Royer R-12 Active Ribbon Microphone

The Royer R-12 active ribbon microphone brings together modern clarity and vintage character in one studio-ready design. Hand-assembled in Burbank, California, the R-12 features the same 2.5-micron aluminum ribbon element found in Royer's flagship R-121, paired with active electronics to optimize output and ensure full sonic performance. With a frequency response of 30Hz–15kHz and a maximum SPL of 160dB SPL @ 1kHz, the R-12 captures everything from delicate vocals to thunderous drums with ease. Its durable construction and premium components make it an essential addition to any mic locker, offering reliability and exceptional sound quality in one package.

Custom Ribbon Element for Warm and Natural Sound

This is the kind of ribbon element engineers swear by. The heart of the R-12 is its hand-tuned 2.5-micron aluminum ribbon element, designed to deliver the warm, natural tone that has made Royer microphones a go-to for engineers worldwide. Inspired by vintage ribbon mics but enhanced for modern workflows, this element captures every nuance of your performance with remarkable depth and detail. Whether you're recording electric guitars, brass or strings, the R-12 excels at preserving the unique character of each source. Its figure-8 polar pattern provides excellent off-axis rejection, ensuring a clear and focused recording in even the most challenging environments.

Active Electronics for Enhanced Output and Performance

Clean, usable signal shouldn't require a specialty preamp—and with the R-12, it doesn't. Equipped with active electronics, the R-12 ensures consistent output across a wide range of preamps and recording setups. This design eliminates the need for ultra-high-gain preamps, making it easier to achieve pristine sound without adding noise. The microphone also includes a -15dB switchable pad, enabling it to handle high-SPL sources like snare drums and guitar amps without distortion. A switchable 100Hz high-pass filter helps manage proximity effect, delivering cleaner low-end response for close-miked applications. These features make the R-12 versatile enough to handle everything from subtle acoustic recordings to powerful drum sessions.

Internally Shock-Mounted Ribbon for Durability

From the studio to the stage, the R-12 is built to go where the music takes you. Built for both studio and stage use, the R-12 features an internally shock-mounted ribbon transducer to reduce handling noise and protect against mechanical vibrations. This thoughtful design extends the life of the ribbon element, ensuring consistent performance even in demanding environments. The microphone also includes a built-in triple-layer windscreen to safeguard the ribbon from plosives and wind blasts during vocal or outdoor recordings. With its robust construction and high-quality components, the R-12 is as reliable as it is sonically impressive, making it a trusted choice for professionals worldwide.

Premium Accessories and Warranty for Long-Term Value

Royer includes everything you need to keep the R-12 protected between takes. The R-12 comes with a microphone holder, mic sock and a custom carrying case for safe storage and transport. Royer's commitment to craftsmanship is further backed by a 10-year full warranty on materials and workmanship, as well as a first re-ribbon service free of charge within one year of purchase. Register your microphone within the first year to extend the free re-ribbon service to five years, ensuring your investment remains protected. This level of support underscores Royer's reputation for quality and innovation in ribbon microphone design.

Modern Ribbon Performance for Studio and Stage

Every serious mic locker needs a ribbon you can trust—and that's what the R-12 delivers. Whether you're capturing the punch of a guitar cabinet or the subtle resonance of a violin, the Royer R-12 active ribbon microphone delivers the tone, durability and advanced features you need for professional audio production. Its combination of classic ribbon warmth, active electronics and rugged build quality makes it an ideal choice for engineers and musicians seeking uncompromising performance in their recordings.