What are the best ribbon microphones?
Best Ribbon Mics AEA R84. The AEA R84 tops this list for all valid reasons. AEA has made a name for itself from its collaboration with RCA ribbon mics. The R84 is made to assume the character and tonality of the RCA R44 but gives a more modern-sounding voice. To enhance the proximity and clarity of the sound, the AEA R84 has a high-end ...
Are ribbon mics the best for guitar amps?
- Beyerdynamic produces every M160 by hand in Heilbron, Germany.
- The combination of the hypercardioid polar pattern and the double ribbon style make this a strong contender for a top guitar amp mic.
- The M160 eschews the darker sound common in most ribbon mics for more brightness when recording.
Which ribbon mic is best for vocals?
The 7 Best Ribbon Mics for Home Recording
- Royer 121. If there is one company in the world whose name is synonymous with high-end ribbon mics… It’s Royer Labs.
- Avantone CR-14. It doesn’t take long to realize… Ribbon mics are DAMN expensive. ...
- Audio Technica AT4081. ...
- AEA R84. ...
- Royer 101 Matched Pair. ...
- Royer SF-12. ...
- Beyerdynamic M160. ...
What are the best mics for home recording?
Microphone Types
- Condenser Microphones. The condenser microphone is often the go-to microphone for beginner home studio owners. ...
- Dynamic microphones. Dynamic microphones are often the best go-to microphones for on-stage use. ...
- Ribbon microphones. They are not as often used, but they are the best studio microphones for certain applications. ...
Are ribbon mics good for vocals?
They're almost always a “figure 8” bidirectional pickup pattern, so they do best in a professional studio where ambient sound is tightly controlled. They are regarding for their accuracy and warmth, and work great for vocals, guitars, drums, horns, and more.
What can you not do with a ribbon mic?
AEA Ribbon Mics & Preamps....Follow these guidelines and your ribbon mics will last a lifetime:Don't drop microphones. ... When not in use, keep the ribbon mic covered. ... Avoid direct blasts of air into the ribbon element. ... Do “The Hand Test”. ... Be careful with phantom power.
Are ribbon mics still used?
Today, countless engineers, producers, and artists rely on ribbon mics for their electric guitar sound — in the studio and onstage. But prior to the 1998 introduction of Royer's first ribbon mic, the R-121, ribbons were generally off-limits for use on electric guitar cabs.
What is a ribbon microphone best for?
The greatest strength of a ribbon mic is its ability to capture a sound much like your ears hear it. Rather than accentuating sibilance and top-end like condensers do, ribbons have a convenient, natural high-frequency roll-off that is more naturally attuned to human hearing.
Do ribbon mics need phantom?
Phantom Power in a Ribbon Mic? Active microphones are the same as passive microphones with one major difference – they have electronics in them that require phantom power to operate. Yes, that's right. These ribbon mics actually require phantom power to operate.
Do ribbon mics need a preamp?
Because passive ribbon mics have a low-output compared to common condenser models, they require a high-gain, low noise preamp with at least 65dB of gain.
What are the 4 types of microphones?
There are 4 types of microphone: Dynamic Microphones. Large Diaphram Condensor Microphones. Small Diaphram Condensor Microphones.
What's the difference between a ribbon mic and a condenser mic?
The main difference between ribbon and condenser mics is that ribbon mics convert sound via electromagnetic induction, and condensers do so via electrostatic principles. Ribbon mics have conductive ribbon-like diaphragms and simple circuitry, while condensers have active capsules and complex circuitry.
Are ribbon mics noisy?
When paired with a standard preamp, a ribbon mic may produce excessive noise that makes it difficult to record more quiet sources like vocals, acoustic guitars, and strings.
Is a condenser mic better for vocals?
Condenser Microphones are better for recording vocals than dynamic microphones as they can pick up much more detail and are the most linear type of microphone. Condenser microphones are, therefore, ideal for the recording studio environment.
What type of mics need phantom power?
Phantom Power is a term given to the process of delivering DC (Direct Current) to microphones requiring electric power to drive active circuitry. Condenser microphones such as Shure's KSM range all have active circuitry and require phantom power.
How much gain do ribbon mics need?
How much gain do ribbon microphones need? Ribbon microphones need at least 65dB of gain to work. Unlike standard dynamic microphones, ribbon mics require a more significant amount of gain to operate. This is because they are low-output devices.
