royer R-122V Guide
ROYER Labs
Model R-122V
Vacuum Tube Ribbon
Velocity Microphone
Operation Instructions
Manual & User Guide
Made in U.S.A.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Model R-122V Vacuum Tube Ribbon Microphone
Revised August 2006
Introduction page 2
Active Ribbon Technology page 3
Description page 5
Applications page 5
Ribbons in the Digital World page 6
User Guide page 6
Power Supply Input Module page 8
Operation page 10
Amplification Considerations page 11
Equalization & Ribbon Microphones page 12
Hum, Noise & Mic Orientation page 13
The Sweet Spot page 14
Other Types of Microphones page 15
Proximity Effect & Working Distance page 15
Microphone Technique page 17
Recording Loud or Plosive Sounds page 18
Stereophonic Microphone Technique page 21
Specialized Recording Techniques page 23
Care & Maintenance page 24
Troubleshooting page 27
Features & Specifications page 28
Electrical Specifications page 28
Mechanical Specifications page 29
Polar Pattern & Frequency Response page 30
Notes page 31
Warranty page 32
Introduction
R-122V Vacuum Tube Ribbon Microphone
Congratulations on your purchase of a Royer model R-122V
vacuum tube ribbon microphone. The R-122V is a handcrafted
precision instrument capable of delivering superior sound quality
and exceptional performance. The R-122V represents a new level
of performance for ribbon microphones, combining sophisticated
technological advancements with old-world craftsmanship. The
R-122V incorporates a vacuum tube head amplification system
that operates in conjunction with a dedicated AC operated power
supply. This enables the R-122V to deliver the same sensitivity
and output performance that the recording industry has grown
accustomed to with modern condenser microphones. In addition,
the active circuitry completely isolates the ribbon element from
impedance mismatches, short-circuits and other anomalies that
can degrade microphone performance or damage the ribbon. The
R-122V is the first professional grade ribbon microphone that
utilizes vacuum tube electronics and Royer’s patented Offset
Ribbon transducer assembly.
This operator’s manual describes the R-122V, 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 your microphone.
Royer Labs products are manufactured to the highest industrial
standards using only the finest materials obtainable. Your model
R-122V went through extensive quality control checks before
leaving the factory. Normal care is all that is required to assure
a lifetime of trouble-free service.
Please read this manual thoroughly in order to become familiar
with all of the R-122V’s capabilities. It will assist you in making
the most of your microphone’s superior acoustic properties. This
operator’s manual is a handy reference guide and we suggest you
refer to it whenever questions arise about the use and care of your
R-122V active ribbon microphone.
2
Active Ribbon Technology
Royer Labs pioneered the first active ribbon microphones with
the introduction of the R-122 in 2002. The R-122 is a solid-state
microphone that operates from standard 48-volt simplex power.
The development of that microphone was the result of several
years of effort that actually began with our developing several
vacuum tube versions first. The tube circuitry research was crucial
to the development of the specialized audio transformer used in
the R-122, and a necessary step for the development of our solid-
state, phantom powered ribbon microphones. Technically speaking,
Royer vacuum tube ribbon microphones predate our phantom
powdered models, which are now industry standards.
The heart of the R-122V (and all RoyerActive Series microphones)
is a proprietary system consisting of a specially designed toroidal
transformer and electronic buffering stage. These work together
as a single unit to provide excellent frequency response, very low
noise, very low distortion and very high SPL handling without
the use of pads. The system gives the R-122V an output level
comparable to that of condenser microphones, and its buffer stage
provides a low impedance output while presenting a perfect
impedance load to the ribbon element. Non-powered ribbon
microphones suffer substantially degraded frequency response
and lowered sensitivity when they are paired to a preamp with
too low of an input impedance. With the R-122V’s vacuum tube
circuitry, the microphone’s frequency response and output are
much less affected by variations in the input impedance of the
following preamp.
Sonically, the R-122V differs from the non-powered R-121 and
the phantom powered R-122 in a few subtle, but significant, ways.
Due to the extra iron in the R-122V’s much larger transformer,
low-end frequencies sound slightly tighter and more focused than
with the R-121 (the R-122 also utilizes this special Royer designed
transformer). Compared with that of the R-121, the transient
response of the R-122 and R-122V is faster, giving the sense of
a more open high-end response.
