Ribbon Mics on Guitar

[FunkyProduction]

I could have sworn that I've heard numerous people say that using ribbon mics like Royer and Beyer and so forth, on a guitar cab would damage the ribbon. However, I've seen numerous people recommend ribbon mics for this specific application. Whats the deal on this one?

[kittonian]

Some ribbons can't take the high SPL that a guitar amp puts out. However, the Royer 121 and Peluso R14 can both take it and they both sound amazing. The Peluso gives you a bit more bottom end and a rounder more lush sound, whereas the 121 has a bit less of the bottom end. I have both and use them equally (sometimes both at once with a MD421 or MD441).

[warhead]

Uh...a lot of ribbons can take the SPL just fine and not just those two...I'd venture to say MOST can. I've had issues with Coles 4038 and Beyer M160 on very loud guitar cabs, the Coles was just crapping out compared to anything else and the M160 I've had some scratchiness issues with a couple times. It's going to depend on how loud and how close you want to mic anything before you even know what the issues might be.

War

[Mike H]

Originally Posted by FunkyProduction

I could have sworn that I've heard numerous people say that using ribbon mics like Royer and Beyer and so forth, on a guitar cab would damage the ribbon. However, I've seen numerous people recommend ribbon mics for this specific application. Whats the deal on this one?

R121, how far from the 4x12 gtr cab? Strange blowing on the mics...

Just use pop screen to protect from a gush of air. You should be fine. I use R-122V and R84 against cabs all the time. Outstanding mics for guitar cabs.

[numrologst]

I use r84 on cabs all the time

[Brad_Wood]

You should be careful, but by all means, use ribbon mics on loud guitar amps. I center one on the cone of the speaker about 6 inches back & track without eq. It helps to alert your guitar players that they should go on standby before plugging in/out their guitars, as that seems to be a ribbon-killer. I treat my ribbons with a bit less concern than some & I've had to re-ribbon most of them a few times each. The sound they achieve is worth the expense. The cost of doing business, I reckon...

Currently tracking guitars with 2 Peluso R14's, 2 Coles 4038's & an SM57. Loud loud loud.


Best- Brad Wood

[warhead]

Originally Posted by Brad_Wood

Currently tracking guitars with 2 Peluso R14's, 2 Coles 4038's & an SM57. Loud loud loud.


Best- Brad Wood

I gotta ask: does your Coles hang in there with the rest or give out first as you up the volume / bring it in closer? The one I lived with for a while never handled loud amps well, it would sound pretty broken up while the AEA stuff would just rock along with no issues.

War

[Brad_Wood]

Originally Posted by warhead

I gotta ask: does your Coles hang in there with the rest or give out first as you up the volume / bring it in closer? The one I lived with for a while never handled loud amps well, it would sound pretty broken up while the AEA stuff would just rock along with no issues.

War

It doees seem the Coles are more sensitive to very loud sources & I will usually move them out of the way when it gets that loud. For these recordings, the Coles are strictly room mics, while the R14's are getting the full blast. The SM57 seems to serve as a reference only- I try to match its brightness w/the ribbon mic's placement, but I rarely record anything w/it.


Best- Brad Wood