Introducing the New Royer R-12 Active Ribbon Microphone

Introducing the New Royer R-12 Active Ribbon Microphone

By Front End Audio on Jun 16th 2025

Introducing the New Royer R-12 Active Ribbon Microphone

Introducing the New Royer R-12 Active Ribbon Microphone! Royer Labs has just announced the new Royer R-12 Active Ribbon Microphone. The R-12 is essentially an active version of the very popular Royer R-10 Ribbon Microphone. It features onboard active electronic circuitry, which greatly increases the output level. This is useful for quieter sound sources such as acoustic instruments and intimate vocals. With increased output, you don't have to worry about increasing your mic preamp gain as much which can sometimes add in unwanted preamp noise. Additionally, the R-12’s active electronics consistently put a perfect load on the ribbon element, enabling the microphone to deliver its full sonic potential. The R-12 is also outfitted with a switchable High Pass filter precisely tuned to reduce low end proximity buildup, making this microphone a perfect choice for capturing louder vocal performances and close-miking of instruments and loudspeaker cabinets. Completing its rich feature set, the R-12 houses an internally shock-mounted ribbon transducer, which helps to protect the ribbon element while also reducing handling noise. Combined with its built-in triple-layer wind screen, the microphone’s ribbon is effectively protected against plosives and other wind-related noise.

The Royer R-12 is capable of extremely natural sound acquisition, making the microphone an exceptional choice for capturing an audio source just like it sounds to the ear with extraordinary sonic accuracy. Royer ribbons have always been known for their ability to deliver a warm sound capable of capturing the elusive nuances of the original performance. R-12 takes this capability to the next level. Of particular note, the R-12 uses the same 2.5 micron ribbon element found in the legendary Royer R-121 Ribbon Microphone. This feature delivers Royer’s well-known high SPL (Sound Pressure Level) capabilities measured at 160dB at 1kHz. With its switchable -15dB pad, the R-12 can deliver excellent headroom for louder program material such as drums and dimed electric guitars. This important feature eliminates any potential for headroom-related distortion on even the loudest sound sources.

The Royer R-12 Active Ribbon Microphone is available as a single microphone as well as a matched pair! These are now for sale at Front End Audio. If you have any questions about the R-12 or anything else from Royer Labs, give us a call at 888-228-4530. We're here to help!

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