In ribbon mics, a light metal ribbon is suspended between the poles of a magnet. When the ribbon vibrates, it creates a voltage that corresponds to the changes in the air velocity of the sound source , unlike other mics where the voltage is proportional to the displacement of the diaphragm.
What is a ribbon microphone used for?
Ribbon microphones are the most natural mics that you can use to capture the sound of an instrument, a voice, and even the ambience of a room . Due to their figure-of-8 polar pattern, massive low-end pick-up, and natural high-frequency roll-off, ribbons really hear more like your ears than any other mic out there.
How does a ribbon microphone work?
In ribbon microphones, a light metal ribbon (usually corrugated) is suspended between the poles of a magnet. As the ribbon vibrates , a voltage is induced at right angles to both the ribbon velocity and magnetic field direction and is picked off by contacts at the ends of the ribbon.
Is a ribbon mic worth it?
While, for some sources, you want a microphone to be flattering, ribbon mics are great when you want your recordings to sound totally natural . Condenser mics and dynamics are going to add a color to your sound you may not like; whereas a quality ribbon mic will let you record the exact tone you've crafted.
Are ribbon mics good for vocals?
Ribbon microphones usually give you the most accurate sound reproduction when compared with dynamic and condenser mics, but it comes at a cost... They are regarding for their accuracy and warmth, and work great for vocals, guitars, drums, horns, and more. ...
Are ribbon mics noisy?
When paired with a standard preamp, a ribbon mic may produce excessive noise that makes it difficult to record more quiet sources like vocals, acoustic guitars, and strings.
Why is it called a ribbon microphone?
Ribbon microphones are also called “velocity microphones” because the induced voltage is proportional to the velocity of the ribbon and thus of the air particles in the sound wave , unlike in some other microphones where the voltage is proportional to the displacement of the diaphragm and the air.
Is a condenser mic better for vocals?
Condenser microphones are best used to capture vocals and high frequencies . They are also the preferred type of microphone for most studio applications. ... Because of the thin diaphragm and increased sensitivity, condenser mics are often used to pick up delicate sounds.
How much does a ribbon microphone cost?
Ribbon mics are DAMN expensive. Most are $1000 and up .
What are the four types of microphones?
- Dynamic Microphones.
- Large Diaphram Condensor Microphones.
- Small Diaphram Condensor Microphones.
- Ribbon Microphones.
What is the one thing you do not do with a ribbon microphone?
Don't expose the microphone to wind or blasts of air
Corrugated ribbon material is thin and wide and can grab air like a sail. Excessive wind can stretch the corrugations or tear the ribbon, rendering the microphone inoperative until it's re-ribboned.
How do you protect a ribbon mic?
When not in use, keep the ribbon mic covered.
When you are not using your mic or if you're transporting it, store it in the AEA foam-lined case , inside the included plastic bag. This will keep dust and fine pieces of “tramp iron” floating through the air from sticking to the strong magnets surrounding the ribbon.
Do condenser mics need phantom power?
Thankfully, we can help... Phantom Power is a term given to the process of delivering DC (Direct Current) to microphones requiring electric power to drive active circuitry. Condenser microphones such as Shure's KSM range all have active circuitry and require phantom power .
Do ribbon mics need power?
The ribbon elements in some vintage ribbon microphones can be harmed or even destroyed by the presence of phantom power . For this reason, it is commonly recommended that phantom power be turned off when using ribbon microphones. ... They require phantom power to operate and obviously will not be damaged by phantom power.
Is a ribbon mic a condenser?
The main difference between ribbon and condenser mics is that ribbon mics convert sound via electromagnetic induction , and condensers do so via electrostatic principles. Ribbon mics have conductive ribbon-like diaphragms and simple circuitry, while condensers have active capsules and complex circuitry.
