Royer Labs introduced the R-12 ribbon microphone, designed for both studio and live sound applications. It uses the same 2.5-micron, direct-corrugated ribbon element found in the company’s R-121 model and can handle sound pressure levels up to 160dB at 1kHz.
The R-12 includes phantom-powered onboard electronics paired with an upgraded transformer, providing condenser-like output levels suitable for vocals, acoustic instruments, and other low-volume sources. Its active circuitry maintains a consistent load on the ribbon element, ensuring full frequency response regardless of the preamp or interface used.
A switchable -15dB pad lowers the R-12’s output to match that of Royer’s passive R-10 ribbon mic, offering greater headroom for high-SPL sources such as drums or electric guitar amps. The microphone also includes a switchable high-pass filter to help reduce proximity effect and low-frequency rumble.
Designed for flexibility, the R-12 offers high headroom, consistent performance and detailed sound capture across a wide range of environments.