Why Ribbons??
Ribbon microphones provide the warm solution for digital recordings being too cold.
Ribbon mics naturally have a warm, smooth tone that can be more pleasing to the ear than even some of the most expensive dynamic and condenser microphones on certain applications.
Ribbons are a great choice for:
*Warm drum overheads
*Vocals
*Acoustic guitar
*Guitar Amps
*Horns and winds (the industry standard)
*Strings
*Banjo, Mandolin, or any acoustic instument where you need clarity without a harsh top end
Ribbon mics for 3D sound
Ribbon mics provide a rich sound with a mellow top end that can be described as three dimensional sound. Dynamics and condensers can sound too harsh on certain applications, especially in the digital domain. Although ribbon microphones can be darker in tone, they EQ very well while retaining the smooth nature for which they are know. If you need a brighter sound, try boosting the high frequencies. Chances are you will be more impressed with a ribbon microphone that has been EQ'd to be brighter than if you used a brighter dynamic or condenser mic.
Why aren’t these wonderful mics more widely used?
When we first started Pro Audio Heaven in 2006, ribbon mics were just starting to make their way back into the mainstream after being nearly forgotten by all but the top engineers in the industry. Today there are new ribbon microphones popping up everywhere.
The main reason studios started moving away from ribbons in the 50's and 60's is due to their more delicate nature. If a band comes in and knocks it over, or otherwise abuses a ribbon microphone. it will likely need to be serviced. However, with proper care you can expect many years of wonderful performance without replacing the ribbon.
Most ribbon mics also require the used of a good solid preamp because they have a lower output than dynamics and condensers. At least 60-65db of clean gain is required to bring out the best in these mics. These days you can find active ribbon mics that use phantom power, however, a passive ribbon microphone can be seriously damaged if phantom power is applied.
In the past it has been very challenging for engineers to find someone that can properly install and tune a ribbon. Since our launch in 2006, we have serviced thousands of vintage and modern ribbon microphones. Service is performed by Stephen Sank, son of the late Jon R. Sank. Jon Sank was the head of acoustical engineering at RCA and designed the legendary BK-11 as an evolution of the 44 series.
Here are a few tips that will help to keep your ribbon mics performing year after year.
* NEVER apply phantom power to a passive ribbon microphone as serious damage can occur.
* Be careful to never drop a ribbon mic as the ribbon could be damaged..
* Know your mics! While ribbon microphones can be used on certain high SPL applications, they must be properly placed and at a distance that is far enough away to avoid stretching the ribbon. It is recommended that with amps and other loud sources that the microphone be at least 24 inched from the sound source and slightly off axis from the side. The microphone should never be directly in front of a loud speaker, unless the distance if far enough away that the pressure of the source cannot be felt. A good rule of thumb -if you can feel the pressure of the sound with your hand, then you are too close, try moving away a few inches and you should be fine.
