User guide

Keep recorded tapes springwound watches and personal credit cards using

magnetic coding away from the microphone to prevent possible damage caused

by the transducer’s magnets

The ribbon-velocity microphone design first gained popularity in the early 1930s and

remained the industry standard for many years. Their characteristic sound signature can

still be appreciated today in recordings of the 30s, 40s, 50s and early 60s.

Ribbon microphone development reached its pinnacle during this time. Though they were

popular with announcers, one of the disadvantages of ribbon microphones was their

immense size. Even though these devices were considered state-of-the-art, magnetic

structures of the time were bulky and inefficient. Transformers suffered a similar

deficiency. When television gained popularity in the late 1940s, it was obvious that their

size was intrusive and objectionable. They were difficult to maneuver and broadcasters

soon looked for a suitable replacement. Even though these microphones performed very

well, their days were numbered. Newer dynamic and condenser mics would soon replace

them. The new designs were compact, rugged and sensitive. It wasn’t long before the

television industry embraced these new designs. Radio followed the trend shortly

afterward. Further technological development of ribbon microphones was considered

unnecessary and the beloved ribbon soon faded into obscurity. It is a fate reminiscent of

that of the vacuum tube when transistors hit the scene.

Some of their unique characteristics, unmatched even by today’s modern condensers and

dynamics, are still revered by many professionals, as evidenced by the high prices that

vintage ribbons command in the marketplace.

Traditional-style ribbon microphones are still being manufactured in limited quantities

today by a few companies. These microphones are essentially similar to the designs of

the 1930s and limited to specialized applications.

Recent developments in magnetics, electronics and mechanical construction procedures

have made it possible to bring the ribbon microphone back to the forefront of the audio

field. This is similar to the resurgence vacuum tubes have made in recent years, now that

technology has enabled further development of the state of the art in numerous areas. A

renewed interest in these designs (both tube technology and ribbon microphones) is

driven by the unique characteristics these devices posses, which remain unmatched even

by some of today’s marvels.

Today’s ribbon microphones can be made smaller, and have sensitivity levels matching

those of modern dynamic microphones. Aside from the superlative audio qualities of

these microphones, their smooth frequency response and phase linearity make them

ideally suited for the new digital formats that dominate the industry today.