Introducing the Active Ribbon Microphone R-12 from Royer Labs
Crushing the Recording Game: The Royer Labs R-12 Microphone
Get ready to elevate your sound game, folks! Royer Labs, famed for their top-tier ribbon microphones, has unleashed a beast - the R-12. Primed for both studio recording and live performances, this bad boy promises pro-level performance without breaking the bank.
The R-12 is a dynamo, delivering an unmatched natural sound pickup, that's sure to capture instruments as they truly sound. Under the hood, you'll find a 2.5-micron direct-corrugated ribbon element, straight from Royer's legendary R-121 mic, allowing it to withstand eye-popping SPLs (up to 160dB at 1kHz) – standard for Royer's R-series mics.
But that's not all! Say hello to Royer's exclusive onboard phantom-powered electronics circuitry, paired with a beefy transformer. These bad boys amp up the output to match condenser microphones, perfect for recording softer sounds like vocals and acoustic instruments. The active electronics also ensure the ribbon element receives a constant load, preserving its full sonic potential, regardless of what preamp or DAW you're connected to.
Fret not about loud sources like drums or high-volume guitars overwhelming the R-12. Engage the switchable -15dB pad, and the microphone's output drops to match that of Royer's non-powered R-10 – providing more headroom for those intense sound sources. And don't worry about distortion – it's a no-show, even on the loudest sources.
The R-12 also features a precisely tuned, switchable high-pass filter, reducing low-end proximity buildup and rumble, making it a go-to for crystal-clear vocal performances, close-miking instruments, and loudspeaker cabinets. And if you're worrying about handling the mic rough, relax – the ribbon transducer is shock-mounted internally, protecting it from handling noise and physical impact. Plus, a built-in triple-layer windscreen safeguards the ribbon against plosives and other wind-related noise and air blasts.
John Jennings, Royer Labs' big cheese, had this to say, "The R-12 is a beast of a microphone, delivering top-notch performance at a budget-friendly price. It's got roots in our non-powered R-10 mic, found in studios worldwide, and it's been on Dave Grohl's blisteringly hot live guitar cabs for ages. It's an insanely versatile microphone that we're proud to unleash now."
So, what's the deal? The R-12 and its accompanying mount will ship in a hard-shell case, with a street price of $899, and matched pairs going for $1,849. Expect it to drop around mid/late July 2025. For more info, hit up www.royerlabs.com/r-12/.
Located in Burbank, California, Royer Labs' microphones grace leading recording and broadcast facilities worldwide. Their ribbons can be found on countless albums, and they're a must-have on prestigious events like the Academy Awards. Find more about the entire Royer Labs microphone lineup at www.royerlabs.com.
- The Royer Labs R-12, ideal for both studio recording and live performances, is a microphone that delivers an unmatched natural sound pickup.
- Royer Labs has equipped the R-12 with exclusive onboard phantom-powered electronics circuitry and a beefy transformer, amplifying its output to match condenser microphones.
- During live sound performances, the R-12's switchable -15dB pad can be engaged to match its output with Royer's non-powered R-10, providing more headroom for loud sources without causing distortion.
- The R-12 microphone, located in Burbank, California, is manufactured by Royer Labs, a company that supplies leading recording and broadcast facilities worldwide.
