ROYER R122MKII Mkii Ribbon Microphone Mic Nickels R-122

( Brand: Royer ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: R122MKII ), ( Part Type: Ribbon Microphone ), ( Color: Nickel ), ( Connectivity: N/a, Xlr 3 Pin ), ( Transducer Type: Ribbon )

Review ROYER Pre owned Mkii Active Ribbon Microphone Nickel Mint Mic Only

The Royer R-122 MKII is a legendary ribbon microphone that has earned its place as a cornerstone in professional recording studios and live sound applications for decades. This pre-owned model represents a refined iteration of the iconic R-122 design, which first debuted in 1974, and continues to deliver unparalleled tonal warmth, clarity, and dynamic response that few microphones can match. Crafted with precision engineering, the R-122 MKII features a 1-inch aluminum ribbon element suspended within a custom-designed magnetic field, producing a rich, smooth frequency response that excels in capturing the nuanced details of vocals, acoustic instruments, and ensemble recordings. Its signature "Royer effect" a subtle, natural compression and midrange emphasis adds a touch of musicality to recordings, making it particularly sought after for capturing the full spectrum of sound without harshness or artificial coloration. The MKII iteration introduces subtle improvements to the original, including enhanced durability, a more robust build, and a slightly refined frequency balance, ensuring that this pre-owned unit retains its legendary performance while offering a touch of modern reliability.

Visually, the R-122 MKII boasts a classic, understated elegance with its matte black finish and minimalist design, featuring a sturdy metal housing that protects the delicate ribbon element. The microphone s output is delivered via a high-quality 3-pin XLR connector, ensuring clean and stable signal transmission. While pre-owned, this unit has been carefully maintained to preserve its original functionality, with no visible signs of wear that would compromise its acoustic performance. The ribbon element itself remains the heart of the microphone, offering an unmatched ability to capture transients with grace while maintaining a velvety low-end extension and a natural high-end presence. Whether used for studio recordings of strings, brass, or vocals, or deployed in live sound applications for blending into a mix with effortless warmth, the R-122 MKII delivers a sound that is both timeless and universally adaptable.

For audio professionals seeking a microphone that transcends trends and delivers a sound that feels organic and alive, the pre-owned Royer R-122 MKII is an exceptional choice. Its combination of vintage charm and modern reliability makes it a versatile tool for capturing the essence of sound with unmatched artistry. Whether you're a seasoned engineer looking to expand your toolkit or a musician seeking a microphone that elevates your recordings, this pre-owned R-122 MKII promises to deliver decades of inspired performance with every use.

### Pros and Cons of Buying a Pre-Owned Royer R-122 MKII Ribbon Microphone

#### **Pros**

1. **Exceptional Sound Quality** The Royer R-122 MKII is renowned for its smooth, warm, and detailed sound, particularly for vocals, acoustic instruments, and orchestral recordings. Its ribbon element delivers a natural high-end and subtle compression, making it ideal for a wide range of applications.

2. **Versatility** The microphone excels in various recording scenarios, including vocals (especially female and baritone), acoustic guitars, pianos, strings, and even some drum overheads. Its neutral yet rich tone makes it a favorite among engineers for both studio and live sound applications.

3. **Durability and Build Quality** Royer microphones are built to last, with robust construction that can withstand years of use. The MKII model includes improvements over the original, such as a more stable transformer and better shielding, reducing hum and improving reliability.

4. **Pre-Owned Savings** Purchasing a pre-owned R-122 MKII can save you a significant amount of money compared to buying new. Royer microphones retain their value well, and well-maintained used units can offer near-new performance at a fraction of the cost.

5. **Proven Track Record** The Royer R-122 has been a staple in professional studios for decades, trusted by engineers and artists for its consistency and performance. Many pre-owned units come with a history of use, which can be a testament to their durability.

6. **Compatibility** The microphone features a standard 3-pin XLR output, making it compatible with most audio interfaces, mixers, and preamps without additional adapters.

7. **Minimal Phase Cancellation** Unlike some condenser microphones, ribbon mics like the R-122 MKII exhibit less phase cancellation when used in stereo pairs, making them ideal for close-miking instruments or vocal duets.

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#### **Cons**

1. **High Initial Cost (Even Pre-Owned)** While pre-owned units are cheaper than new, they can still be expensive compared to other ribbon or dynamic microphones. The price may still be a significant investment for some budgets.

