Ribbon microphones operate using a thin metal ribbon suspended in a magnetic field, which vibrates in response to sound waves. This unique construction gives them their characteristic sound – a natural high-frequency rolloff, an absence of harshness and a warm midrange reproduction that makes voices and instruments sound natural and musical. The characteristic figure-of-eight polar pattern captures sound from both the front and rear of the microphone simultaneously, opening unique possibilities with recording techniques such as Blumlein or Mid-Side.
Ribbon microphones excel at recording electric and acoustic guitars, brass and woodwind instruments, vocals and choirs, as well as room microphones and ambience capture. They do require careful handling however – classic passive models are sensitive to strong blasts of air and high sound pressure levels.
At Wired Tunes the range is led by Royer Labs – one of the most respected ribbon microphone manufacturers in the world, whose instruments can be found in top recording studios from Los Angeles to London. sE Electronics and Sontronics offer active ribbon microphones that are less sensitive and more versatile. Warm Audio delivers models inspired by classic designs at accessible price points, HUM Audio and Golden Age Project complete the range with original designs for demanding engineers, while AEA is a legendary manufacturer directly referencing the original RCA microphones of the 1930s and 40s.
Visit the Wired Tunes showroom in Warsaw – you can test ribbon microphones in person and hear how they sound on your voice or instrument.
