Should I consider other ribbon mics beside the R121?

johnnyc · 19th September 2011

I really like what the R121 does for me guitar recording wise. The problem is it's the only ribbon I've used. So before I buy one is it worth looking into any other ribbons? Perhaps an M160 or 4038 or something else where I could still get the guitar mojo going but might be more versatile? Any pitfalls or precautions to buying used?

PaulOcchialini · 19th September 2011

If you really like the 121 than that's what you should get. I have a ton of ribbons, the 121 is a versatile mic for sure. The 4038 is great too. Aea, the shure ribbons. All those companies make great ribbons. If your not certain try some others, if I'm doing loud guitars the 121 up close and a 4038 a few feet back is where I might start, both great, both different. Drum overheads is a different story, r84, r88 or a pair of Coles. Acoustic guitars I would also start with the 121's but with the bright side facing the guitar, or an Aea r88. Depends on the player or song, both?

Getting a pair of 121's is not a bad place to start.

johnnyc · 19th September 2011

Have heard some great vocals done with the 4038 and also piano so it got me thinking, and the Beyers are easier on the wallet. But I record way more guitars so getting those tones down is more of a priority. So looks like R121 still the frontrunner but am gonna try and get my hands on some others.

Aaron Miller · 19th September 2011

I've got a pair of SF-1s and used to have a pair of 121s, now only one. I also used a Fathead once but night side by side with the Royers. I prefer the 121s on guitar cabs, room, FOK, and anything you want huge and forward. I prefer the SF-1s for accoustic guitars, piano, overheads, and anything you want more detail and high end.

I'm considering a 4038 because it is supposed to be more rounded and have more lows than either.

If you like the 121, you might also want to check out the R-101. If it's 95% close to the 121 it would be a good deal,

Trev@Circle · 19th September 2011

On guitars take a close look at the Royer R122v and the RCA BK5 in addition to the R121. I've heard good things about the R92 as well but haven't heard it. I also have R84s, R121s, Fatheads and M160s in regular use. They all have their place.

Bassmec · 19th September 2011

Didn't RCA used to make some that didn't suck!?

Trev@Circle · 19th September 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bassmec

Didn't RCA used to make some that didn't suck!?

only 1 or 2

19th September 2011	#1
johnnyc Lives for gear Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 1,006 Thread Starter	Should I consider other ribbon mics beside the R121? I really like what the R121 does for me guitar recording wise. The problem is it's the only ribbon I've used. So before I buy one is it worth looking into any other ribbons? Perhaps an M160 or 4038 or something else where I could still get the guitar mojo going but might be more versatile? Any pitfalls or precautions to buying used?

19th September 2011	#4
Aaron Miller Lives for gear Joined: Sep 2007 Location: Southwest USA Posts: 1,206 1 Review written	I've got a pair of SF-1s and used to have a pair of 121s, now only one. I also used a Fathead once but night side by side with the Royers. I prefer the 121s on guitar cabs, room, FOK, and anything you want huge and forward. I prefer the SF-1s for accoustic guitars, piano, overheads, and anything you want more detail and high end. I'm considering a 4038 because it is supposed to be more rounded and have more lows than either. If you like the 121, you might also want to check out the R-101. If it's 95% close to the 121 it would be a good deal, __________________ * Aaron,

19th September 2011	#5
Trev@Circle www.circlestudios.co.uk Joined: May 2007 Location: UK Posts: 2,032	On guitars take a close look at the Royer R122v and the RCA BK5 in addition to the R121. I've heard good things about the R92 as well but haven't heard it. I also have R84s, R121s, Fatheads and M160s in regular use. They all have their place. __________________ ......................................................................... www.circlestudios.co.uk My studio refurb picture blog can be found here: http://www.gearslutz.com/board/photo...ld-refurb.html

19th September 2011	#6
Bassmec Lives for gear Joined: May 2006 Location: Ipswich, UK Posts: 957	Umm! Didn't RCA used to make some that didn't suck!?

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19th September 2011	#2
PaulOcchialini Gear addict Joined: Jul 2011 Posts: 320	If you really like the 121 than that's what you should get. I have a ton of ribbons, the 121 is a versatile mic for sure. The 4038 is great too. Aea, the shure ribbons. All those companies make great ribbons. If your not certain try some others, if I'm doing loud guitars the 121 up close and a 4038 a few feet back is where I might start, both great, both different. Drum overheads is a different story, r84, r88 or a pair of Coles. Acoustic guitars I would also start with the 121's but with the bright side facing the guitar, or an Aea r88. Depends on the player or song, both? Getting a pair of 121's is not a bad place to start.