Released in 1998, the Royer R-121 is the microphone that single-handedly revived ribbon microphone use in modern recording. Tough enough to put in front of a screaming Marshall stack, smooth enough to track brass and strings. ~$1,400.
Old ribbon mics were beautiful but fragile — a strong puff of breath could rip the foil. Royer engineered an offset ribbon design that survives loud sources, and an aluminum body that handles touring. The R-121 is the result: a ribbon you can actually use on a guitar amp without worry.
Ribbons roll off the high end naturally — that’s their sound. The R-121 makes harsh sources (electric guitar amps, brass) sound rich and listenable, and gives strings and acoustic guitar a vintage, “recorded” quality.