Buy new Royer Labs R-121
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My precious!!!
Published on 09/07/12 at 03:38OVERALL OPINION
Used it for live on different Guitar amps and compared to the SM57, MD421 and the C414. All microphones are fine for this kind of application but the Royer gives a bigger and opener sound than all others. Definitely my number 1. In studio it is often used for brass sections.
I also used it for Cello, oboe and clarinet recording and loved it. For the flute it missed some high end but with a little eq that was ok.
On vocals it works fine if you're looking for a dark sound.…
OVERALL OPINION
Used it for live on different Guitar amps and compared to the SM57, MD421 and the C414. All microphones are fine for this kind of application but the Royer gives a bigger and opener sound than all others. Definitely my number 1. In studio it is often used for brass sections.
I also used it for Cello, oboe and clarinet recording and loved it. For the flute it missed some high end but with a little eq that was ok.
On vocals it works fine if you're looking for a dark sound.

very stylish
Published on 10/24/11 at 22:31Overall the mic sounds very...…
Overall the mic sounds very decent for the money. A couple of observations. In my experience the mic meets the frequency response specifications and even exceeds the given range (picks up to about 23kHz). The mic is tailored for closer recording than regular studio condensers: 6" to 8" rather than 12" from source. It has almost no proximity effect when used on vocals but substantial proximity bass boost when used on acoustic guitar (which you have to remove with EQs since it has no bass-roloff switch).
OVERALL OPINION
Acoustic guitar and vocals sound very natural, guitar sounds very good with pick/strumming noise adding a nice bright touch to the recording. It sounds decent on shakers but would not be my first choice for that. I've had some problems removing excess boominess from the bass since with guitar it does get bass-heavy, but the overall quality is commendable. Lack of shock mount and bass-roloff switch I'd say are where R 121 cut quality to make the mic cheaper.
The permanently charged diaphragm, it sounds comparable to the true condensor mics if not better. But electrets may lose up to 3db gam over a few years as the material charging the diaphragm gradually gets de polarized. Hope fully this mic can hold up.

OVERALL OPINION
I've been using the Royer Labs R-121 for about three years. To me, it is one of, if not the best ribbon microphone that is still made new today. Royer has a reputation for making great ribbon microphones, and the R-121 is one of their best models. I have used this in a number of different situations, mostly using it for recording guitar amps and acoustic instruments. It has a unique tone that cannot be achieved with a dynamic or condenser microphone. Besides some of the old RCA ribbon microphones, like the DX77, this is really one of the best ribbon microphones you can get. I would also compare it to another Royer model, the R-122 as they are similar in look and overall sound. Both are great options, it just depends on your budget and what you envision yourself using this for. Of course it isn't cheap as it is made at an extremely high quality and has an awesome tone to it. For the professional engineer, these can be a must have and are a reasonable price for a microphone of this caliber.

OVERALL OPINION
I have had one of these for almost 10 years. I love this mic! I have the 121 and the 122, and I use them in nearly every session. If you have background singers, try setting one of these about 5 feet in front of them. It sounds like they're all right in front of you! I definitely recommend getting this mic if you are serious about getting very realistic sounds in your studio. It costs over a grand, but it is money well spent for the discerning audiophile.
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Tech. sheet
- Manufacturer: Royer Labs
- Model: R-121
- Category: Ribbon Microphones
- Added in our database on: 04/01/2004
We have no technical specifications for this product
but your help will be much welcomed
Other categories in Microphones
Other names: r 121, r121