Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $390

Budget/Beginner

$499

$1500+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Royer R-101 Ribbon Microphone is a versatile studio companion that delivers a natural and detailed sound, making it a favorite among both budding and seasoned audio engineers. Building on the foundation of the celebrated R-121, the R-101 introduces a more neutral midrange and enhanced treble response, perfect for capturing the intricate nuances of drum overheads and acoustic instruments. Its robust design is tailored for high SPL environments, featuring a multilayer windscreen that shields the delicate ribbon from plosives and wind damage, ensuring durability and reliability in any recording situation.

Whether you're placing it close to a guitar cabinet for that classic Royer sound or using it to capture the subtleties of a piano, the R-101 excels with an impressive dynamic range and superior SPL handling capabilities. Its figure-8 polar pattern and absence of high-frequency peaks provide a balanced and immersive soundscape, free from unwanted distortions. The R-101’s design is not just about performance but also practicality, with a ribbon element that withstands heat and humidity, making it a steadfast tool in any studio arsenal.

Key Features:

  • High SPL handling over 135dB, suitable for loud sources like electric guitars and percussion
  • Multilayer windscreen for protection against plosives and wind damage
  • Figure-8 polar pattern with equal sensitivity from both sides
  • 2.5-micron aluminum ribbon element with rare-earth neodymium magnets
  • Frequency response of 30-15,000Hz (+/- 3dB)
  • No internal electronics, minimizing distortion up to the maximum SPL rating
  • Comes with a shockmount, carrying case, and mic sock; optional pop screen available
  • Lifetime microphone warranty for original owner, one-year ribbon element warranty

Product specs

Brand Royer
Model R-101
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Microphones

FAQs

What is the primary intended application for the Royer R-101 Ribbon Microphone?

The Royer R-101 is designed for studio recording, excelling in capturing vocals, acoustic instruments, and amplifiers with its natural and smooth sound.

What polar pattern does the Royer R-101 Ribbon Microphone have?

The Royer R-101 features a figure-8 polar pattern, which captures sound equally from the front and back while rejecting noise from the sides, making it ideal for studio environments.

How would you describe the sound signature of the Royer R-101 Ribbon Microphone?

The Royer R-101 offers a warm and natural sound signature, characteristic of ribbon microphones, with a smooth high-frequency response that adds depth and richness to recordings.

Is the Royer R-101 Ribbon Microphone suitable for live sound applications?

While primarily designed for studio use, the Royer R-101 can be used in live settings with proper handling and protection, but its delicate ribbon element requires cautious use to avoid damage.

What are the main differences between the Royer R-101 and other ribbon microphones?

The Royer R-101 features an advanced multi-layered windscreen system and a patented offset ribbon transducer, which provide enhanced durability and reduced proximity effect compared to traditional ribbon microphones.

Front End Audio

Front End Audio

Royer R-101 Ribbon Microphone

Video thumbnail for Royer R-101 Ribbon Microphone by Front End Audio

Royer R-101 Ribbon Microphone

Front End Audio

Front End Audio

Video thumbnail for Royer R101 vs sE Electronics R1 - Ribbon shootout on electric guitar by Adam Steel

Royer R101 vs sE Electronics R1 - Ribbon shootout on electric guitar

Adam Steel

Adam Steel

Video thumbnail for Royer Labs: R-101 Ribbon Microphone First Look (NAMM 2011) by llmreviews

Royer Labs: R-101 Ribbon Microphone First Look (NAMM 2011)

llmreviews

llmreviews

Video thumbnail for Royer R-101 Ribbon Mic by HarmonyCentral

Royer R-101 Ribbon Mic

HarmonyCentral

HarmonyCentral

Video thumbnail for Royer Labs R-101 Bändchenmikrofon im Test auf musikmachen.de by musikmachen.de

Royer Labs R-101 Bändchenmikrofon im Test auf musikmachen.de

musikmachen.de

musikmachen.de

Reviews

PROS

  • Captures impressive high-frequency content for a ribbon mic

  • Offers a warm, pleasant sound with classic ribbon character

  • Excellent for remote stereo recording applications

  • Full, rich lows without being boomy

  • Faithful reproduction of guitar amp sound

  • Slight boosts in targeted frequencies enhance sound quality

  • Works well alongside dynamic mics for added brightness

  • Provides a unique, smokey tone perfect for electric guitar amps

  • High professional quality and craftsmanship

CONS

  • Requires a good preamp with sufficient clean gain to reach full potential

  • Discontinued and rebranded, making it potentially harder to find

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Royer R-101 Ribbon Microphone.

Comparisons

  • The Royer R-101 is appreciated as a robust travel alternative to the more delicate classics like the Royer R-121.

    Source
  • While not a direct replacement, the Rode NTR offers a distinct sound that complements classic ribbons like the Royer R-101, suitable for diverse guitar tones.

    Source
  • The Royer R-101 is considered passable with some EQ, offering a more budget-friendly option compared to high-end ribbons like the AEA R44C.

    Source
  • The sE Voodoo ribbon mic is noted as a strong budget contender, potentially outperforming the Royer R-101 in its price range.

