Royer Labs Model R Ribbon Velocity Microphone Operation Instruction Manual & Users Guide
TABLE OF CONTENTS Model R Ribbon Microphone Table of Contents page 1 Introduction page 2 Description page 2 Applications page 2 User Guide page 3 Amplification Considerations page 4 The Sweet Spot page 6 Other Types of Microphones page 7 Proximity Effect and Working Distance page 7 Microphone Technique page 8 Stereophonic Microphone Technique page 9 Specialized Recording Techniques page 12 Care and Maintenance page 12 A Little Bit of History page 13 Features and Specificatio
Introduction Congratulations on your purchase of a Royer Labs model R-121 ribbon microphone. The R-121 is a handcrafted precision instrument capable of delivering superior sound quality and overall high performance. This operator’s manual describes the R-121, its function and method of use. It also describes the care and maintenance required to ensure proper operation and long service life.
woodwinds, percussion and amplified instruments. Acoustic pianos can be captured accurately without the comb-filtering effects associated with condenser microphones. User Guide Using The R Ribbon Microphone Operation The R-121 ribbon microphone is a versatile device capable of accurate sound reproduction. There are a few important facts about ribbon microphones that are key in understanding how to use them intelligently. 1.
Amplification Considerations The performance of a ribbon microphone is directly affected by the choice of microphone preamplifier it is paired with.
five times the impedance of the microphone. For example, if the mic is rated at 300 Ohms (as Royer’s are), the preamp should have an input-impedance of at least 1500 Ohms. If the impedance of the preamp is too low, the microphone will lose low end and body. 4. Transparency: A good preamp should sound natural with no edginess. Tube preamps sound warm, yet wonderfully transparent. Transformer coupled preamps sound punchy.
performance curve of a condenser mic with excellent results. This is not to say that a ribbon microphone can replace a quality condenser mic, but the EQ friendliness inherent in ribbon microphones does allow for an enormous amount of flexibility. The reason that ribbon mics take EQ so well is because of their inherent low self-noise (less than 15 dB) and unusually smooth response characteristics.
good, it’s probably right. If it doesn’t, move the microphone. It’s often more effective to reposition the microphone than to start fiddling with knobs. Knob twisting can affect headroom and phase coherency and add unwanted noise. The following is a list of variables that also account for “sweet spot” effect 1. Frequency response variations due to proximity effect. 2.
the microphone’s polar response. Typical relationship of microphone distance to frequency response for ribbon-velocity bidirectional microphone. Another area where proximity effect can be turned to an advantage is to make things sound more “real than real”. For example, many voices and certain musical instruments produce fundamental frequencies within the bass range (below 150Hz or so) but the fundamentals are weak.
piano at a distance of one foot to several feet, depending on taste. A more direct “up front” sound will be achieved when the microphone is placed closer to the soundboard. For capturing a piano in stereo, place the microphones apart, one over the bass strings and the other over the high strings. The farther the mics are from each other, the wider the stereo spread. For a more direct stereo effect, the microphones may be placed in an “X” pattern a couple of feet from the center of the soundboard.
Figure 1 Classic Blumlein or “coincident miking technique Mid Side Technique In the early days of stereo radio broadcasting, there was a need for a mic setup that would allow for simultaneous stereo and mono feeds from the same mic array and for electronic “fiddling” with the severity of the stereo effect. The result was what is known as the mid-side microphone technique. One mic faces sideways, one faces forward as shown in Figure 2, and they are connected as shown in Figure 3.
Figure 2 – Typical M-S miking technique Figure 3 – Typical M-S connection set-up 11
Specialized Recording Techniques Recording on the back side of the R The R-121 incorporates an “offset ribbon” design that enables it to handle high sound pressure levels such as those produced by loud guitar amplifiers and other instruments. An interesting phenomenon as a result of this “offset ribbon” construction occurs at the microphone’s backside, which affects the high frequency and low frequency response characteristics within the microphone’s proximity range.
3. Do not expose microphone to liquids or caustic smoke. 4. Do not expose the microphone to strong alternating electro-magnetic fields, i.e. the power transformers in amps, or a hum may result. 5. Use a soft cloth to clean the microphone body. A small amount of denatured alcohol can be used to remove fingerprints and other stains. 6. Keep metal filings away from the microphone at all times. 7. When not in use, store the microphone in its protective wood-en case. 8.
today by a few diehard companies. These microphones are essentially similar to the designs of the 1930s and limited to specialized applications. Recent developments in magnetics, electronics and mechanical construction procedures have made it possible to once again bring the ribbon microphone to the forefront of the audio field. This is similar to the resurgence vacuum tubes have made in recent years now that technology has enabled further development of the state of the art in numerous areas.
Mechanical Specifications High grade Neodymium magnet assembly 1.5” x 3/16” x 2.5 micron ribbon assembly Stainless steel internal baffle and dampener Weight: 244 grams (8.6 ounces) Weight with Case: 21.1 ounces Dimensions: 158mm x 25mm (6.
Warranty Royer Labs warrants its products to be free from defects in materials or imperfect workmanship. This warranty is offered to the original owner without time limit. Royer Labs will repair or replace any product that fails to meet published specifications during the warranty period. This warranty does not apply if the product has been damaged by accident or misuse, or as a result of repair or modification by other than a Royer Labs customer service facility authorized to service this product.
