Offering professional-level sonics and impressive build quality at a cost factor that's within reach of home studios, artists, and budget-conscious engineers, the Samar Audio Design AL959 passive stereo ribbon microphone delivers the performance of microphones far beyond its price point, especially considering that it is handcrafted and assembled in the USA.
Protected by the uni-body housing are the two matched 1.5" piston-corrugated ribbons, which provide extended frequency response, low noise, and minimal distortion while being more durable than traditional zigzag-corrugated ribbons. The special ribbon design also yields higher SPL handling, deeper bass, and a hotter output than ribbon mics typically exhibit.
Amorphous-core toroidal transformers—made in-house and inherited from Samar's flagship MF65 mic—are mated to the ribbon motors. These transformers were selected for the mic due to how their properties complement the intended tonal signature of the AL959.
Thanks to its symmetrical design, the AL959 is well suited for use in Mid-Side and X/Y (Blumlein) configurations on orchestral instruments, ensembles, drums, piano, guitar, and more. It includes a mic clip, a Y-splitter (XLR 5-pin to dual XLR 3-pin), and an injection-molded carrying case for safe storage and transport.
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SAMAR AUDIO DESIGN AL959 Passive Stereo Ribbon Microphone
Key Features
- Home Studios, Artists, and Engineers
- Durable Matched 1.5" Piston Ribbons
- Ideal for Mid-Side or X/Y (Blumlein)
- Low Noise, High SPL Handling & Deep Bass
Offering professional-level sonics and impressive build quality at a cost factor that's within reach of home studios, artists, and budget-conscious engineers, the Samar Audio Design AL959 passive stereo ribbon microphone delivers the performance of microphones far beyond its price point, especially considering that it is handcrafted and assembled in the USA.
SAMAR AUDIO DESIGN SAMAR AL959 Overview
Key Features
Ideal for stereo applications such as orchestral, choir, or groups recordings in classical, jazz, or pop/rock genres, and for capturing drum overheads, piano, guitar, or stereo room recordings
Matched motors in closest possible proximity, resulting in perfect phase behavior between both channels, up to very high frequencies
Handcrafted and meticulously assembled at Samar Audio's shop in Salt Lake City, Utah
Durable 1.5" piston-corrugated ribbons, each with a figure-8 polar pattern
Professional-level sonics with low noise, low distortion, high output, and high SPL handling
Neutrality-focused frequency response with full, controlled bass and extended highs (20 Hz to 25 kHz)
Lower fragility than conventional ribbon microphones; no special storage precautions required
Amorphous-core toroidal transformers made in-house
Passive design requires no phantom power
Balanced XLR 5-pin output connector
Includes Y-splitter to convert XLR 5-pin output to two XLR 3-pin connectors
Compact and lightweight for ease of placement
Includes mic clip and injection-molded carrying case
SAMAR AUDIO DESIGN SAMAR AL959 Specs
Microphone
Form Factor | Stand/Boom Mount |
Sound Field | Stereo |
Stereo/Surround Configuration | Mid/Side, X/Y |
Operating Principle | Pressure Gradient |
Capsule | 2 x Ribbon |
Diaphragm | 1.5" / 38.1 mm |
Polar Pattern | Figure-8 |
Orientation | Side Address |
Circuitry | Solid-State |
Pad | None |
High-Pass Filter | None |
Tone Adjustment | None |
Indicators | None |
On-Board Controls | None |
Windscreen | None |
Performance
Frequency Range | 20 Hz to 25 kHz |
Off-Axis Rejection | 5 dB at 60° 5 dB at 120° 0 dB at 180° |
Impedance | 250 Ohms |
Sensitivity | 1.6 mV/Pa |
Connectivity
Output Connectors (Analog) | 1 x XLR 5-Pin Male (on Mic) 2 x XLR 3-Pin Male (on Detachable Cable) |
Headphone Connector | None |
Physical
Mounting | Mic Clip/Stand Adapter (Included) |
Dimensions | ø: 1H: 9.5" / ø: 2.5H: 24.1 cm |
Weight | 8.2 oz / 232 g |
SAMAR AUDIO DESIGN SAMAR AL959 Reviews
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