The 4038 from Coles is a studio ribbon microphone that was originally developed by the BBC as a broadcast microphone. Recognized for its wide, flat frequency response and high sensitivity, the 4038 quickly became a valuable tool in the recording studio as well as broadcast applications. The pressure gradient ribbon transducer is capable of withstanding high sound pressure levels without distortion, and the bidirectional (figure 8) polar pattern provides a uniform pickup response at either side of the diaphragm. The bidirectional pattern proves valuable when capturing multiple singers, musical instruments, ambiance capturing, and more. The smooth, rich sonic detail of the 4038 has made the microphone a classic among some of the recording industries most celebrated engineers.
- For Studio, Live, Broadcast Applications
- Figure-8 Polar pattern
- Extended Frequency Response
- High Sensitivity and SPL Handling
Coles Microphones 4038 Overview
Coles Microphones 4038 Specs
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| Analog Output Connector |
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Coles Microphones 4038 Reviews
What's the sound of a smile?
Biased Brit I may be, but I came to love this fine mike at the BBC where it was designed in 1953. I'm now a voice actor, and use an NT1A capacitor to punch through music and effects, but turn happily to my Coles for narration and anything else that needs smooth, warm, natural repro 'with a smile'. Because I know producers are used to capacitor sheen, I use a touch of high-top EQ with the Coles although it is flat to 15k. It does come with a very odd fifties plug-base, so you are wise to buy the adaptor that fixes it to a modern stand, but I managed to wedge mine into a standard cradle. A surprise was the ribbon's ability to minimise external traffic rumble. Musician friend highly impressed by rendition of his saxophone.
Microphone Royalty.
What can I say. I've worked in radio and voiceovers for a number of years, and I've made my rounds through the U-87 type mics -- the cadillac of recording mics, you could say -- but the 4038 was, to continue the metaphor, the Bentley. I bought it to record some voices for an album that I'm designing to sound as if it were produced in 1960, so this was the obvious mic choice. And it exceeded my expectations. Two separate recording producers were, after a day of recording with this mic, actually annoyed by the sound of their own mics. This is not a bright sounding mic, so it will not deliver a pop music sound, if that's what you're after. However, I will say that it changed my life.