Kerwax K-23R

Kerwax K-23R is a general-purpose figure-8 ribbon microphone, built as a lighter, more accessible alternative to the flagship Melodium 42BN. Rather than recreating one specific historical model, it's a modern design for everyday studio work: drums, brass, guitars and room recording. It sits well below the flagship Melodium 42BN in price, while keeping the same hand-built philosophy.

A neodymium ribbon instead of classic AlNiCo

A 2.5-micron aluminium ribbon measuring 5.1cm by 5mm runs on neodymium magnets instead of traditional AlNiCo, which keeps maximum SPL above 135dB despite the smaller, lighter build, enough for close-miking a drum or a guitar amp. A custom Kerwax transformer finishes the signal path ahead of the XLR-3 connector.

A black stainless-steel body for rough handling

A black-coated stainless steel body is built to hold up to daily use on stage and in the studio better than lighter, more decorative finishes. The microphone doesn't need +48V phantom power, the voltage won't damage the ribbon, but it serves no purpose either. It earns its keep exactly where the larger Melodium 42BN would be too unwieldy: close-miking a snare, brass instruments, or a guitar cabinet up close.

KEY FEATURES

• Figure-8 polar pattern
• 2.5-micron aluminium ribbon on neodymium magnets
• Custom Kerwax transformer
• Stainless steel body, black coating
• Max SPL above 135dB
• Male XLR-3 connector (pin 2 hot)
• No phantom power required
• Designed and hand-built in France

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Polar pattern: figure-8
• Frequency response: 30Hz – 15,000Hz ±3dB
• Ribbon: aluminium, 2.5 microns, 5.1cm x 5mm
• Magnets: neodymium
• Sensitivity: -46dBV re 1V/Pa
• Output impedance: 300Ω
• Max SPL: >135dB
• Weight: approx. 455g