Sonically, the R-122V is set apart by its increased midrange reach
3
and detail, and a lushness that is hard to describe. The R-122V
also has an enormous amount of headroom available, making it
useful on extremely loud applications. Phantom powered
microphones are limited with regard to maximum headroom as
a result of the phantom power source. With the vacuum tube
design, greater headroom is achievable because the voltage source
is supplied by a dedicated power supply. The vacuum tube operates
with a supply voltage greater than twice that of a phantom powered
microphone. The vacuum tube also provides the extremely high
input impedance required for the specialized ribbon matching
transformer and offers transient response superior to any solid-
state component.
Key points:
• No longer is it necessary to mate a ribbon microphone to an
ultrahigh gain, low noise preamplifier for optimum performance.
Any preamplifier of nominal gain will provide good results with
the R-122V.
• No longer is it necessary to carefully consider impedance
matching characteristics when choosing a preamplifier. Microphone
loading is a non-issue (although we still suggest that the load is
above 2,000-ohms for optimum technical performance).
• No longer is it necessary to be concerned about damaging the
ribbon element with phantom power. The vacuum tube electronics
completely isolate the ribbon element.
• No longer is it necessary to worry about the effects of long cable
runs degrading the performance of your ribbon microphone. The
vacuum tube electronics provide a robust low impedance signal
that can handle long cable lengths without loss of signal.
4
Description
The R-122V is a compact, active, bi-directional (figure-eight)
velocity type tube ribbon microphone designed for professional
applications. The figure-eight pickup pattern allows the R-122V
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-122V is reasonably tolerant of shock and vibration, and
performance is unaffected by changes in temperature or humidity.
However, ribbon microphones are somewhat more sensitive to
direct blasts of air and the R-122V is no exception to this rule.
Discretionary use of a windscreen or pop screen, such as the
Royer PS-101, WS58 or equivalent, is highly recommended for
close-miking vocalists or certain types of percussion and wind
instruments.
Applications
The Royer Labs model R-122V 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 vocalists and announcers. Female
vocalists often benefit from the R-122V’s ability to capture high
frequencies without distortion or edginess. Orchestral instruments
are captured in a natural-sounding way, free from microphone-
induced “hype.” The R-122V has exceptionally smooth high
frequency characteristics and is devoid of microphone induced
ringing. Phase-related distortion and irregular frequency peaks
are conspicuously absent. These features make the R-122V
vacuum tube ribbon microphone an ideal choice for strings,
woodwinds, percussion and amplified instruments. Theater organs
and electric guitar amplifiers sound big and fat, without unnatural
coloration, when recorded with the R-122V.Acoustic pianos can
be captured accurately without the comb-filtering effects associated
with condenser microphones.
5
Ribbons in the Digital World
Digital recordings benefit greatly from the properties inherent in
ribbon microphones. Since A to D converters cannot distinguish
between the sound source being recorded and the complex
distortion components often associated with condenser
microphones, they sometimes have difficulty tracking the signal,
resulting in ringing and edgy-sounding tracks. With quality ribbon
microphones, ringing is almost nonexistent due to the ribbon’s
lack of distortion artifacts and high frequency peaks. A to D
converters have less difficulty tracking the ribbon-generated
signal, resulting in very smooth digital recordings free of
microphone-related edginess.
User Guide
Using the R-122V vacuum tube Ribbon Microphone
The head amplification system used in the R-122V consists of a
sub-miniature military grade vacuum tube configured as a cathode
follower. This circuit arrangement offers ideal impedance matching
properties and very high headroom. The vacuum tube is powered
from a dedicated power supply that supplies high voltage B+ and
heater current through the microphone cable. The tube's heater
supply is a "constant current" design that enables the tube to
perform correctly, even with microphone cables of varying lengths.
To ensure long service life for your R-122V vacuum tube ribbon
microphone, care should be taken when connecting the microphone
to its power supply. We have prepared a few tips to ensure that
your R-122V ribbon microphone will perform perfectly for many
years; a general set of good habits that apply to both tube ribbon
microphones and tube condenser microphones.
CAUTION! Before plugging your power supply into an AC
source, confirm that the VOLTAGE SELECTOR SWITCH is
in the correct position for the country in which it will be used.
