Royer Labs Launches the R‑12: A Versatile Active Ribbon Mic

Royer Labs has debuted the R‑12 active ribbon microphone, designed for both live performances and studio tracking. This mic retains the same 2.5‑micron direct‑corrugated ribbon element as the acclaimed R‑121, capable of managing sound levels up to 160 dB at 1 kHz.

Unlike passive ribbon mics that often struggle with quiet sources, the R‑12’s onboard electronics ensure a consistent frequency response regardless of your preamp or interface. That means you get the warm, nuanced character of analogue ribbon sound with studio-grade output and reliability—without needing expensive external boosters.

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Key Features at a Glance

• Phantom‑powered active electronics: Includes an upgraded transformer and preamp to boost output to condenser‑level volume—ideal for vocals and quieter instruments.
• -15 dB pad: Switchable pad drops output to match the passive R‑10, adding headroom for loud sources like drums and guitar amps.
• High‑pass filter: Reduces low‑end rumble and proximity effect when close‑miking, sharpening clarity on vocals and speakers.
• Built‑in protection: Internal shock-mount isolation and triple-layer windscreen safeguard the ribbon from handling noise, plosives, and wind bursts.

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Practical Applications

This mic isn’t just another ribbon—it’s built for real-world versatility:

• Rock guitar cabinet close-miking, matching performance to the R‑10 but with more flexibility.
• Capturing vocals, acoustic instruments, brass, piano, organ, drums, or percussion with a single tool.
• Plug-and-play ready for engineers who want ribbon warmth without wrestling with low output or complex gain staging.

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Pricing & Availability

The R‑12 comes in a rugged hard case, priced at $899, while a matched stereo pair is available for $1,849. Royer expects it to hit the market by late July 2025.

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In Context: Royer’s Ribbon Heritage

Royer Labs has been a driving force in ribbon mic evolution since the late 1990s. The R‑121 revolutionized the medium with rare-earth magnets and a patented offset ribbon design, while the company introduced the first phantom-powered ribbon mic in 2013. Hand-built in the USA, Royer’s products (including the R‑10, R‑121, and R‑122) are staples in studios and on stages worldwide.