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.

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

See any errors on this page? Let us know

YOUR RECENTLY VIEWED ITEMS