Royer Labs R-10

No, the R-10 is a passive ribbon microphone and does not require phantom power to operate. In fact, it is best practice to keep phantom power turned off when using this mic to avoid potential damage to the ribbon element.

The R-10 is specifically designed to handle high sound pressure levels, rated up to 135 dB at 50 Hz. This makes it an excellent choice for miking loud guitar amplifiers without the harshness often associated with condenser microphones.

The bidirectional (figure-of-eight) pattern captures sound equally from the front and back while rejecting sound from the sides. This is particularly useful for capturing a natural room sound or recording two instruments simultaneously if they are positioned on opposite sides of the mic.

Yes, Royer engineered the R-10 with a specially designed ribbon element that is more resistant to heat and moisture than traditional ribbon mics. While it still requires careful handling, it is built to withstand the rigors of a professional recording environment.

Because it is a passive ribbon mic, the R-10 has a lower output level compared to active condensers. You will need an audio interface or preamp with clean, sufficient gain to get the best signal-to-noise ratio, especially when recording quieter sources.

The R-10 comes with a shock mount, a swiveling microphone holder, and a protective carry case to keep the microphone safe when not in use.