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RIBBON 121
Headrush Microphones

RIBBON 121

Inspired by Royer® 121

The RIBBON 121 is inspired by the legendary Royer R-121, one of the most used ribbon microphones for electric guitar in the studio.

Main features:

  • Sound dark, warm and natural
  • Soft and never aggressive high frequencies
  • Great depth and three-dimensionality
  • Very “analog” response

It is the most vintage and smooth microphone in the HeadRush library

Frequencies

  • Low → full and deep
  • Medium → soft and musical
  • High → very sweet, blunt

Zero harsh, zero harshness

Attack / dynamics

  • Soft attack
  • Less defined than dynamics
  • More “fluid” and natural

Natural compression

  • Present and musical
  • More “glued” sound
  • Analog feel

BEHAVIOR IN THE MIX

  • It doesn't pierce → it integrates
  • Wide and deep sound
  • Perfect for filling without disturbing

Ideal when the sound is too bright and heat is needed

BluesJazzVintage rockSoft leads

Controls

Axis Interaction

Axis = Y (On-axis)

  • More definition
  • More presence on the highs (still soft)

Axis = N (Off-axis)

  • Even hotter
  • Very soft sound
  • “amp in room” effect

Off-axis = huge sound

Pro Tips

WHEN TO USE IT (QUICK RULE)

Use RIBBON 121 when:

  • The sound is too bright
  • You want vintage
  • You want depth

Avoid it When:

  • We need attack
  • Extreme definition is needed

PRO TIP (VERY IMPORTANT)

Absolute top combo:

  • RIBBON121 + Axis N + Breakup 30–40%

Warm, huge and three-dimensional sound

PRO LEVEL MAKEUP

Mental mix:

  • Dyn57 = attack
  • Ribbon121 = body

Setup Examples

Clean vintage

AxisN
Breakups15–25%

Warm and natural

Blues leads

AxisN
Breakup30–40%

Sustain soft

Vintage rock

AxisY
Breakups25–35%

More presence but still smooth