royer R-122V, Operation Instructions Manual & User Manual

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results. This is not to say that ribbon microphones can replace
quality condenser mics in all circumstances, but the EQ friendliness
inherent in ribbon microphones does allow for an enormous
amount of flexibility.
Ribbon mics take EQ extremely well due to their inherent low
self-noise (less than 15dB), unusually smooth response
characteristics, and freedom from off-axis coloration. Dialing in
high amounts of equalization on condenser or dynamic
microphones brings up equal amounts of the microphone’s
distortion products and noise; garbage that contributes to an
unnatural, unpleasant sound. Because distortion and self-noise
are almost nonexistent in quality ribbon microphones, high levels
of EQ can be used without adding harshness or excessive noise.
Hum, Noise & Mic Orientation
All dynamic microphones, including ribbons, are electromagnetic
devices and are, to some degree, susceptible to picking up stray
EMF (electro-magnetic fields). Power transformers (such as those
found in guitar amplifiers) and alternating current motors are the
most likely sources of radiated noise. Building wiring and electrical
utility transformers are other likely sources. A well-designed
microphone provides shielding to minimize the effects of stray
magnetic radiation. In severe cases complete isolation is impossible
and the result is hum or buzz. Passive ribbon microphones can
potentially manifest this condition to a greater degree because of
their higher gain requirements. Even an active ribbon microphone
like the R-122V is not completely immune to this phenomenon.
Vintage ribbon microphones often have poor shielding and the
problem can be worse. The cure for this problem is to identify
the source of the noise and move the microphone away from it.
Another trick is to alter the orientation of the microphone in such
a way that the noise is cancelled out. If you ever experience this
situation while in the studio, try rotating the microphone to identify
the “null” point, and then reposition the mic and the sound source.
This is much like having a guitar player with single coil pickups
turn around until amplifier hum disappears.
Another source of noise can be traced to the microphone cable
and its proximity to a noise generating source. Electromagnetically
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