Royer Labs R10 Ribbon Mic

The Royer R10 Ribbon Microphone is a passive ribbon microphone designed to deliver natural, detailed sound for both studio recording and live performance. Compact and robust, it offers flexible placement without visual or physical intrusion, making it well-suited to close miking and ambient applications alike. Its flat frequency response and carefully balanced soundfield capture sources with remarkable realism, while the figure 8 polar pattern provides excellent side rejection and a strong sense of depth. Capable of handling extremely high sound pressure levels, the R10 excels on loud sources such as electric guitar cabinets, brass and drums, without introducing harshness or distortion. Advanced Royer design elements, including a multi-layered wind screen and internally shock-mounted ribbon transducer, enhance durability and protect the ribbon from air blasts, vibrations and proximity effect. This allows confident close placement with reduced bass buildup and consistent tonal balance. Built around a pure aluminium ribbon and powerful Neodymium magnets, the R10 delivers smooth highs, accurate transients and superb phase coherence. Its passive circuitry and custom transformer ensure low noise operation and reliable performance across a wide range of professional recording environments.

• High SPL ribbon design:
  Handles extremely loud sound sources with ease, maintaining clarity and smoothness on electric guitars, brass and drums without distortion.
• Advanced ribbon protection:
  Multi-layered wind screening and internal shock mounting protect the ribbon from air blasts, plosives and vibration, improving durability and consistency.
• Natural figure 8 response:
  Delivers equal sensitivity from front and rear, capturing realistic ambience, depth and accurate off-axis detail for room and ensemble recordings.

Designed for Studio and Stage:

The Royer R10 is equally at home in professional studios and demanding live environments. Its compact housing and integrated swivel mount make positioning simple, even in tight spaces around amplifiers or drum kits. The microphone’s ability to withstand very high sound pressure levels allows engineers to place it close to loud sources without fear of damage or overload. This makes it particularly effective for electric guitar cabinets, brass sections and percussion. The passive ribbon design ensures stable performance without the need for external power, while the rugged construction supports reliable use on tour and in fixed installations. Whether capturing direct sound or room ambience, the R10 offers dependable, repeatable results.

Smooth and Accurate Sound Character:

With a flat frequency response and excellent phase linearity, the R10 delivers a smooth, natural tonal balance that translates well in digital recording systems. The absence of high-frequency peaks or ringing results in recordings that sit easily in a mix, often requiring minimal equalisation. Its pure aluminium ribbon responds quickly to transients, preserving detail and dynamics without sounding aggressive. The figure 8 polar pattern adds a sense of space and realism, making the microphone a strong choice for room miking, acoustic instruments and ensemble recordings where depth and balance are essential.

Innovative Royer Engineering:

The R10 incorporates Royer’s patented offset ribbon technology, positioning the ribbon to optimise performance on both sides of the microphone. The front side is tailored for higher SPL sources, while the rear can offer a slightly brighter response for quieter instruments when used at closer distances. A custom impedance matching transformer minimises saturation and maintains clarity, even under demanding conditions. Combined with a powerful magnetic field generated by rare-earth Neodymium magnets, this design increases sensitivity while keeping noise extremely low. The result is a ribbon microphone that balances innovation, durability and classic sonic character.

• Acoustic operating principle: Electrodynamic pressure gradient
• Polar pattern: Figure 8
• Generating element: 2.5 micron aluminium ribbon
• Magnets: Rare earth Neodymium grade 52
• Frequency response: 30 Hz to 15,000 Hz plus or minus 3 dB
• Sensitivity: Minus 54 dBv re 1 v per pascal
• Output impedance: 100 ohms
• Maximum SPL: 135 dB at 50 Hz, 160 dB at 1 kHz
• Recommended load impedance: 700 ohms or greater
• Output connector: Male XLR 3-pin, pin 2 hot
• Dimensions: 149 mm length, 35 mm width
• Weight: 368 grams
• Included accessories: Microphone holder, mic sock and carrying case