What Is a Ribbon Mic?

Although they typically don't get as much attention as conventional dynamic and condenser microphones, ribbon mics can do a lot for your sound—especially when used wisely and for the right application. In this article, we'll be discussing the unique design and sound characteristics of this oft-forgotten mic, as well as suitable applications for its use and product recommendations.

What Is a Ribbon Microphone?

Although a ribbon mic is technically categorized as a type of dynamic microphone, it uses a slightly different type of technology than a typical coil-based dynamic mic. In practice, a ribbon mic approximates the sensitivity and transient response of a condenser mic. At the same time, it has a different sonic personality from that of a condenser microphone.

How Does a Ribbon Microphone Sound?

A ribbon microphone is known for its highly natural character. More than any other type of microphone, it captures a very honest and realistic sound of an instrument or voice thanks to a high frequency roll off similar to that of human hearing. It has a figure-8 polar pattern, and its pickup is bidirectional, which means it captures sound from both ends while sound from the sides of the mic (off-axis sounds) are effectively blocked out. This makes ribbon microphones especially useful when recording in a room with multiple instruments.

Ribbon mics are also the most receptive to the proximity effect, which means that low frequencies become more exaggerated the closer the microphone is placed to the sound source. For this reason, they're especially popular with instruments like kick drums, where the drummer is looking for a deeper feel with more boom. Many radio announcers also love ribbon mics for the same reason, as they can add richness and gravitas to their voice.

Passive vs. Active Ribbon Microphones

If not sufficiently preamped or skillfully EQ'd, a passive ribbon microphone's dark character can become too dark because they have lower output than typical condenser microphones. For this reason, passive ribbon mics usually demand a high-gain, low-noise preamp. For example, if you hook up your ribbon mic to standard preamps, you'll likely have to crank up the gain, which could potentially create a lot of noise. In fact, you'll find a plethora of preamps that are specifically designed for ribbon microphones which has led to their rise in popularity. Also, active ribbon mics run on phantom power and are therefore flexible with respect to the type of preamp they can pair with.

That said, there are versatile preamps on the market that can accept and adjust to a number of different types of inputs, including passive ribbon mics. The Grace Design m101, for example, has a ribbon microphone mode that provides additional gain while locking out phantom power to prevent any damage to the microphone.

When to Use a Ribbon Microphone

Drums

Many people often associate ribbon mics with drums. For sure, they work great as drum overheads, as they can capture a very holistic image of the drum kit while avoiding an overly active or excited sound from cymbals. And when paired with a kick-drum mic, you end up with a highly natural and comprehensive sound recording.

Brass

Ribbon microphones are also especially popular for recording woodwind instruments like trumpets and trombones. They tend to pick up the most natural tone from these instruments without capturing unwanted sounds coming from the valves or keys.

The R-121 from Royer Labs, one of the most famous ribbon mic brands, can be found in a lot professional studios. It's popular because it excels on a number of instruments, including brass instruments and horn sections, and due to its very durable build. But alas, it is a passive mic. So, make sure you have a high-gain amp.

Guitars

Ribbon microphones are great for recording electric guitar amps, especially because they can tame harshness in the treble and bring out that meaty feel in the bass and lower midrange. The wallet-friendly but high performing sE Elctronics sE X1R Ribbon Microphone is a fantastic entry-level option, especially for guitar cabinets. It has a slight high-frequency lift, so it avoids an overly dark guitar recording.  It also works great with brass and strings and makes for a solid drum overhead as well. Yes, this is another a passive mic, so make sure you have the appropriate preamp to pair it with.

Let me throw you a bone and include an active microphone on this list. The AEA Ribbon Mics NUVO N13 sounds especially gorgeous when paired with acoustic guitars. It also tends to be forgiving in smaller rooms with less-than-ideal acoustics. The NUVO N13 is a mid-field mic, so it sounds super clear at distances of one to three feet. Your guitar will never sound too heavy with this microphone, as it smooths the lows while beautifully capturing that shiny treble.

Strings

A ribbon microphone can bring out the majesty of a string section, creating a more sweeping and spacious feel than a smaller room could usually provide. This is especially true if you're recording in a more confined space.

Stereo Sound

You can also use an identical ribbon microphone pair to record a fantastic stereo image. The recording technique, known as the Blumlein Pair, involves angling the microphones at 90 degrees and positioning them in close proximity to one another.

If you can't be bothered doing that or you don't want to pay for two mics, you can opt for something like the Royer Labs SF-24 Stereo Ribbon Microphone, which to some extent, replicates this dual-microphone technique by employing two aluminum ribbon transducers, which are mounted on top of each other in a 45-degree configuration.

Vocals

Although ribbon microphones may be a less conventional approach to recording vocals, depending on the proximity of the vocalist to the microphone and how well it's been EQ'd, you can get a very rich and warm sonic feel. A sweet (albeit incredibly pricey) example of a beautifully colored, almost vinyl-like sounding mic that works great for vocals is the AEA Ribbon Mics R44C. The gorgeous vintage aesthetic is part of its charm, designed to be a replica of the famous 1936 to 1938 RCA 44BX. It tastefully emphasizes the mids and lows, while tempering any harsh high frequencies. It lends a luscious character to almost any vocal you throw at it. However, being a passive microphone, gain, you'll need a good quality high-gain preamp, to achieve the intended sound. Now, let's take a moment to drool over it…

For sure, a good quality ribbon mic can make a great addition to your microphone arsenal. And despite what many assume to be a highly specialized tool in the studio, it's actually quite a versatile microphone when it comes to capturing a highly natural, yet warm and rich tone.

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