Specialized Recording Techniques
Recording on the back side of the R-122
The R-122 incorporates an “offset ribbon” design that enables it to handle high sound pressure
levels such as those produced by loud guitar amplifiers and other instruments. An interesting
phenomenon as a result of this offset ribbon construction is that the R-122 records slightly
brighter on its back side than on its front (logo) side, when the microphone is three feet or closer
to the sound source. This can be extremely useful when a brighter response is desirable, such as
when recording acoustic instruments or vocalists.
When recording vocals on either side of an R-122, a quality pop filter (such as the Royer PS-101
metal pop screen) is essential to protect the ribbon element from wind blasts. As with any
figure-8 microphone, the front side of the R-122 is in-phase and the back side is out-of-phase.
We suggest that that you reverse the phase polarity on your microphone preamplifier to achieve
in-phase recordings when tracking on the back side of an R-122.
Normal proximity effect (increase of bass), which is prevalent on the R-122 and all ribbon
microphones, occurs normally at 4-6 feet from the microphone and increases with closeness.
Vocalists and voice-over talents often take advantage of proximity effect to give an authoritative
quality or rich texture to their voice.
Cautionary Note:
It is important to note that the SPL handling capability of the rear side of the R-122 is lower than
its front side. The R-122 is rated for 135dB SPL on its front side, but recordings on the rear side
should not exceed 115dB SPL. When tracking loud sounds on the front side, the R-122’s offset-
ribbon design allows ample space for rearward excursions of the ribbon. However, tracking on
the back side causes the ribbon to move forward towards the front side of the microphone, where
the internal dampening screen is much closer to the ribbon element. Rear-side recordings of
loud, low-frequency sounds, or vocalists with no pop filter, can drive the ribbon into the front
dampening screen, creating noise and possibly damaging the ribbon element. Limit back side
recording on your R-122 to lower SPL sound sources.
Care & Maintenance
The R-122 is a well-built precision instrument. All that is required to ensure proper operation of
this microphone is to follow some commonsense rules.
1. Avoid transducer damage by not exposing the microphone to severe shock or vibration. If the
microphone is accidentally dropped, test it to see if damage has occurred before returning it
to service. Low output or a dull sound would indicate a damaged ribbon.
2. Do not expose the microphone to direct blasts of air or strong air currents! Use a windscreen
or suitable blast filter when close miking a vocalist or certain types of wind instruments. P-
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