Ribbon or Large Dynamic for Guitar Cabs?

Resonant Alien · 2nd May 2007

When recording both clean and disto guitar, what are the differences, in general, in sound between using a ribbon (Something like an AEA R92 or Peluso R14), or a large dynamic like an SM7 or RE20 (not a smally like an SM57 or e609)?

I know it's subjective, but there must be some general thoughts - i.e. ribbon smoother high end, SM7 beefier low end?

ThrillHo · 2nd May 2007

Record both. They both give you versatility. Mix a combination of the two that suits the song best. There's no reason why you should decide one or the other. Get both.

If you can't get both now, then get the ribbon, you must have an SM57 lying around, right? That'll do for electric guitar.

-Ian

David-Morpheus · 2nd May 2007

depends on what you want to achieve. I do not have high end mics but what I am using mostly is the t.bone RM700 ribbon, B1 from studio projects, SM57 and MD421

never had a problem, personally I really love the ribbons - dark and meaty sound. my next purchase is definitely going to be a royer

drBill · 2nd May 2007

Maybe I can help out a little. I don't use a LARGE diaphram dynamic, but I do use dynamics/ribbons. The dynamic (i5, 57, 421, etc) will give you the crank/edge that you expect. The ribbon will give you a huge round sound with extended lows that you can't get with the dynamic. Which will work? Depends on the tune. I do find that in layered dense mixes, the ribbon sound is just too large. I love it solo'd, but it just won't fit in there. Usually I end up with a combination of both.

2nd May 2007	#1
Resonant Alien Gear addict Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 381 Thread Starter	Ribbon or Large Dynamic for Guitar Cabs? When recording both clean and disto guitar, what are the differences, in general, in sound between using a ribbon (Something like an AEA R92 or Peluso R14), or a large dynamic like an SM7 or RE20 (not a smally like an SM57 or e609)? I know it's subjective, but there must be some general thoughts - i.e. ribbon smoother high end, SM7 beefier low end?

2nd May 2007	#3
David-Morpheus Lives for gear Joined: Apr 2006 Location: Slovakia Posts: 924	depends on what you want to achieve. I do not have high end mics but what I am using mostly is the t.bone RM700 ribbon, B1 from studio projects, SM57 and MD421 never had a problem, personally I really love the ribbons - dark and meaty sound. my next purchase is definitely going to be a royer __________________ ------------------------------------------ David Kalosi www.morpheusmultimedia.sk www.myspace.com/morpheusmultimedia New studio build thread http://www.gearslutz.com/board/photo-diaries-recording-studio-construction-projects/378304-finally-building-my-new-place.html

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2nd May 2007	#2
ThrillHo Gear Head Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 73	Record both. They both give you versatility. Mix a combination of the two that suits the song best. There's no reason why you should decide one or the other. Get both. If you can't get both now, then get the ribbon, you must have an SM57 lying around, right? That'll do for electric guitar. -Ian

2nd May 2007	#4
drBill Gear Guru Joined: Jul 2006 Location: So Cal Posts: 11,510	Maybe I can help out a little. I don't use a LARGE diaphram dynamic, but I do use dynamics/ribbons. The dynamic (i5, 57, 421, etc) will give you the crank/edge that you expect. The ribbon will give you a huge round sound with extended lows that you can't get with the dynamic. Which will work? Depends on the tune. I do find that in layered dense mixes, the ribbon sound is just too large. I love it solo'd, but it just won't fit in there. Usually I end up with a combination of both.