royer R-121 - Applications; User Guide

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Congratulations on your purchase of a Royer Labs model R-121 ribbon microphone. The

R-121 is a handcrafted precision instrument capable of delivering superior sound quality

and overall high performance.

This operator’s manual describes the R-121, its function and method of use. It also

describes the care and maintenance required to ensure proper operation and long service

life. The user guide section of this manual offers practical information that is designed to

maximize the performance capabilities of this microphone.

Royer Labs products are manufactured to the highest industrial standards using only the

finest materials obtainable. Your model R-121 went though extensive quality control

checks before leaving the factory. Normal care, given to any quality instrument, is all that

is required to assure years of trouble-free service.

Please read the manual thoroughly in order to become familiar with all of the R-121’s

capabilities. It will assist you in making the most of its superior acoustic properties.

This owner’s manual is a handy reference guide and we suggest you refer to it whenever

questions arise on the use and care of your R-121 ribbon microphone.

The Royer Labs model R-121 is a compact bi-directional (figure-eight) velocity type

ribbon microphone designed for professional applications. The figure-eight pick-up

pattern allows the R-121 to be addressed from either side with equal sensitivity. The in-

phase signal is achieved when the microphone is addressed from the front, indicated by

the “ROYER” logo.

The R-121 is tolerant of shock and vibration, and is unaffected by changes in temperature

or humidity. However, ribbon microphones are somewhat more sensitive to direct blasts

of air, and the R-121 is no exception to this rule. Discretionary use of a windscreen or

pop-filter, such as the PS-100, PS-101, WS58 or equivalent is highly recommended for

situations such as close miking, especially with vocalists or certain types of percussion

and wind instruments.

The Royer Labs model R-121 is a versatile microphone and is ideally suited for many

critical recording applications. Its smooth frequency response characteristics and ability

to capture detail make it a fine choice for many instruments, as well as for general

broadcast applications. Its gentle low-frequency proximity effect makes it especially

useful for announcers and vocalists. Female vocalists often benefit from the R-121’s

ability to capture high frequencies without distortion or edginess. Orchestral instruments

are captured in a natural sounding way and free from microphone-induced “hype”. The

R-121 has exceptionally smooth high frequency characteristics. Phase-related distortion

and irregular frequency peaks are conspicuously absent. Theater organs and electric guitar

amplifiers sound big and fat, without unnatural coloration, when reproduced with the R-

121. These features make the R-121 ribbon microphone an ideal choice for strings,

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