User guide

Introduction
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.
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 Royer Active 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
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