Ribbon Microphone

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Ribbon microphones consist of a thin, narrow metal ribbon (usually aluminum) positioned between two magnets. The ribbon reacts to changes in sound pressure. As it changes its position in the magnetic field, it generates a current which can be amplified. A ribbon microphone is a type of Dynamic Microphone

1 Characteristics
2 Ribbons and Phantom Power
3 Ribbon Microphone Manufacturers
4 Reference

Characteristics

Ribbon microphones are generally thought to be very natural sounding, though some are a bit darker than condenser microphones. Other more modern ribbons have a brighter sound similar to the U47fet. They are favored on guitar amplifiers, some male and female singers and sources that need to be "smoothed out." Ribbons typically have lower output than condensers, so a preamp with high gain is sometimes recommended. Newer ribbon microphones have output levels that exceed a stage dynamic microphone such as a Shure SM58, so ordinary preamplifiers are suitable. Ribbon mics can make a harsh sounding drum kit sound pleasing when used as room microphones or overheads. Another very popular application is for recording electric guitar, as no other type of microphone delivers the dense, saturated tone that is often sought in electric guitar recordings. Because digital recording can have a "grainy" character, ribbon microphone use has increased greatly over the last decade, as the smooth, lower noise top end of a ribbon microphone produces a cleaner sounding signal after being converted to digital, which can produce unpleasant artifacts, especially in vocals.

Older "vintage" ribbons are more fragile than other types of microphones, but newer designs are sturdier than vintage models. Even so, a hard breath or a slamming of the mic box may destroy the nanometers-thin aluminum element. Great care must be taken with some ribbon microphones and they are often carried around the studio in specially fit wind-resistant "socks." This practice is unnecessary with modern ribbon mics.

In 2007, new nanomaterials were introduced that are far stronger than aluminum, and ribbon microphones made with these materials are totally immune to windblast damage, and can be used on stage or outdoors, and at extreme sound levels.

Ribbons and Phantom Power

Most ribbons do not require phantom power, and indeed some vintage models can be damaged or destroyed if phantom power is applied. However, some new ribbons take advantage of phantom power to power a small amplifier inside the microphone. This amplifier converts the microphone's output impedance and boosts the signal to match the output characteristics of a typical condensor microphone. This can make the microphone easier to work with, as some low gain preamplifiers may not be not equipped to supply a traditional ribbon microphone with enough gain, however, modern ribbon microphones have overcome this limitation to a significant degree, and may be used with any preamplifier.