How sensitive are ribbon mics?
Ribbon microphones are not very sensitive. The majority of ribbon microphones are passive. They rely on a strong magnetic field to induce a decent mic level signal in the diaphragm and a high-quality output transformer to help boost the voltage of the signal.
How long do ribbon mics last?
Each brief patching-related jolt of phantom power across the ribbon element is equivalent to a year or more of recordings made on the mic. A ribbon element that is designed to last ten or fifteen years before replacement can literally be blown overnight by patch bay mishaps.
How do you protect ribbon mics?
Mar 7, 2020•KnowledgeNever blow into a ribbon microphone to test it. ... Never lay a ribbon microphone on any surface. ... Protect the ribbon microphone from air blasts. ... Be very careful when connecting a ribbon microphone to a mixer input that provides "Phantom Power". ... Avoid heat and humidity and rough handling.
How do I know if my ribbon mic is broken?
2:154:04Ribbon Microphones: How To Tell If Your Ribbon Is Blown - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd gently Rock the microphone back and forth don't whip it around it doesn't need that and wind isnMoreAnd gently Rock the microphone back and forth don't whip it around it doesn't need that and wind isn't good for the ribbon element you rock it like this. If you hear any scraping or any flapping.
How Do Ribbon Microphones Work?
The first ribbon microphone became commercially available as far back as 1931. If you remember those big RCA microphones used for broadcasting, those were ribbon microphones inside a huge casing (approx. weight was 8 pounds!).
What Are The Benefits Of Using Ribbon Microphones?
This is, by no means, a list of all the benefits but the ones I think are more relevant. The list could go on forever.
What is the difference between ribbon microphones and condensers?
Let’s say to begin with that the difference between the ribbon microphones with phantom power and condensers with phantom power is that the 48v current feeds an internal preamp rather than the capsule itself. A good example of this is the lovely, small, and great-sounding Audio Technica 4081.
What is ribbon microphone?
So, what is a ribbon microphone? A ribbon microphone is an older style of microphone built with a technology that is previous to condenser microphones. A very thin sheet of metal vibrates among two magnets creating a magnetic field that changes correspondingly to how the sheet moves with air.
Why are ribbon microphones considered dynamic?
Ribbon microphones are a special type of dynamic microphone because they are considered by purists as the purest form of transducer available today. When we think about dynamic microphones we usually think of live performances, capturing loud instruments and such.
Why are ribbon microphones overtaken by condensers?
It is important to note that ribbon microphones were overtaken by condensers because they have a rather weak gain and can be, especially in those early days, very fragile.
Why do ribbon mics get bent?
When you keep your ribbon mic flat on his back (like humans sleep, for example), you are at risk that the sheet of metal gets bent because of the magnetic force. If the sheet sags, then the microphone gets damaged for good. So, always keep your ribbon microphones on their feet or sleeping like bats upside down.
What is a Royer 121?
Royer 121: The bigger reference in ribbon microphones. This factory is responsible for reintroducing the ribbon microphone to the eyes of sound engineers all over the world, in 1998. Royer’s contribution to the world of audio has given them 2013’s Technical Grammy Award.
What is the best way to capture ambience in a string quartet?
Positioning some musicians in front and others behind the ribbon microphone is the ideal way to capture ambience (room sound) for a string quartet or even a bigger ensemble, in big or small spaces.
What is a KSM313?
The KSM313 model, made by Shure, it’s used live by guitarist Slash, from Guns N’ Roses. In studio, he uses an R-121 with a Shure SM57.
What microphone was used to record Frank Sinatra?
Taking in consideration that this is one of the most musical microphones ever built, the RCA R44BX – replicated in the AEA R44, has been used to record Frank Sinatra and Billie Holiday, and has inspired the creation of many other models.
What is the power of a condenser microphone?
The condenser microphone has a thin metal plate on the diaphragm. It is powered by energy – phantom power or batteries, what makes its range the most sensitive and wide.
What is Golden Age Project R1 MK2?
Golden Age Project R1 MK2: Mainly for recording vocals, also has good performance live. It requires a pre amp to correct low output.
Can ribbon microphones stretch?
