Royer R-121 Live Large Ribbon Mic

The studio R-121 is tough and has been used on the road for years, but the increased durability of the R-121 Live gives FOH engineers greater confidence in the ribbon standing up to the rigors of the road.

The R-121 Live’s output level is comparable to a dynamic mic, and it delivers the warm, realistic tone that only a ribbon mic can. Along with its smooth, natural response, the R-121 Live virtually eliminates the shrill high-end often associated with live guitars and brass. Push up the faders and there’s the instrument in all its fullness and natural glory, minus the peaky highs that FOH and Monitor engineers spend so much of their careers fighting.

The R-121 Live is visually differentiated by its red logo. The ribbon element thickness is increased from 2.5 microns to 4-microns, giving the microphone greater durability and a slightly reduced high end response. Highs are often rolled off in live performances, but due to the R-121 Live’s exceptionally smooth high frequency response, it needs far less eq’ing than is usually required with condenser and dynamic microphones.

The R-121 Live is backed with Royer’s lifetime warranty to the original owner, and the first re-ribbon is free. We expect it to work as hard as you do, so we stand behind it the whole way. As with any high end microphone, proper storage during transit and careful handling during setup and breakdown is key to keeping the microphone in good working order.

Figure-8’s On Stage

The R-121 Live’s pickup pattern is figure-8, which can be used to control stage bleed with great effect. Side rejection in the null points is strong – position the mics “ears” to face the offending instrument(s) and bleed will be virtually eliminated. The top and bottom of the microphone are also null points. If monitors are in close proximity to the rear side of the microphone, a positioning adjustment can place the monitors output in the mic’s null, isolating the monitor from the mic’s pickup areas.

Acoustic Operating Principle: Electrodynamic pressure gradient
Polar Pattern: Figure-8
Generating Element: 4-micron aluminum ribbon
Magnets: Rare Earth Neodymium
Frequency Response: 30 -15,000 Hz +/- 3dB
Sensitivity: -50 dBv Re. 1v/pa
Output Impedance: 300 Ohms @ 1K (nominal)
Rated Load Impedance: >1500 Ohms @ 300 Ohms
Maximum SPL: >135dB @ 20 Hz
Output Connector: Male XLR 3 pin (Pin 2 Hot)
Dimensions: 58mm L, 25mm W (6.13" L, 1" W) Weight: 244g (8.6 oz) Finish: Dull Satin Nickel/Matte Black Chrome optional
Polar pattern: Figure eight

US and EU parcels ship via UPS, ETA 1-7 working days from pickup day zero. That also applies to most locations worldwide.

All shipments are fully insured.

Bigger shipments requiring pallets or custom made crates ship to US, CA, JP, CN, AU and other outside of EU locations via DHL Air Freight, ETA is normally approx. 7-14 working days from pickup day zero.

Big shipments inside EU ship via different freight companies, recently mostly via ACE Logistics. Freight forwarders can use different courier companies for deliveries to final destinations.

Palletising and crating time can vary depending on the size of the shipment and packaging queue. We pack all our shipments with great care.

You are most welcome to pick your order up yourself from our Retrosonic Pro Audio showroom, studio and warehouse in Tallinn, Estonia.

We ship worldwide – contact us for a personal shipping quote or any other questions.

VAT (Value Added Tax) can be deducted if you have a company with a valid EU VAT number or if you're based outside of the EU. Non-EU buyers pay all and any import tax and duty as regulated by their local customs.