Royer Labs has redefined the modern ribbon microphone. Since its founding in 1998, the company has brought a bold, innovative spirit to one of the oldest microphone technologies in existence—transforming the delicate ribbon mic into a durable, high-headroom studio essential. Before Royer, ribbon microphones were prized for their lush, vintage sound but considered too fragile or limited for many modern applications. Royer changed all that.

At the heart of their revolution was the now-iconic Royer R-121, the world’s first ribbon microphone tough enough for close-miking guitar amps and drum overheads. Its natural warmth, smooth high end, and rich midrange made it a favorite among engineers and producers from day one. Unlike condenser microphones, which can sometimes sound harsh or overly bright, Royer ribbons capture sound with effortless realism—retaining detail and dynamic nuance without sacrificing musicality.

Royer’s commitment to craftsmanship is unmatched. Each microphone is meticulously hand-built in their Burbank, California facility by a small team of skilled engineers and technicians. From the custom transformers to their patented offset ribbon design, every detail serves a purpose: preserving the natural tone of instruments and voices while delivering unmatched sonic integrity.

Beyond the R-121, Royer’s product line has grown to include modern classics like the SF-12 stereo ribbon mic, the active R-122 MKII, and the high-SPL R-10, making ribbon technology accessible for studios, live engineers, and home recordists alike. Their active ribbon mics push output levels into condenser-like territory, expanding creative possibilities and making them perfect for low-gain preamps or complex setups.

Royer’s influence spans across genres and generations—from Grammy-winning classical recordings and jazz ensembles to heavy rock, hip-hop, and cinematic scores. Producers and engineers often describe Royer mics not just as tools, but as trusted creative partners—capable of capturing the emotion and subtlety behind every note.

Their microphones are known for their natural figure-8 polar pattern, exceptional phase coherence, and effortless blending with other mic types. Whether used alone or in conjunction with dynamics and condensers, Royer ribbons provide warmth, body, and realism that’s hard to replicate. They’re especially revered for electric guitars, strings, brass, vocals, piano, and room ambience.

But Royer Labs is more than just a microphone company—they’re a brand driven by passion, audio excellence, and a genuine connection to the music-making process. Their dedication to education, customer support, and lifelong product care shows in every aspect of what they do. With Royer, you’re not just investing in a microphone—you’re investing in decades of sonic legacy and the future of high-fidelity recording.