs for many mics). So this allows me to blend top end with even less lower end then an sm57, and no eq. Lastly, front end audio always takes care of me. So thanks to them.
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Ultimate guitar cab mic
Apr 6th 2021Have you ever wondered why every producer uses the 121 and a shure sm-58 together on a guitar cab. The reason is the two are pure magic together. The highs and miss shine on the Royer and the shure balances out the mix. Pure guitar cab gold.
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Strings
May 7th 2020I had the luxury of using two of these in a small ensemble of strings. I loved the air and tone and didnt have any harsh mids. A PLus
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The best!
Jun 24th 2017Worked with Ryan. Utmost in patience, knowledge, and commitment to helping me find the mic that was right for me. Never felt pressure or hype, only honest opinions based on experience, and I always felt my needs, and personal tastes were priority number one. I would certainly recommend Front End Audio to anyone.
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Royer R-121
Oct 3rd 2013Very nice on tenor and alto saxophone!
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Great mic!
Apr 29th 2011I upgraded to the Royer R-121 and have not been dissapointed. My first use was guitar amps, which it sounds great on either by itself, or coupled with a brighter mic for a huge sound. I really like that the backside is brighter, as this can work well for acoustic guitar. I have also used as room mic for drums with good results. I think this is worth every dollar spent on it and am very happy with the royer r-121.
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