    Source
  • The Cascade Vin-Jet, with a Lundahl transformer upgrade, is considered superior to the Fathead for budget ribbons, offering a wider frequency response and better performance on acoustic guitar and vocals.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Royer R-101 is favored for guitar cabs, highlighting its smooth warmth and natural sound without overemphasizing distortion.

    Source
  • Ribbon mics, including the Royer R-101, require careful handling to avoid damage from air blasts, unlike some more robust models.

    Source
  • The MXL R144, at around $100, is noted to excel on horns, flute, and cello but is less suitable for vocals due to its high-pass characteristics.

    Source

Other

  • Owners suggest that while ribbons like the Royer R-101 provide warmth, large diaphragm condensers like the AKG C414 offer greater versatility for varied recording needs.

    Source
  • The Michael Joly modded Apex 205 is praised for significant improvements, with personalized customer service experiences adding value to the modification process.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A suggested DIY modification for the Apex 205 involves re-ribboning with 2.5-micron foil and replacing the transformer with a Cinemag CM-9888 for improved sound quality under $200.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Beyerdynamic M260 and M160 are initially mistaken for bidirectional but are confirmed to be hypercardioid, affecting their suitability for specific recording setups.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Royer R-101 Ribbon Mic Review | TapeOp Professional Audio | Tape Op Magazine

tapeop.com

The Royer R-101 Ribbon Microphone strikes a balance between affordability and quality, offering a fresh take on the classic ribbon mic sound. It's celebrated for delivering smooth, retro-inspired tones on drum overheads and versatile performance on instruments like saxophones and guitar amps. Though it offers a brighter sound with reduced proximity effect compared to its pricier sibling, the R-121, it retains the signature ribbon mic character. Built with superior craftsmanship and a multi-layered windscreen, the R-101 impresses with its robustness and subtle enhancements. It's a worthy addition to any studio, providing a new color to the palette without compromising on Royer's renowned build quality.

positive

Royer R-101 Review

recordinghacks.com

The Royer R-101 Ribbon Microphone impresses with its smooth, classic sound and versatility across various instruments. While it shares the DNA of the renowned R-121, the R-101 stands out with a slightly more forward top end and a rounded low-mid response, making it a great choice for flutes, kick drums, and vocals. Though not as natural as the R-121 for overheads, it holds its own on guitar cabs and acoustic instruments. The R-101 combines high-end components with an affordable price tag thanks to its offshore-produced body, making it Royer’s most accessible offering yet.

positive

Royer Labs R101

soundonsound.com

Royer's R-101 Ribbon Microphone offers a superb entry into the world of high-quality ribbon mics without breaking the bank. It's a robust, well-built piece of equipment, providing the warm, smooth character typical of ribbon mics, with a commendable high SPL capability. The R-101's performance on bright sources like brass and percussion is outstanding, offering an airy high-end without edginess. While it might not match the flagship R121 in finesse, its affordability makes it a compelling choice, especially for project studios. The only downside might be the necessity of a pop filter for vocal work. Overall, it's a fantastic option for those looking to explore ribbon microphones.

positive

Royer R-101 Passive Ribbon Mic Review

mixonline.com

The Royer R-101 Ribbon Microphone is lauded for its durability and affordability, making it a great entry-level choice for musicians venturing into the ribbon mic domain. Its robust design, featuring a triple-layer windscreen and internal shock-mount, offers protection against common mishaps. However, it doesn't shine across all applications, struggling with high-frequency details, making it unsuitable for drum overheads or delicate acoustic instruments. Yet, it excels on guitar amps and hand percussion, where its warm tonal characteristics are a boon. While it may not match the R-121 in richness and output, its resilience and price make it a compelling option for budget-conscious users.

positive

Royer R-101 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Royer R-101 Ribbon Microphone stands out with its robust build and impressive SPL handling, making it an excellent choice for guitar amps and brass instruments. Its reduced proximity effect is a plus, minimizing the need for low-cut EQ adjustments. However, the microphone's midrange lift can sometimes overshadow the high-end frequencies, which may lead to a brash sound as drum overheads. Despite this, it delivers a full and upfront tone, particularly for guitars. With a lifetime guarantee and quality construction, the R-101 is a solid investment, yet the competition in its price range is fierce. If your applications align with its strengths, a trial run is advisable.

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

More Royer Ribbon Microphones

Royer R-121

$1,499.00 - $1,599.00

# 2

Rank

John Frusciante Mac DeMarco Billie Joe Armstrong
50 artists using
Royer R-10

$625.00 - $1,169.00

# 11

Rank

Masaru Teramae
1 artist using
Royer SF-24V

$5,599.00 - $6,999.00

# 42

Rank

Neeraj Khajanchi
1 artist using
AEA R84

$1,199.00 - $1,399.00

# 5

Rank

Jack White Yannis Philippakis Moby
9 artists using
AEA R88

$2,318.46 - $2,599.00

# 9

Rank

Jacob Collier John Osborne Butch Walker
6 artists using

Accessories & Related Items

Artist usage

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides