Royer R-122 MKII Ribbon Microphone

Yes, this is an active ribbon microphone, meaning it requires 48-volt phantom power to drive its internal electronics. This active circuitry provides the high output and impedance matching that makes it compatible with almost any modern microphone preamp.

Absolutely. The R-122 MKII is designed to handle high sound pressure levels up to 135 dB. It also includes a switchable -15 dB pad, which gives you the extra headroom needed to record loud sources without overloading your preamp.

The switchable bass-cut filter is set at 100 Hz and is primarily used to manage the proximity effect. When you place the microphone close to a sound source, the low frequencies can become overwhelming; engaging this filter helps clean up the signal and keeps your recordings balanced.

While all ribbon microphones require care, the R-122 MKII is built to be robust. It features Royer's patented offset ribbon technology and is designed to be unaffected by heat and humidity, making it much more reliable in professional studio environments than vintage ribbon designs.

The microphone itself is covered by a lifetime warranty for the original owner, which covers the electronics and construction. The ribbon element, which is the delicate heart of the mic, is covered by a separate one-year warranty.

No. Because the R-122 MKII is an active microphone, it provides a high output level that is comparable to many condenser microphones. You can achieve a clean, strong signal with standard preamps, and you won't need to worry about long cable runs causing signal degradation.