Ribbon Microphones: All You Need to Know and How to Care For It Best

Last Updated on January 15, 2024 by Victor Estevez

Ribbon microphones have a rich history, dating back to the 1920s. Invented by Walter Schottky and Erwin Gerlach, these microphones have like all mic types their distinct personality and gained popularity due to their smooth, natural sound quality. Over the years, ribbon microphones have undergone significant improvements in design and materials, making them a staple in many professional recording studios today.

Ribbon microphones are known for their distinct characteristics, including a warm and detailed sound, bidirectional polar pattern, and a unique ability to capture high-frequency detail without harshness. These characteristics make ribbon microphones an excellent choice for recording a wide range of instruments and vocals.

Key Components of Ribbon Microphones

Ribbon Element

The ribbon element is the heart of the ribbon microphone. It consists of an ultra-thin strip of conductive material, such as aluminum, that is corrugated and suspended between two poles of a magnet. When sound waves hit the ribbon, it vibrates, generating a small electrical current proportional to the sound’s pressure. The ribbon’s low mass allows it to respond quickly to transient sounds, providing a natural and detailed sound capture.

Magnetic Structure

The magnetic structure is an essential component of a ribbon microphone, as it creates the magnetic field required for the ribbon element to function. The magnet can be made from various materials, including Alnico, neodymium, or ceramic. The strength of the magnet influences the microphone’s output level and sensitivity. A well-designed magnetic structure ensures a consistent magnetic field across the ribbon element, which contributes to the microphone’s overall performance.

Transformer

A transformer plays a crucial role in a ribbon microphone by converting the low-level signal generated by the ribbon element into a higher-level signal suitable for recording or amplification. The transformer also helps to balance the output signal, providing electrical isolation and reducing noise interference. A high-quality transformer ensures that the ribbon microphone maintains its characteristic sound while delivering a clean and robust signal.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Ribbon Microphones

Advantages

  • Natural Sound: Ribbon microphones are renowned for their smooth, natural sound quality, making them an excellent choice for capturing realistic audio.
  • High-Frequency Detail: Due to their low-mass ribbon element, ribbon microphones can capture high-frequency detail without harshness or sibilance.
  • Bidirectional Polar Pattern: Ribbon microphones inherently exhibit a bidirectional polar pattern, which can be advantageous in various recording situations, such as Blumlein stereo techniques or capturing room ambiance.
  • Low Self-Noise: Ribbon microphones are passive devices, meaning they produce virtually no self-noise, resulting in cleaner recordings.

Disadvantages

  1. Fragility: Ribbon microphones can be more delicate than other types, requiring careful handling and protection against strong air currents or sudden impacts.
  2. Low Output Level: Ribbon microphones generally have lower output levels compared to condenser and dynamic microphones, necessitating a high-quality, high-gain preamplifier for optimal performance.
  3. Limited High SPL Handling: Although modern ribbon microphones can handle higher SPLs, they may still be less suitable for capturing extremely loud sound sources compared to dynamic microphones.
  4. Cost: High-quality ribbon microphones can be more expensive than their dynamic or condenser counterparts, making them less accessible for those on a tight budget.

The Polar Pattern of Ribbon Microphones

Ribbon microphones typically have a bidirectional polar pattern, also known as a figure-8 pattern. This pattern captures sound equally from both the front and back of the microphone while rejecting sounds coming from the sides. 

This unique characteristic can be advantageous in several recording situations, such as capturing a balanced blend of direct sound and room ambiance or employing stereo recording techniques like Blumlein and Mid-Side (M/S) configurations.

The bidirectional polar pattern of ribbon microphones offers some distinct sound-capturing capabilities:

  1. Room Ambiance: Ribbon microphones can effectively capture the natural ambiance of a room due to their ability to pick up sound reflections from the rear side of the microphone.
  2. Stereo Recording Techniques: The figure-8 pattern of ribbon microphones is well-suited for stereo recording techniques like Blumlein and M/S configurations, providing an accurate and immersive stereo image.
  3. Source Separation: In multi-microphone setups, ribbon microphones can help reduce bleed from nearby sound sources by placing them at right angles to the null points of the bidirectional polar pattern.

Handling High Sound Pressure Levels (SPL)

Historically, ribbon microphones were considered delicate and unable to handle high sound pressure levels (SPL). However, modern ribbon microphones have been designed with robust materials and construction techniques, allowing them to withstand higher SPLs. Many contemporary ribbon microphones can handle sound pressure levels up to 135 dB or even higher, making them suitable for recording loud sources like guitar amplifiers and brass instruments.

