Beyerdynamic M260 ribbon microphone

In one of the minor mysteries of equipment naming schemes, the single-ribbon Beyerdynamic M260 is similar to its dual-ribbon stablemate the M160. (One would think the numbers were reversed, but the 160 is the double and the 260 is the single ribbon.) And, to make it just a bit more odd, although the two mics look nearly identical, the M260 is actually about 30% larger than the diminutive M160. Why? Beats me.
The mics also share a similar sonic signature, and that's a good thing. The sound is uncharacteristically bright and detailed for a ribbon mic, and also very light on the bottom end, unusual for a ribbon. As with the M160, the biggest difference from most other ribbons is the M260's unidirectional (hypercardioid) pickup pattern. The mic does retain the lovely rolled off, smooth top end for which ribbons are prized, although this one extends much higher than most.
The mic has a lively, open sound, and is completely unclouded on the low end due to its rather extreme, but tasteful, bass roll-off. The hypercardioid pattern gives it excellent off-axis rejection, making it very useful, for example, in live tracking sessions where controlling bleed is an issue. It captures a pleasing and useable tone on most sources, and is quite a good "all-rounder", especially for a ribbon. The Beyer M260 is a welcome and useful addition to any well-stocked mic collection, and a fair value due to its fine build quality and versatile sonic performance.