The R-122 MKII Live is a road-optimized version of our phantom powered R-122 MKII ribbon microphone with a switchable -15 dB pad and a low cut filter. Sonically similar to our groundbreaking R-121, the R-122 MKII exhibits a flat frequency response and a well-balanced, panoramic soundfield, but it’s 13 dB more sensitive and has a faster transient response, giving a sense of more open highs. Like the R-121, it is capable of handling high SPL applications.

The R-122 MKII’s -15 dB pad is positioned before any other electronics, giving the microphone 15 dB more headroom for high SPL work. The low cut filter is configured to reduce proximity effect for close miking and vocal applications and effectively filters rumble. The R-122 MKII’s active electronics produce an output comparable to studio condenser microphones and provide an optimum impedance to the ribbon element, preventing overdamping of the ribbon and assuring consistent microphone performance. The high gain and low output impedance of the R-122 allow it to operate with any microphone preamplifier with phantom power, and also allows for use with long cable runs.

The R-122 MKIIL utilizes a low mass, 2.5-micron, pure (99.99%) aluminum ribbon element in a patented offset-ribbon transducer assembly. The smooth frequency response and phase linearity of the R-122 MKIIL, coupled with its sophisticated active electronics system, enable it to deliver a consistent natural acoustic performance with extraordinary realism. Frequency response is excellent regardless of the angle of sound striking the ribbon, and off-axis coloration is negligible. The R-122’s patented offset-ribbon design positions the ribbon element toward the front of the microphone body, which allows for high SPL handling on the front (logo) side and the option of a slightly brighter response when recording lower SPL sound sources on the back side (3 feet and closer; phase reversed in this position).