Royer Labs R-12
Ribbon Microphone
- Electrodynamic pressure gradient with active electronics
- Polar pattern: Figure Eight
- Frequency range: 30 Hz - 15,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: -36 dB (re. 1V/pa), -15 dB pad switchable
- Low-cut: 100 Hz (6 dB per octave), switchable
- max. SPL: > 160 dB @ 1 kHz, > 135dB @ 30Hz
- Requires +48V phantom power
- Dimensions (L): 209.5 mm
- Weight: 462 g
- Includes microphone holder, microphone cover and case
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Available since August 2025
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Item number 620370
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Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
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shockmount included No
Active ribbon mic for studio and live use
The Royer Labs R-12 is an active ribbon microphone with a figure-8 polar pattern, designed for demanding studio recording and live applications. Positioned as a more accessible model beneath the acclaimed R-121, it retains the same 2.5μm ribbon element that has become a defining part of the Royer sound, delivering exceptionally natural and detailed audio reproduction while also handling impressive SPL levels with ease. For even greater flexibility, the R-12 features a switchable -15dB pad to nip any potential distortion in the bud, as well as a musically voiced high-pass filter that helps manage proximity effect and maintain a consistent tonal character.
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Constant load, consistent sound
The active electronics at the heart of the Royer Labs R-12 significantly increase output level for quieter sound sources such as acoustic instruments, while also maintaining a low noise floor. The circuitry provides a constant electrical load for the ribbon element, ensuring that the microphone's performance remains stable regardless of the input impedance of the connected preamp – in practice, this means the ribbon is always free to deliver its full sonic potential. The ribbon element itself is internally shock-mounted, helping to protect it from mechanical stress while effectively reducing the transmission of handling noise and structure-borne vibration.
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Built for professional applications
Designed around a characteristically warm and natural sound, while still capturing the finest nuances and details in full, the Royer Labs R-12 is aimed at users who expect the highest levels of precision and flexibility. It delivers impressive recording quality even when faced with extremely loud sound sources such as drum kits, guitar cabinets and brass instruments. That makes the R-12 a remarkably versatile microphone, fully capable of meeting the demands of professional users. As a premium extra, Royer Labs supplies the microphone complete with a mic clip and protective cover, housed in a classic hard-shell case and backed by a 10-year warranty.
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About Royer Labs
Royer Labs is an American company founded in 1998 by David Royer and Rick Perotta. The key element at the core of Royer Labs' commercial success is the R-121 ribbon microphone, developed by microphone enthusiast and sonar measurement engineer David Royer in 1997 – at a time when the ribbon microphone was considered to be something endangered and exotic. The R-121 rapidly gained a remarkable reputation in international recording studios and quickly became a "classic" for miking guitar amplifiers. In 2013, Royer Labs was recognised with a Technical Grammy, the music industry's highest honour, for its dedication and inventive spirit. To this day, Royer Labs exclusively builds ribbon microphones. In addition to the legendary R-121, Royer Labs now also offers stereo ribbon microphones and active ribbon microphones with internal amplifier circuitry.
A wide range of applications
As a highly versatile microphone, the Royer Labs R-12 is well suited to electric and acoustic stringed instruments, vocals, brass instruments, pianos, organs, drums and percussion. When working with guitar cabinets, experimenting with different microphone positions can yield a great variety of excellent results; very loud sources like brass instruments. for instance, tend to benefit from a placement distance of around 45cm. The R-12's proximity effect can also be used creatively, helping thinner voices sound fuller and more present. Instrument sources with weaker fundamentals, such as upright pianos, can likewise benefit from the natural low-frequency enhancement. For vocal recording, the integrated three-layer windscreen provides effective protection against plosives, helping to ensure clean and controlled results.
