The 3 Best Ribbon Microphones
If you want to buy a ribbon microphone, you have come to the right place. In the next article we will show you some reviews and comparisons on the best ribbon microphones on the market. These microphones are sought after by many for their clear, crisp, and detail-rich sound. They are ideal for recording in studios, and for low-pitched, trending sounds.
Ribbon microphones are considered too fragile for field use, so they have a special place for themselves in recording studios. Their main job would be recording vocals and acoustic sounds, favoring female voices, acoustic guitars, ukuleles and drum cymbals. These microphones have their advantages and disadvantages, which we will also show you here, along with some definitions that will help you understand a little bit more about these devices.
Finally, we’ll show you which the best ribbon microphones you can find are. For this we will rely on its technical characteristics, user opinions and evaluations of professionals in the field.
Comparison Chart of the Best Ribbon Microphones
1.- Marantz Pro MPM1000 Ribbon Microphones
The Marantz Pro MPM1000 is one of the best ribbon microphones in our review. If you are looking for almost professional performance at an affordable price, this is the model to buy without looking back. It comes with a Figure 8 polar pattern as well as a low diaphragm tape. This ensures great sensitivity, as well as super clear sound for instruments and acoustic, vocal recording, and broadcast usage.
With its high SPL capacity, precise directivity and true lateral rejection, its addition to this list is more than justified. The Marantz Pro MPM1000 can be treated as a very natural sounding vocal microphone with great bass when used up close, soft is the key word to describe its sound. You can hit these ribbon mics with a big high-frequency boost and they never sound piercing.
The frequency response never sounds harsh, shrill, or penetrating. It is this characteristic of ribbon microphones in general, which take the high frequency boost a lot really well, which makes them so popular for recording, their frequency response is smooth and skip-free.
This model includes an anti-popping filter and a floating mount that are very effective. Also included is a cute, briefcase-type plastic case that is lined with foam and cut to hold the microphone and shock mount perfectly. Another great advantage is its price. It does not represent the value of the microphone which makes it an excellent value for money.
Buying Guide For the Marantz Pro MPM1000 Ribbon Microphones
This ribbon microphone is one of the best available if you have the right settings to use with it. On its own, you can find the microphone with a low output level and off at the higher frequencies, but plug it into a good preamp and a good equalizer and you'll have great sound quality. This microphone provides incredible sound that you can work with and shape a truly impressive final output with small signal processing.
Price-quality ratio
Great value for the price. High value microphone at an incredible price.
Highlighting Features
Its excellent frequency response and SPL capability are among its outstanding features.
Technical specifications
Where to buy Marantz Pro MPM1000 Ribbon Microphones?
We got these Marantz Pro MPM1000 Ribbon Microphones from Amazon.com
- Grabación con calidad de estudio a precio asequible - un micrófono de condensador para escritorio o pie cuyo rendimiento superior permite una grabación cristalina
- Cápsula de micrófono cardioide direccional que reduce el ruido ambiente, perfecta para la grabación de pódcasts, juegos, emisoras, estudios de grabación, grabaciones con ordenador y streaming
- La respuesta de frecuencia de amplio rango (20-20.000 Hz) capta todo el espectro audible y ofrece un audio claro al grabar instrumentos, vídeos de YouTube, cantar y añadir voz en off
- Escucha todos los detalles: la alta sensibilidad y la buena relación señal/ruido permiten grabar hasta los matices más sutiles del audio original y reducir el ruido no deseado
- Todo lo que necesitas para una grabación perfecta: incluye quitavientos, amortiguador, trípode de escritorio y cable XLR; su forma compacta y ligera te permite utilizarlo en los desplazamientos
2.- Beyerdynamic M88 TG Ribbon Microphones
This is a solid ribbon microphone from Beyerdynamic. Versatile and adaptable, the Beyerdynamic M88 TG is definitely one of the best ribbon microphone models for recording instruments, vocal sounds, and acoustic instruments. The Beyerdynamic M88 TG comes with a dual-tape design for impressive sound quality. Its hypercardioid pattern and dual-tape transducer eliminate off-axis sounds and ensure smooth, classic sound quality.
With a frequency range of 40 Hz to 20 kHz, an output impedance of 200 ohms, and a load impedance of over 1000 ohms, it ensures great recording with high SPL. Lightweight, and with a long and classic design, finished in chrome and black, this Beyerdynamic microphone will surely serve you in different configurations, providing a clean and well-defined sound. It is also ideal for stereo recording.
Buying Guide For Beyerdynamic M88 TG Ribbon Microphones
It is recommended by the same manufacturer for sounds like violins, pianos, and violas. The Beyerdynamic M88 TG is a great acquisition.
Price-quality ratio
Although it can be considered somewhat expensive, this microphone makes up for it with its great quality.
Highlighting Features
Its great versatility, capable of delivering great sound in various configurations is the highlight of this microphone.
Technical specifications
Where to buy the Beyerdynamic M88 TG Ribbon Microphones?
We got these Beyerdynamic M88 TG Ribbon Microphones from Amazon.com
- Micrófono dinámico con característica polar hipercardioide altamente definida y respuesta sensible y precisa
- Rango de frecuencia extendido con aumento de presencia muy suave y reproducción de graves excepcional
- Alta ganancia antes de la retroalimentación
- Bobina de zumbido integrada de 20 dB; alta capacidad de manejo SPL
- Construcción robusta; incluye abrazadera de micrófono y bolsa de almacenamiento
3.- Rode NTR Ribbon Microphones
This is another one of the best microphones today. The Rode NTR is another one of the best ribbon microphone models to buy if you are looking for a custom design and included transformer for varied performance. It comes with a bidirectional polar pattern as well as a 1.8 micron aluminum tape that gives us great sensitivity and good sound for recording and broadcast use.