2. **Fragility Compared to Dynamics** Ribbon microphones are more delicate than dynamic mics like the Shure SM57. They require careful handling to avoid damage from physical shocks, strong magnetic fields, or extreme temperature changes. Pre-owned units may have hidden wear or past mishandling.

3. **Power Requirements** The R-122 MKII is a passive microphone, meaning it does not require phantom power. However, it does require a preamp with sufficient gain to drive it effectively. Some interfaces or mixers may struggle to provide enough headroom, potentially introducing noise.

4. **Limited Frequency Response for Some Uses** While the R-122 MKII is excellent for vocals and acoustic instruments, it may lack the punch or presence needed for certain genres (e.g., rock vocals or loud percussion). Pairing it with another mic (e.g., a dynamic or condenser) is often recommended.

5. **Sensitivity to Magnetic Fields** Ribbon mics are susceptible to interference from strong magnetic sources (e.g., motors, transformers, or other mics). Pre-owned units may have been exposed to such fields, potentially affecting their performance. Testing the mic before purchase is crucial.

6. **Wear and Tear on Pre-Owned Units** Even well-maintained pre-owned mics may show signs of age, such as slight wear on the grille, minor transformer degradation, or reduced sensitivity. A thorough inspection (or a test recording) is essential to ensure the unit is in good working condition.

7. **Limited Availability of Spare Parts** While Royer microphones are durable, finding replacement parts for a pre-owned unit can be challenging if something fails. This is less of an issue for the R-122 MKII (which is a newer model), but older ribbon mics may have harder-to-find components.

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### **Conclusion**

The Royer R-122 MKII is one of the finest ribbon microphones available, offering unmatched warmth, clarity, and versatility for vocals, acoustic instruments, and orchestral recordings. Purchasing a pre-owned unit is a practical way to acquire this microphone without the full retail price, provided you conduct due diligence to ensure its condition and performance.

For those working in professional studios, film scoring, or high-end recording where sound quality is paramount, the R-122 MKII is a worthwhile investment. Its pre-owned market offers a balance between cost and quality, making it accessible to serious enthusiasts and professionals alike.

However, the microphone s fragility and specific tonal characteristics mean it may not be the best fit for every application or budget. If you re working with loud sources, dynamic mics or condensers may be more practical, and if you re on a tight budget, exploring other ribbon mics (e.g., the AEA R84 or Coles 4038) could be an alternative.

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### **Recommendation**

If you are a **professional engineer, producer, or serious home studio owner** who prioritizes vocal and acoustic instrument recording and can afford the investment (even pre-owned), the Royer R-122 MKII is an excellent choice. Look for a unit from a reputable seller (e.g., a trusted dealer, auction house, or forum like Gearslutz or Audiojungle) that offers a return policy or warranty. Test the microphone in person or via a high-quality recording sample to verify its performance.

- **Testing the mic** with your intended sound source before purchasing.

- **Pairing it with a dynamic mic** (e.g., Shure SM7B or Sennheiser MD 421) for versatility.

- **Exploring other ribbon mics** (e.g., the AEA R84 or Coles 4038) if the R-122 MKII is out of budget.

Ultimately, the R-122 MKII is a **legendary microphone** that justifies its reputation, and a well-maintained pre-owned unit can be a fantastic addition to any recording setup. Just ensure you re prepared for its care requirements and tonal characteristics.

Details:

With its unique active ribbon design and premium nickel construction, this microphone delivers excellent sound quality durability. The Royer brand is known for its exceptional microphones, making the R-122 MKII a popular choice among musicians, producers, and audio engineers looking top-notch recording equipment.

part #: r122mkii prices

• $1345.00-$1759.12

specifications micwisys:

• brand: Royer
• mpn: R122mkii
• part type: Ribbon Microphone
• color: Nickel
• connectivity: N/a, Xlr 3 Pin
• transducer type: Ribbon

payments micwisys:

• credit card: Discover
• other
• wallet: Apple-pay

returns micwisys:

• policy: No Returns

seller micwisys:

• rating: 100.0%
• # reviews: 1121
• city: Sycamore, Illinois

general micwisys:

• Musical Instruments Gear > Pro Audio Equipment > Microphones Wireless Systems
• condition: Used

offer micwisys:

• sold: 0
• options: Ship-to-home
• availability: In Stock
• started: May 24, 2026
• best offers: True
• quantity: 1

shipping micwisys:

• transit: 4-8 Days
• carrier: USPS
• type: Calculated
• class: Standard
• cost: $0.00
• service: USPS Ground Advantage

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