Instruction manuals of most ribbon microphones recommend taking out of its case only when using it and that it always be kept in the vertical position, otherwise the ribbon can stretch on it own and damage the microphone too. Always be kept in places free of excessive heat or light and dust. All those tips may increase the lifespan of your device.
What type of polar pattern are ribbon mics?
Ribbon mics almost always have a figure-of-8 polar pattern and are bi-directional, side-address microphones. This means they can record sound from both the front and back whilst rejecting anything from the side or top of the microphone. Of course, there are exceptions, but this is the general rule of thumb.
What is a Ribbon Microphone used for? What can I record with Ribbon Microphones?
Ribbon microphones can be used to record almost anything including guitars, drum overheads, brass, strings and room ambience. Although they can record vocals (and sound great doing so), they must be used under partially-controlled circumstances to protect the ribbon. You can use ribbon microphones to record:
What are the key ribbon mic applications?
Ribbon mics can be applied to a lot of different sound sources – below, we’ll highlight the key applications and some techniques. In summary – place the mic a little further away and use the “air test”; if you can feel the air from the sound, move the mic back a little bit or place it slightly off-axis.
How much does an AEA ribbon mic weigh?
Today’s AEA ribbon mics are more robust and convenient to use than ever before. The original RCA 44BX weighed eight pounds . We make a replica of it called the AEA R44C, which weighs the same. But we realized that an eight-pound mic is not for everyone outside of the studio. It is not the most convenient size and weight for extreme portability in today’s increasingly mobile world. So our line has expanded to become lighter and more flexible through the years.
What frequency does a RCA 44BX mic use?
We tune all of our ribbons to 16.5 Hz, the same frequency that RCA used on their 44BX mics. In fact, most AEA microphones share the same ribbon used in the RCA 44 series. This is important because it is the reason all AEA mics sound like they are from the same family, even though each mic has a distinct personality.
Why are ribbons used in recording?
In the 1990s, with the advent of digital recording, ribbons made a comeback due to digital recording’s transparent sound. Now it was condensers that suffered because they often brought out harsh sounds in cymbals, brass and string instruments. Ribbons are known for taming these sources and working extremely well with digital recordings. Many great engineers — who never forgot ribbons — returned to the more natural ribbon sound in the digital era.
What is ribbon mic?
Ribbon microphones are the most natural mics that you can use to capture the sound of an instrument, a voice, and even the ambience of a room. Due to their figure-of-8 polar pattern, massive low-end pick-up, and natural high-frequency roll-off, ribbons really hear more like your ears than any other mic out there.
Why did ribbon mics fall out of favor?
This was mainly because recording methods changed and the era of magnetic tape was upon us. Condensers sounded brighter than ribbons on tape because of their high resonant frequency. This helped when compensating for the high-frequency roll-off of older mixing consoles, tape machines, vinyl records, and radio. In this period, RCA closed its ribbon mic manufacturing, causing ribbon market to collapse.
What is the most musical microphone ever made?
RCA got such a strong reputation for its ribbon design that its 44BX ribbon from the late 1930s has long been considered the most musical microphone ever built. From the beginning, ribbon mics inherently had figure-of-8 pickup patterns, meaning they received sound from both the front and back sides. This pick up from the back is a factor in ...
What is an active ribbon microphone?
Our active ribbon microphones have 12db more output than our passive models, are suitable for long cable runs and can be used with audio interfaces typically found in home or project studios. These preamp-agnostic, road-ready active ribbons work anywhere with any preamp, giving ribbon users a new sense of freedom. They are perfect for traveling bands who don’t know what preamp or console they may encounter from night to night.
What is a BBC microphone?
The BBC-Marconi Type A was an iconic ribbon microphone produced by the BBC and Marconi between 1934 and 1959. Also of note is the ST&C Coles 4038 (or PGS – pressure gradient single), designed by the BBC in 1954 and still used for some applications to this day. Its historical uses varied from talks to symphony concerts, and it is regarded as a delicate, fine traditional microphone. The German Beyerdynamic M 160 was introduced in 1957, fitted with a smaller microphone element with two 15 mm ribbons combined to create a highly directional pickup pattern. The microphone proved to be popular in recording studios.
Why is a ribbon microphone called a velocity microphone?
Ribbon microphones are also called "velocity microphones" because the induced voltage is proportional to the velocity of the ribbon and thus of the air particles in ...
