Anyone use old Ribbon mics?

jay ratkowski · #1 07-12-2001, 04:03 AM

I have heard here and there that the old radio-style ribbon mics are great for recording guitar. *I haven't been able to test this myself because they seem to be too delicate and too hard to come by for me to just grab one and experiment with... I was wondering if anyone does use these... and if so, what kinda mic placement and volume do you use? *How do you usually mix the mic in with other mics? *Any brands or anything I should look for?

winterlong · #2 07-12-2001, 06:22 AM

Ribbon mics are great for guitar although on the older ones the spl is rather poor. *Now I have used newer ribbon mics. A really good one is the royer R-121, it much like the older ribbons has a very natural sound but it can handle higher spls. These are some of the best sounding guitar mics I have ever use. With the royer you will hear almost the same sound you put in. *
Ribbon mics rule!

JESTER700 · #3 07-12-2001, 12:43 PM

Yeah. *Basically, many sound great (my only experience is with Beyers - M-150 & 250, which were good), but on average can't take the same volume abuse as most dynamics (SM57). *Careful with anything old & collectable if you're crankin' & close miking.

Also, many are figure 8 or hypercardioid, which may give you slightly more room sound, depending on placement. *Not much, but maybe just enough to open the sound up a little.

bob oakman · #4 07-13-2001, 01:40 PM

What everyone said… sound pressure levels can splatter the older ones. The cool thing about a ribbon is the fact that it accurately reproduces the sound. That is why they are great for sampling. Many years ago, (I always say that) I recorded my guitar using one. I had a 50w Marshall with the 8X10 Marshall cab. I cranked it and stuck the mic about 6 feet out in front of the cab.

The result was a very “Boston” like tone. That was ok for the early 80’s. :biggrin:

Jesse Greenawalt · #5 07-14-2001, 12:09 AM

Yes, they can accurately reproduce sound. *

But so can condensors & dynamics. *Most people are used to hearing 57's and so they think all dynamics have a presence peak. *No, THOSE were designed that way. *A Sennheiser 441 has a different sound, but is also a dynamic. *The MOST accurate mics are usually small diaphragm condensors - that's why they're the most popular for classical music recording. *But it still depends on the quality of that individual model & what you're after. *More rock guitar is still done with SM57s than Schoeps condensors...