Ribbon Microphones

Ribbon Microphones

Ribbon microphones have been around since the early 1920s, and recording artists and studio engineers have loved using them ever since. Even though they’re based on older technology, and plenty of other varieties of microphones are now available, they’re making a major comeback in the recording industry due to their sound quality and simplicity.

What is a ribbon microphone?

In terms of their engineering, ribbon microphones are relatively simple and straightforward pieces of audio equipment. They don’t rely on electronics or complex technology, so they tend to have a very natural, realistic sound that’s similar to what you may hear if you were right there in the room with a performer.

Consisting of a diaphragm made of a thin piece of corrugated aluminum flanked with magnets, ribbon mics have a warmer, less harsh sound than other types of microphones because they don’t contain condensers. When a sound wave reaches the microphone’s diaphragm, or ribbon, the diaphragm vibrates back and forth in a magnetic field created by the microphone’s magnets. This converts the sound wave into an electromagnetic microphone signal that you can record digitally.

What can a ribbon mic be used for?

Ribbon mics reduce the harsher aspects of audio, so most instruments sound great when recorded with one. Vocals are captured with true, rich authenticity that can make a big difference in the quality of your recording. Ribbon microphones let string, brass, and other instruments sound exactly as they should. 

Polar patterns of ribbon microphones

Most ribbon microphones have a bidirectional figure-8 pickup pattern, which means they can capture sound from opposite sides of the microphone. That’s why ribbon mics were so popular in the era of radio plays. A single mic could pick up both sides of a conversation.

Other available polar patterns include cardioid, hypercardioid, and supercardioid. Cardioid microphones can pick up sound from anywhere within a 180° field, while hypercardioid and supercardioid microphones are best used in noisy environments because of their narrow recording pickup.

Top brands in ribbon microphones

If you invest in a high-quality ribbon microphone, it will help you create beautiful recordings for years to come. Great brands like MXL, Golden Age Project, and Coles Electroacoustics are renowned for their well built microphones, superior audio quality, and remarkable fidelity. Select from one of these and other great brands and enjoy the rich, authentic audio experience.