Royer Labs R-122V Tube Version - Matched Pair

Royer Labs R-122V Tube Version – Matched Pair is a factory-matched pair of active tube ribbon microphones, hand-built in Burbank, California. The R-122V is the world's first commercially produced tube ribbon microphone and the pinnacle of Royer's R-Series line – pairing the proven ribbon transducer from the R-121 and R-122 with a vacuum tube output stage that delivers warmth, depth, and headroom unavailable from any phantom-powered ribbon design.

Tube in the Ribbon Signal Path – What It Actually Changes

The output stage is built around a JAN mil-spec 5840W pentode wired in triode configuration, operating at a 135 V DC plate supply – headroom that no phantom-powered circuit can match. The result is a sensitivity of -36 dBV/Pa with self-noise below 18 dB, and an output approximately 25 dB hotter than a passive R-121, while retaining the smoothness and detail characteristic of the best tube condensers. The active circuitry provides optimal impedance to the ribbon element under any load condition, eliminating the damping problem caused by low-impedance preamp inputs. A Jensen 8:1 output transformer delivers a fully balanced, electrically isolated output capable of driving any preamplifier and long cable runs without signal loss.

Ribbon Transducer and Figure-8 Pattern – Studio and Stage

The 2.5-micron aluminium ribbon at 99.99% purity operates in a neodymium magnet field within Royer's patented offset-ribbon flux frame, which reduces stray magnetic radiation. The figure-8 polar pattern delivers equal sensitivity from both sides of the capsule, opening up MS, mid-side with a cardioid, and classic two-mic stereo configurations. The rear axis has a slightly brighter character within approximately three feet, which can be exploited deliberately on acoustic sources. The Matched Pair designation means factory-selected units with closely matched sensitivity and frequency response – a necessary condition for a coherent stereo image.

KEY FEATURES

• World's first commercial tube ribbon microphone – limited production, hand-built in Burbank CA
• JAN mil-spec 5840W tube in triode configuration – headroom far beyond phantom power supply limits
• 2.5-micron aluminium ribbon, 99.99% purity, neodymium magnets in patented flux frame
• Output approximately 25 dB hotter than passive R-121 with low self-noise maintained
• Jensen 8:1 output transformer – symmetrical, fully balanced output signal
• Figure-8 polar pattern – equal sensitivity both sides, rear axis slightly brighter in close field
• SPL handling above 135 dB @ 20 Hz – electric guitar, cymbals, and drums without issue
• Factory Matched Pair – selected for stereo and MS use
• Dedicated power supply included, military-grade locking XLR cable set, RSM-1 shockmount, wooden storage case
• Lifetime warranty to original owner; tube warranted 10 years; first re-ribbon free of charge

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Acoustic operating principle: electrodynamic pressure gradient with vacuum tube electronics
• Vacuum tube: JAN mil-spec 5840W pentode in triode configuration
• Polar pattern: figure-8
• Generating element: 2.5-micron aluminium ribbon
• Magnets: rare earth neodymium
• Frequency response: 30–15,000 Hz ±3 dB
• Sensitivity: -36 dBV/Pa ±1 dB
• Self-noise: <18 dB
• Output impedance: 200 Ω, balanced
• Rated load impedance: 1 kΩ
• Maximum SPL: >135 dB @ 20 Hz
• Power requirements: plate 135 V DC @ 2 mA, filament 6 V DC @ 150 mA (dedicated power supply)
• Dimensions: 206 mm L x 25 mm W
• Weight: 300 g (10.9 oz)
• Finish: dull satin nickel / matte black chrome optional