Is a Ribbon mic for live acoustic a bad idea?

[rumleymusic]

I wouldn't be too concerned about feedback. Ribbons are very directional and the rear pickup is in opposite polarity to the input signal. (Edit: you may still get feedback from direct rear pickup but the off axis rejection or ribbons makes that unlikely)

[NorseHorse]

To be clear, the rear has zero off-axis rejection. ...Because it is on-axis. So if you are in a small hall with PA signal bouncing off the back wall, the pattern will not help you.

If you are in a space where the main source of feedback is the PA speakers at the sides of the stage or a monitor below the performer, it's possible to use the nulls of the ribbon to reduce feedback.

However, per usual, mic placement will play the biggest factor. You can play with an omni on stage as long as you have it close enough to the source.

GO FORTH AND CONQUER. Let us know how you like it.

[jayvo86]

I think usually you don't see them because of the expense associated.

When I'm doing my live gigs, I'm not the only one touching stuff.