Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of a Royer Labs Model R-10 ribbon microphone. The R-10 is
a handcrafted precision instrument capable of delivering superior sound quality and exceptional
performance.
This operator’s manual describes the R-10, its function and method of use. It also describes the
care and maintenance required to ensure proper operation and long service life. The user guide
section of this manual offers practical information that is designed to maximize the performance
capabilities of this microphone.
Royer Labs products are manufactured to the highest industrial standards using only the finest
materials obtainable. Your model R-10 went through extensive quality control checks before
leaving the factory. Normal care is all that is required to assure a lifetime of trouble-free service.
Please read the manual thoroughly to become familiar with all of the R-10’s capabilities. It will
assist you in making the most of your microphone’s superior acoustic properties. This owner’s
manual is a handy reference guide and we suggest you refer to it whenever questions arise on the
use and care of your R-10 ribbon microphone.
Description
The R-10 is a bi-directional (figure-eight) velocity type ribbon microphone designed for
professional applications. The figure-eight pick-up pattern allows the R-10 to be addressed from
either side with equal sensitivity. The in-phase signal is achieved when the microphone is
addressed from the front, indicated by the “ROYER” logo.
The R-10 is reasonably tolerant to shock and vibration, and performance is unaffected by
changes in temperature or humidity. However, ribbon microphones are somewhat more sensitive
to direct blasts of air, and the R-10 is no exception to this rule. Discretionary use of a windscreen
or pop screen, such as the Royer PS-101, or equivalent, is highly recommended for close-miking
vocalists or certain types of percussion and wind instruments.
Applications
The Royer Labs R-10 is a versatile microphone, ideally suited for many critical applications both
in the studio and on live stages. Its 3-layer windscreen system and shock mounted transducer
assembly greatly increase the R-10’s ability to handle shocks and plosives. Combining this with
Royer’s patented offset-ribbon technology and a custom-designed matching transformer, the
R-10 is able to handle SPLs of 160 dB (at 1 kHz) with no overload or distortion. This allows for
comfortable use on instruments like electric guitars, horns, drum overheads and Leslie speakers,
while also being an excellent choice for fiddle, acoustic guitar, piano and other acoustic
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