Which condenser mic sounds most like a ribbon mic

D41Fan · #1 05-26-2018, 09:56 AM

Love the sound of ribbon mics, not so crazy how fragile they are. Are there any condensers that have that thick sound of a ribbon. Used for micing acoustic guitars only.

Thanks,
Dan

jomaynor · #2 05-26-2018, 11:38 AM

A dynamic mic (especially a big one like the EV RE 20, but even a regular Shure SM 57) sounds more like a ribbon than a condenser - condensers have that airy, opened-up top end.

I guess you could always use a large condenser like a Shure KSM 32 and then roll off the highs.

Arteur LeDart · #3 05-26-2018, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D41Fan

Love the sound of ribbon mics, not so crazy how fragile they are. Are there any condensers that have that thick sound of a ribbon. Used for micing acoustic guitars only.

Thanks,
Dan

Oktava 319 is a large diaphragm condenser that is unique among the handful of condensers I use - it really makes the top end of my 12 string sound smooth. It takes the harshness out. very nice. I believe the 219 does a similar thing.

D41Fan · #4 05-26-2018, 02:48 PM

I'll have to look closer at the Oktava. I like the sound of the EV RE20, but it needs a hell of a lot of gain. I like the Fathead sound if your familiar with it.

philjs · #5 05-27-2018, 05:30 AM

There are some new ribbon mics on the market that can be had for about the same cost as a good condenser, for example the Royer R10 ($500 at Sweetwater)...

Phil

SpruceTop · #6 05-27-2018, 05:11 PM

Some of the newer ribbon mics advertise a more robust construction and resistance to the factors that would have harmed older renditions of ribbon mics. Given the warmth of ribbon mics, this would tend to compel me to try one.

Al Acuff · #7 05-28-2018, 08:26 AM

Reality is reality. Condenser mics don't sound like ribbon mics. Modern ribbon mics are less fragile than the vintage models. Get a ribbon mic. Check out the AEA N22 phantom powered ribbon microphone. It's designed for home studio use and it's a sturdy microphone. Sounds awesome.

D41Fan · #8 05-29-2018, 07:00 PM

I should have mentioned that I would like to keep it around $300.00 U.S. pricing.

Thanks,
Dan

jimmorgan · #9 05-30-2018, 06:42 AM

At that price I'd look for a cascade fathead or other ribbon, and then add a cloudlifter or fethead inline booster to make it active, unless you already have a nice clean pre with lots of gain, in which case you can skip the booster.

Be wary of buying used ribbons, you don't know how they have been cared for, and a suprise re-ribbon job can negate the the price difference of a used mic.