It comes with a range of 20Hz to 20kHz and an output impedance of 200 ohms, which is a good technical test of the great capabilities and qualities mentioned. The Rode NTR is designed with a matte black metal finish and rugged appearance. If you buy this microphone, your sound will undoubtedly be professional.
Buying Guide For the Rode NTR Ribbon Microphones
With an internal damper mounting system and the ability to handle high SPL, the Australian-made Rode NTR can definitely rank as one of the best tape microphone options for high-quality recording in different settings, especially if it is within your budget.
Price-quality ratio
There is a good quality price relation. It is a very good quality microphone, at a slightly high but acceptable price.
Highlighting Features
Its versatility and ability to handle high SPLs rank it among the best.
Technical specifications
Where to Buy the Rode NTR Ribbon Microphones?
We got these Rode NTR Ribbon Microphones from Amazon.com
- Elemento de cinta de 1.8 micrones altamente sensible
- Patrón polar bidireccional
- Sistema interno de amortiguación
- Transformador diseñado y fabricado a medida
- Tornillo de sujeción de cinta suministrado para viajar
What Is A Ribbon Microphone?
A ribbon microphone is a type of dynamic microphone. It is a transducer that converts mechanical energy (a moving diaphragm) into electrical energy (an audio signal) through the principle of electromagnetic induction. The electrically conductive "tape" diaphragm moves through a magnetic field in reaction to sound waves and a voltage is induced through it. This induced voltage is processed and converted into the audio signal.
Although perhaps simpler in design, dynamic ribbon microphones are not as popular as dynamic voice coil microphones. When people refer to a "dynamic microphone", they mean a dynamic voice coil microphone. Therefore, dynamic ribbon microphones are called "ribbon microphones".
Ribbon and voice coil microphones have the same electromagnetic induction operation. A ribbon microphone is a unique type of microphone that many microphone enthusiasts praise when it comes to the overall recording accuracy of the sound it captures. Not only do they offer a specific type of recording feel and quality, but the overall look of most ribbon microphones is impressive, classic, and professional-looking.
Compared to condenser microphones (excellent for recording everything) or dynamic microphones (preferred for performance), they are slightly more limited for a particular use. Ribbon microphones are most popularly used for recording vocals and acoustics, broadcasts for radio programs, and podcasts.
Important Points I Should Know Before Buying a Ribbon Microphone of Any Make or Model
Here is what you need to know about a ribbon microphone before you buy it.
Budget Range: How much money do you plan to spend on your ribbon microphone? This will definitely guide you in a particular direction. You might find the ribbon microphone you want, but it might be a little more expensive and you'll have to save a little more. On the other hand, there are some great ribbon microphones that are affordable.
Connectivity: Most of these ribbon microphones use the popular XLR input, which also means purchasing an external phantom source. However, there are some microphones with a USB connection that can also be connected and used with your PC. Ultimately, we feel that the USB connection decreases quality and performance, but it all depends on your preference.
Additional Accessories: When it comes to microphones in general, there are a few additional accessories you will need if you don't already have them. Although it ultimately depends on your intended use or overall studio setup, the most important accessories you'll need include a microphone cradle, a damper, a pop-up filter, a phantom audio / power interface.
Fragility: This is perhaps the most important general feature of ribbon microphones. They are terribly fragile. They have a tape that acts as a diaphragm and as an electromagnetic conductor. It is a very important piece of this microphone’s design. It is thinner than a lock of hair and suspended in the air inside the microphone. So you should buy the one you consider strongest in its design and take maximum care with it.
Now let's look at the main parts of a ribbon microphone
Essential Parts
Conductive Tape Diaphragm
The diaphragm is known as a tape because it really does look like a tape. Rather than having a tightly tensioned membrane around the circular housing, like most dynamic-coil and voice-coil condenser microphones, the ribbon microphone uses a long, thin, ribbon-shaped diaphragm suspended in the air at each end of its longitude.
The tape is made of an electrically conductive material that is light in weight and has low elasticity. This almost always means that it is made of aluminum foil, which is less conductive than copper, but much lighter.
The Magnet and Its Pole Pieces
The magnet, complete with its pole pieces makes up a large part of the deflector and sits almost flush with the long sides of the belt. This composition is not the same in all microphones, but it is the most common.
The permanent magnet inside a ribbon microphone provides the necessary magnetic field for the conversion of mechanical energy into electrical energy. Without the magnet, electromagnetic induction would not occur and any amount of speed or tape displacement would result in no audio signal.
The Transformer
For electromagnetic induction to occur, the conductor (the ribbon) must be part of a closed loop allowing alternating current to flow. Simply put, the cables connect each end of the tape to a step-by-step transformer, completing the circuit and allowing induction to occur. The transformer's job, then, is to amplify that signal.
The step-up transformer is designed with two separate coils of lead wire, both wound around the same magnetic core. These two coils never make a physical connection to each other and are therefore isolated from each other.
How to care for A Ribbon Microphone
Which Ribbon Microphone Should I Buy?
All 3 of our selection are microphones of a very good quality, so make your choice according to your budget.
Conclusion
With all this information, you already have a solid understanding of the ribbon microphone. These beautifully crafted microphones are precision instruments that are not talked about enough and should be experienced by any audio enthusiast.
Today we take the time to find 3 models to help you compare and contrast when it comes to your personal needs on a microphone. What is best for you depends on your budget, connection preference, intended use, as well as additional accessories that you think you may need. Good luck with your purchase and enjoy your microphone.
Comparison Chart of the Best Ribbon Microphones
Última actualización el 2024-05-08 / Enlaces de afiliados / Imágenes de la API para Afiliados
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