What is the resonant frequency of a ribbon microphone?
One important advantage that the ribbon microphone had when it was introduced is that its very lightweight ribbon, which is under very little tension, has a resonant frequency lower than 20 Hz; in contrast to the typical resonant frequency of the diaphragms in contemporary high quality microphones which used other technology.
When did ribbon microphones become available?
In 2007, microphones employing ribbon elements made of strong nanomaterials became available, offering orders of magnitude improvement in signal purity and output level. The ribbon microphone is an electrically simple design with no active circuitry; it is possible to build one from a kit, or with basic tools and materials.
How does a microphone work?
In a moving-coil microphone, the diaphragm is attached to a light movable coil that generates a voltage as it moves back and forth between the poles of a permanent magnet. In ribbon microphones, a light metal ribbon (usually corrugated) is suspended between the poles of a magnet. As the ribbon vibrates, a voltage is induced at right angles ...
Can you use a ribbon microphone and a condenser microphone at the same time?
As many mixers are equipped with phantom power in order to enable the use of condenser microphones, care should be taken when using condenser and ribbon microphones at the same time. If the ribbon microphone is improperly wired, which is not unheard of with older microphones, this capability can damage some ribbon elements; however, improvements in designs and materials have made those concerns largely inconsequential in modern ribbon microphones.
When was the PB-31 made?
The RCA Photophone Type PB-31 was commercially manufactured in 1931, greatly impacting the audio recording and broadcasting industries. Condenser microphones at the time could not compare to its frequency response. Radio City Music Hall employed PB-31s in 1932. The following year, the 44A came on the scene.
How does a ribbon mic affect the tonality of a mic?
All ribbon mics use transformers, and these have an impact on the mic’s tonality – directly by how they load the ribbon element, and indirectly by the impedance they present to the preamplifier . The transformer also places limits on the microphone’s frequency response and transient response, and, if poorly designed, can introduce distortions if driven too hard.
Why are ribbon microphones so noisy?
Due to the simple passive nature of the ribbon microphone’s transducer, there is no source of noise apart from the thermal noise (aka Johnson noise) that exists in all electrical circuits due to the effect of temperature. This would normally be considered insignificant except that traditional vintage ribbon microphones generate a very small signal that requires considerable gain – enough to bring the thermal noise into significance along with any noise from the preamp – leading to the oft-repeated statement that ribbon mics are noisy and need good preamps. Does this noise affect the tonality of the microphone? If it’s audible and is different between different microphone models, it can be considered part of a microphone’s tonality.
What is the output impedance curve for a passive ribbon microphone?
Output impedance curve for a passive ribbon microphone, showing significant variations from 270 ohms to 2000 ohms. This microphone’s tonality could change considerably from one preamp to another. [source: AEA website]
How does a ribbon mic work?
Most ribbon mics use a step-up transformer with a turns ratio of 1:37, which means it amplifies the signal voltage from the ribbon element by 37 times (x 37). This is known as voltage gain; a voltage gain of 37 is like adding 31dB of gain with a preamp. However, the 1:37 turns ratio also increases the ribbon mic’s output impedance by 37 squared (37 x 37), which is 1369 times. Increasing the ribbon mic’s output impedance places greater demands on the preamp, requiring it to have a higher input impedance to avoid affecting the tonality of the microphone.
What are the three factors that affect the tonality of a microphone?
ELEMENT DIMENSIONS. Three important factors that affect the ribbon microphone’s tonality are the ribbon element’s length, width and thickness. Making the ribbon longer results in higher induced current and therefore a higher output signal, which is good.
How much gain does a transformer provide?
Any step-up transformer with a turns ratio of 1:37 will provide +31dB of voltage gain and multiply the impedance by 1369 times. That’s the easy part of transformer design. Making a transformer that does not saturate and go into harmonic distortion on big transients or high levels of low frequency energy is not so easy, especially when trying to keep it small enough to fit into a microphone. Neither is making a transformer with good LF response – especially if the manufacturer chooses to use a ribbon with higher impedance. Making the ribbon longer, narrower or thinner all offer performance benefits as described below, but at an increased impedance that might require a more expensive transformer.
What is a transient response?
