Ribbon microphones date back to the 1920's and are related to dynamic microphones. The design of dynamic microphones is based around a moving coil connected to a diaphragm. In contrast, ribbons have a thin strip of metal suspended within a powerful magnetic field which acts as both diaphragm and transducer.

Figure-8

Ribbon microphones are bi-directional, which means sound is captured from both front and back of the mic rejecting sound from the sides and from above and below. Besides the traditional figure-8 nature of ribbons, some ribbons sport different polar patterns but these are unusual.

Sound Of A Ribbon

The sound of a ribbon microphone is comparatively dark in tone and the output of a passive ribbon is low, needing a lot of extra gain to get sufficient signal during a tracking session. While some modern designs have high frequency performance similar to a condenser, the RNR1 from sE being a good example, most ribbons sound characteristically vintage compared to condenser designs. So, what applications do ribbons lend themselves to in today’s studio workflows and which ribbons should we consider if we want to buy one for the studio?

Understanding Ribbon Microphones And Their Recording Applications

As stated earlier, a ribbon microphone’s low output can often demand a lot of gain at a preamp if quiet source material is being recorded. Preamps set to almost full gain often bring up the level of the noise floor resulting in recordings with an audible hiss. To get around this many ribbon mic users keep preamp boosters to hand such as CloudLifters or FetHeads which work remarkably well providing an extra +25dB of ultra-clean gain by simply connecting it inline between the mic and the pre.

However, if you record high SPL source material such as drum kits, electric guitar amps or loud singers you may not need these types of preamp boosters at all. In such instances, you will quickly learn how a ribbon’s dark and vintage characteristic can flatter the sound of what you are recording. Drums, in particular, are a common application for ribbon mics as they can focus the mids and soften edgy sounding transients, unlike condensers which typically sound overly bright in comparison as drum overhead mics.

Check out our article below to compare the results of a selection of ribbon microphones within a live drum recording application.

When choosing between different microphone types it is important to first know what each microphone is capable of and their general responses. Many engineers prefer the sound of condenser microphones over ribbons as condensers typically capture source material faithfully whereas ribbons impart colour. The best way to learn how the sound of a ribbon differs from the response of a condenser is to compare like for like recordings. We have such a listening test available for you to try if you haven’t yet had an opportunity to compare a ribbon against a condenser.

Ribbon Microphones We’ve Tested And Recommend

Over the years we have had many microphones grace our studio tests, several of which were ribbon mics. The options below range from affordable ribbon mic choices for those on tight budgets through to high-end boutique options suitable for ribbon mic aficionados.

Maybe Ribbons Are Not For You - What Else Should You Consider?

As stated throughout the content featured in this article, ribbons generally have a dark character which work extremely well in some recording applications such as drum tracking. For many, a trusty condenser mic will always be their daily driver but we feel, and many pro engineers would agree, that it is well worth owning a least one ribbon in your mic collection as when the right moment presents itself a ribbon will provide your recording with a quality like no dynamic or condenser microphone you already own.

If ribbons don’t take your fancy but you are in the market for a new boutique microphone then consider our suggestions in our article below.

Phantom Power On Or Off?

Phantom Power and ribbon mics can be a contentious issue. Under very specific circumstances the ribbon can be damaged by phantom power from the preamp Most modern ribbon microphones are built to withstand the presence of phantom power but, as a general rule of thumb, it is smart to turn phantom power off at the preamp as a precautionary measure.

To learn more about the myths surrounding 48v phantom power and how it impacts ribbon microphones check out our article Phantom Power And Ribbon Microphones - The Myth Busted!