Royer Labs R-121
Professional music gear - detailed information and where to buy
Royer Labs
R-121
Product Info
* Prices may vary. Check retailer for current pricing and availability.
The R-121 is a workhorse ribbon mic – a real classic. It’s a fantastic choice for guitar amps, brass, and drum overheads where you want that vintage, airy vibe. It’s premium-priced, but delivers a tone that's hard to beat for its character.
Product Description
- Royer Labs R-121
- Ribbon Microphone
- Directional characteristic: Figure 8
- Extremely low inherent noise
- Ribbon element insensitive to heat and moisture
- Ideal for guitar recordings
- wind instruments
- overheads and string instruments
- Frequency range: 30 Hz - 15 kHz +/- 3 dB
- Sensitivity: -54 dBv re. 1 V/pa +/- 1 dB
- Output impedance: 300 Ohm @ 1 k (nominal)
- Maximum SPL: > 135 dB
- Length: 158 mm
- Diameter: 25 mm
- Weight: 245 g
- Colour: Nickel
- Incl. wooden box and protective cover
PROS
- • Robust nickel plating offers exceptional durability and a classic look
- • The ribbon is genuinely heat-resistant, allowing for close miking
- • Figure-8 pattern provides excellent isolation and creative stereo options
- • Delivers a warm, smooth, and natural tone with impressive detail retrieval
CONS
- • Requires a high-gain preamp to achieve optimal signal level
- • Its figure-8 pattern isn't ideal for all recording situations
- • Can be fragile if mishandled; ribbon mics demand care
- • The nickel finish can show fingerprints and smudges easily
Product Video
Key Features
Mic Type
Ribbon Microphone
Polar Pattern
Figure 8
Frequency Range
30 Hz - 15 kHz +/- 3 dB
Max SPL
> 135 dB
Sensitivity
-54 dBv re. 1 V/pa +/- 1 dB
Connector
XLR
Weight
245 g
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Frequently Asked Questions
While less expensive ribbons exist, the R-121's build quality and ribbon material are superior, resulting in lower noise and better longevity.
It can be used for vocals, but its figure-8 pattern and darker tone suit some voices better than others; best for warmer, more intimate vocal styles.
Given its lower sensitivity, a clean, high-gain preamp is essential to boost the signal without adding excessive noise.
