Royer Labs has introduced the R-101 ribbon microphone, well-suited for both studio and live sound reinforcement applications.
The new R-101 offers numerous technological advancements pioneered by Royer Labs. Chief among them is the microphone’s multi-layered wind screening for superior protection from air blasts and plosives, providing excellent protection for the microphone’s ribbon element. This unique screening system also reduces proximity effect, facilitating closer miking with less bass buildup.
The ribbon element’s smooth frequency response and phase linearity, coupled with sensitivity levels surpassing those of “classic” ribbon microphones, enable the R-101 to provide an element of analog warmth so essential to today’s digital recording systems. The R-101’s figure-8 pattern also conveys superb ambience and depth when used for room miking applications.
The R-101 incorporates Royer’s patented offset-ribbon technology and a low mass, 2.5-micron aluminum (99.9 percent pure) ribbon element. The ribbon transducer’s flux-frame and rare earth Neodymium magnets create a powerful magnetic field which increases sensitivity while reducing stray magnetic radiation.
The offset-ribbon design of the R-101 positions the ribbon element towards the front of the microphone body, allowing for higher SPL handling on the front (logo) side of the microphone and the option of a brighter response when recording lower SPL sound sources on the microphone’s back side. This approach results in the R-101’s ability to withstand 135 dB SPL at 30 Hz.
The R-101 includes no internal electronics to overload or produce distortion up to the microphone’s maximum SPL rating, and the ribbon element is not affected by heat or humidity. Further, the mic’s manufacturing and component selection results in an absence of high frequency peaks, “ringing,” and phase shifts, as well as extremely low residual noise.
“The R-101 has numerous benefits that make it a great choice for the audio professional,” says Rick Perrotta, president of Royer Labs. “This microphone employs some noteworthy manufacturing qualities, including the absence of nickel or black chrome plating. We decided to employ a high quality epoxy finish that is extremely durable and is environmentally friendly.
“We also incorporated an entirely new multi-layered wind screen design that provides better protection for the element, and we’ve included a shockmount, which can be a rather pricey accessory.
“Further, we designed the R-101 to exhibit less proximity effect—enabling people who may not be accustomed to using ribbon mics to achieve excellent results. All of these factors contribute to a very capable microphone that addresses those customers who may not be in a position to spend more than a thousand dollars.”
The R-101 comes with a heavy-duty protective carrying case, a suspension-type shock mount, and a mic sock.
It is expected to ship in early September, 2010 and will carry an MSRP of $895.