A microphone’s transient response describes its ability to accurately capture transients, like the attack of a snare drum or the pluck of an acoustic guitar. Transients contain energy that extends up to very high frequencies, therefore a microphone requires good high frequency performance and extended bandwidth to capture a transient accurately. This can cause confusion when discussing ribbon microphones because their published frequency response curves rarely extend beyond the first null, therefore showing a reduced bandwidth and early high frequency roll-off that is counter-productive to the requirements for a good transient response.
What Are Ribbon Mics, and How Do They Work?from sweetwater.com
A ribbon mic is actually a type of dynamic microphone. Instead of a dynamic microphone’s diaphragm that is attached to a moving coil that vibrates within a magnetic field, ribbon mics feature an extremely thin strip of metal (most often aluminum) suspended in a strong magnetic field. The ribbon acts as both the diaphragm and the transducer element itself, providing the same kind of sensitivity and transient response you’d expect from a condenser but with a wholly different character.
What is a figure 8 microphone?from sweetwater.com
This setup employs two identical figure-8 microphones positioned so that their elements cross at right angles and are as close to one another as possible. The sE Electronics Rupert Neve RNR1 has a svelte form factor and an extended frequency response that make it ideal for high-fidelity Blumlein stereo applications.
What mic is used for drum overheads?from sweetwater.com
Ribbon mics are great for drum overheads, capturing cymbals without the tizzy hype. An R88 deployed at a reasonable distance on drum overheads delivers a beautiful stereo image of the entire drum kit that can be combined with a kick drum mic for a highly effective, minimalist drum kit recording technique. When used according to Royer’s recommendations, an R-121 works well for miking the bass drum when placed at a 45-degree angle to the drumhead surface.
What mics do you use for a trumpet?from sweetwater.com
For woodwinds such as sax, clarinet, and oboe, the smooth, natural sound of ribbon mics lets you capture the tonal sweet spot without picking up mechanical noise from the keys and pads while producing a signal that usually needs no further processing. For many engineers, ribbons have been the traditional go-to mics for trumpet and trombone. An AEA R84 on trumpet (about two feet away from the bell) captures the tone of the horn without harshness, while a Royer R-121 or R-122 straight into a girthy preamp delivers an amazing trombone sound. Perhaps the best thing about using ribbons on brass is that you get all the warmth of the instrument without any stridency when musicians play really loud.
Why are ribbon mics bidirectional?from sweetwater.com
The reason for this is that sound waves arriving from the side of the thin ribbon element won’t cause it to move at all, since the pressure on both sides of the ribbon is identical.
What is the difference between a ribbon mic and a condenser mic?from sweetwater.com
While, for some sources, you want a microphone to be flattering, ribbon mics are great when you want your recordings to sound totally natural. Condenser mics and dynamics are going to add a color to your sound you may not like; where as a quality ribbon mic will let you record the exact tone you’ve crafted.
Why do ribbon mics sound dark?from sweetwater.com
Simply put, lower frequencies affect ribbon mics more than high frequencies, resulting in a smooth roll-off with decreased output at high frequencies where the waveforms are proportionately shorter. The upside to this is that ribbon mics take EQ beautifully, and all the high frequencies are there, even if slightly muted, so you can easily bring them out. Again, that’s not true of all ribbon mics, but it’s generally the case; and if you know to expect it, then you can compensate for it.
How do ribbon microphones work?
Also known as Velocity mics, ribbon microphones are pretty similar to dynamic mics only that they use ultra-thin aluminum plates suspended between 2 magnetic poles. These plates act as both the diaphragm and the conductor.
What are ribbon microphones used for?
Ribbon microphones are known for their outstanding brass and string instrument recordings. They can also be used with percussion and other instruments that emit high sounds. They are also ideal mics for electric guitars as well as vocals. Join us as we unravel 6 of the best ribbon microphones for recording.
What kind of sound does a ribbon microphone produce?
The ribbon microphone’s unique mechanism offers an unmatched and near-natural response to sounds that is ideal for realistic music recording.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for the ideal mics to bring the best recordings out of your musical instruments and vocals, you owe it to yourself to hunt for the best ribbon microphone. These mics have vintage sounds that add warm and realistic tones to your digital recordings.
James Quinn
James Quinn is an engineer and musician who has been working in the music industry for over 10 years. He has worked with a variety of artists, both mainstream and independent, and has developed a reputation for being able to create the perfect sound for each project.
