Royer is a relatively new company that forges new technology
onto an older microphone design. Royer
specializes in ribbon microphones.
Ribbon mics were on the brink of extinction when Royer introduced its
R-121 and SF-12 in 1998.
Founder
David Royer came to discover his passion for ribbon microphones while building
a small mic and preamp business out of his garage. A former sonar technician for the Navy, Royer
developed his skills for electronics and applied them to developing his first
ribbon microphone. One year later, it
was released as the Royer R-121 and became an instant classic.
The Royer R-122
is the world’s first ribbon microphone with phantom power. Normally, phantom power would send a ribbon
microphone to an early grave. The
phantom power gives the R-122 higher sensitivity, more output gain and
impedance matching circuitry for easy use with preamps.
Royer mics
are particularly well-known for their warmth and smooth response. Virtually every recording application is
covered among their six microphones.
Their website offers techniques and tips specific to each microphone, so
you get all this info on how to pick the right mic for the job and how to max
out your time together.
You can
pick up Royer microphones at SweetWater.com and Amazon.com. The R-121 runs around $1,300. They go up to $4,300 for their Royer SF-24
Phantom-Powered Stereo Ribbon Microphone.
There is also a dealer list on their website, www.RoyerLabs.com.