Precautions to Take

Despite the improved SPL handling capabilities of modern ribbon microphones, some precautions should be taken to ensure their longevity:

 1. Avoid Direct Air Blasts: Keep ribbon microphones away from direct air currents, such as those produced by kick drums, wind instruments, or vocalists, as they can damage the delicate ribbon element. Using a pop filter or windscreen can help protect the microphone.

 2. Use Proper Mounting: Always use the correct shock mount or stand adapter provided by the manufacturer to minimize the risk of damage from accidental drops or vibrations.

3. Store Properly: When not in use, store ribbon microphones in their protective cases to shield them from dust, humidity, and potential impacts.

Frequency Response and Transient Response

Characteristics of Ribbon Microphones’ Frequency Response

Ribbon microphones are known for their smooth and natural frequency response. They typically exhibit a gentle roll-off in the high-frequency range, which contributes to their warm and non-fatiguing sound. This high-frequency roll-off can help to reduce harshness or sibilance when recording bright or shrill sound sources. Additionally, ribbon microphones often have an extended low-frequency response, providing a rich and full-bodied sound.

 Transient Response and Its Impact on Sound Quality

The transient response of a microphone refers to its ability to reproduce fast changes in sound pressure accurately. Due to the low mass of the ribbon element, ribbon microphones can respond quickly to transient sounds, resulting in an accurate and detailed representation of the audio source. This quick transient response is particularly beneficial when recording percussive instruments, plucked strings, or any sound source with sharp attacks, as it captures the nuances and subtleties of the performance. The combination of a smooth frequency response and fast transient response contributes to the natural and lifelike sound quality that ribbon microphones are known for.

Beyer M160 Vintage (Beyerdynamic Ribbon Microphone)
Beyer m160

Applications and Recording Techniques

Studio Recording

Ribbon microphones are well-suited for various studio recording applications due to their warm and natural sound characteristics. Some common uses include:

 1. Guitar Amplifiers: Ribbon microphones can accurately capture the warmth and depth of electric guitar amplifiers without harshness, often resulting in a more authentic and pleasing sound.

 2. Stringed Instruments: The smooth high-frequency response of ribbon microphones is ideal for recording violins, cellos, and other stringed instruments, as it reduces the potential for shrillness.

 3. Brass Instruments: Ribbon microphones excel at capturing the rich harmonics and complex high-frequency content of brass instruments, such as trumpets, trombones, and saxophones, without introducing distortion or harshness.

4. Vocals: The natural sound quality of ribbon microphones can be flattering on vocals, particularly when a warmer, more vintage tone is desired.

Live Sound Settings

While ribbon microphones are primarily used in studio settings, they can also be employed in live sound situations with proper care and handling. For example, ribbon microphones can be used to capture guitar amplifiers, horns, or drum overheads during live performances.

Maintenance and Storage of Ribbon Microphones

Tips for Cleaning and Care

Proper cleaning and care are crucial for ensuring the longevity and optimal performance of ribbon microphones:

  • Avoid Contact: Do not touch the ribbon element, as oils from your skin can cause damage or degradation.
  • Clean the Exterior: Gently clean the microphone’s exterior with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or solvents that could damage the finish or internal components.
  • Use a Pop Filter: Utilize a pop filter or windscreen when recording vocals or wind instruments to protect the ribbon element from air blasts and moisture.

Proper Storage to Ensure Longevity

To maximize the lifespan of your ribbon microphone, follow these storage guidelines:

  • Use a Protective Case: Store the microphone in its original protective case or a similar padded enclosure to shield it from dust, humidity, and potential impacts.
  • Store Vertically: Keep the microphone in a vertical position, with the ribbon element oriented upright, to prevent sagging or deformation of the ribbon over time.
  • Avoid Temperature and Humidity Extremes: Store the microphone in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight, radiators, or other heat sources, as excessive heat and humidity can damage the ribbon element and other components.

Positioning Tips for Optimal Sound Capture

Proper positioning of ribbon microphones can help minimize unwanted noise and reflections, leading to a cleaner and more focused sound:

  • Use Null Points: Take advantage of the bidirectional polar pattern’s null points (the areas of least sensitivity) to reject unwanted sound sources or room reflections.
  • Isolate Sound Sources: In multi-microphone setups, separate sound sources with baffles, gobos, or absorptive panels to minimize bleed and improve source separation.
  • Optimize Room Acoustics: Ensure that the recording environment has appropriate acoustic treatment to control reflections and minimize unwanted noise.

Conclusion

The world of ribbon microphones offers a wealth of possibilities for capturing warm, natural, and detailed sound in both studio and live environments. As you delve deeper into this fascinating realm, you’ll undoubtedly discover the unique qualities and applications that make ribbon microphones a valuable addition to any audio engineer’s toolbox. Embrace the opportunity to explore and experiment with these versatile microphones to find the perfect sound for your recordings.

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