Failure to follow this procedure may result in a blown fuse or
damage to your microphone.
6
The microphone must be plugged into the power supply via the
7-pin cable before the supply is turned on. Do not operate the
power supply without the microphone connected!
1. Always be certain that the correct microphone cable is used
with the microphone, and that the cable is in good serviceable
order. The R-122V uses a 7-pin cable configuration that provides
the tube's working voltages and carries the audio signal to the
preamplifier. The cable is specific to Royer products and may
not be substituted with a cable from another manufacturer unless
the pin out and wiring configuration are identical to the R-122V's
cable.
The audio output signal is available at the power supply and
utilizes a standard 3-pin configuration where a shield ground is
carried through Pin-1, and a balanced differential signal carried
along Pins-2 & 3. Pin-2 is signal hot (positive) and Pin-3 is signal
cold (negative).
2. Although it is usually safe to “hot plug” most phantom powered
and passive microphones to a preamplifier or console with the
phantom activated, we suggest that you de-activate the phantom
power prior to plugging the microphone to the cable, if possible.
This reduces the possibility of loud pops being transmitted to
your monitor speakers should the volume control be raised.
Serious damage to your speakers could result from this mistake.
3. Be certain that the input channel fader or volume control is set
to minimum before plugging in any microphone. Preamplifier
gain trim should be set to minimum.
4. Vacuum tube circuits require several minutes to stabilize. The
R-122V’s power supply ramps up power to the microphone slowly,
minimizing stress on the microphone’s electronics and extending
the life of the tube. We recommend letting the R-122V warm up
for at least 15 minutes prior to use. When the microphone becomes
operational, bring the channel fader to 0-dB (unity) and use the
trim to set the desired level. This technique maximizes the signal-
to-noise performance of the preamplifier or console input channel.
7
5. When disconnecting the microphone, bring the channel fader
down, turn the R122V's power supply OFF and unplug the
microphone cable from the power supply.
6. If the studio has the microphone lines brought to a patch bay
(tie lines), never crosspatch a microphone line when phantom is
applied or the monitor volume is raised. This could cause damage
to your monitor speakers or, if passive ribbon microphones are
involved, it could cause ribbon failure.
Power Supply Input Module
The power OFF/ON switch and the Power Input Module are
located on the rear side of the power supply (image 1). The Power
Input Module (image 2) serves multiple functions, and is integral
to the design of the power supply. It serves as a means to connect
and remove the AC mains cable, it houses the AC line fuses,
provides a convenient method of voltage changeover, and also
serves as an RF line filter. AC power is supplied to the unit via
a removable IEC type business
machine cable that plugs into the
bottom section of the Power Input
Module. The power cord must be
removed to gain access to the door
to change fuses or set the unit to a
different AC input voltage.
Fuse replacement
Two fuses are used to protect the circuitry
of the power supply, one on each side
of the mains line. To inspect or replace
the line fuses (necessary when changing
voltage settings), first remove the power
cord. Insert a medium size flat-blade
screwdriver into the lip at the top of the
module and gently pry the door open
(image 3). Be careful not to damage the
painted surface of the chassis housing.
Image 1
Image 2
8
The fuses are located inside
two carriers, each marked
with an arrow pointing to the
right. These carriers can be
pulled out with the tip of a
screwdriver blade or a pair of
needle nose pliers (image 4).
Once the carriers are
removed, the fuses can be
pulled out with your fingers.
Replacing the fuse carriers is
the reverse of removal. They
can only be inserted with the
arrow facing to the right and
they should go in very easily.
CAUTION!
Never attempt to bypass a fuse
or use one of a higher rating!
Not only is this an unsafe
practice, but it will void the
factory warranty.
Voltage Changeover
The power supply can be set
to operate from voltages
ranging from 100 to 240 volts
AC. For 230V operation, use
the 240V setting. A small
window at the rear of the
Input Power Module will
display the current voltage
setting. To change operation
to a different AC voltage
requires repositioning a
selector drum within the
module. Remove the power
cord and open the module
door in the same manner as
to access the fuses. The drum
can be removed
Image 3
Image 4
Image 5
Image 6
9
Other manuals for R-122V
1
Table of contents
Other royer Microphone manuals
