Alternative (cheaper) ribbon mics

[Johnkenn]

So - I'll probably just end up with a 121, but does anyone out there swear by a cheap ribbon?

[aotwmusic]

I really like the Cascade Fatheads for the money. They definitely aren't a 121 but even with a stacked mic closet I'll still bring them out for electrics, drum room mics, and even overheads if I want a kit that sounds a little more raw. Soundwise, I'd say they are closer to a bright 77dx than a 121 but I really like them.

[rghose]

Try to find an old Reslo on ebay. If it's in good condition, they can be pretty cool. However, they do seem to be more expensive now than they used to be.....they used to go for under $200. But you might still be able to find some deals.

The Beyer ribbons are also excellent and cheaper than the Royers.

[seaneldon]

Never hurts to have an M160 around. Well under $1000. I frequently think of the M160 as the SM57 of ribbon mics. Balanced tone, though a bit brighter than most ribbons.

For a smoother/"darker"/more relaxed microphone, the AEA R92 rules in close proximity to the source. Flip it around and invert your polarity for a bit more extension in upper octaves.

If you're going for the a aggressive/biting kind of sound the Crowley & Tripp "Naked Eye" is a beast. Not the easiest mic to position if you're using the weird-bar-mount it comes with, but they do have optional shockmounts available for them now. I use the Naked Eye for guitar players/amps that are void of crucial midrange to kind of "bring back" what isn't really there. Like the R92, this mic has an asymmetrical pattern and is dual voiced.

Then again...if you know and love the Royer...get the Royer.

[drmmrboy]

Originally Posted by Johnkenn

So - I'll probably just end up with a 121, but does anyone out there swear by a cheap ribbon?

I haven't worked with them enought to say I'd swear by them, but what I've heard of the Fathead I really like.

[soupking]

Originally Posted by drmmrboy

I haven't worked with them enought to say I'd swear by them, but what I've heard of the Fathead I really like.

I praised the fathead and a lot of people disagreed with me so, to each their own, but I thought it was a pretty good compliment to our bk-5.

[ddageek]

Seaneldon Beat me to it 160s are must have even the M260 is nice first set of ribbons!

[Corran]

You can find the Oktava ribbon mics or the Electro-Harmonix rebranded one for pretty cheap (around $200) and I really like it, even moreso after removing the inner screening and brass protectors or whatever. Also, a lot of Chinese ribbons are more than adequate, which I've always believed is because there are simply less parts in there to go really cheap on (not to mention no cheap capsule).

[newyorkbrass]

I bought a NADY for $70 and replaced the transformer for $100 - results are unreal. People keep on trying to buy it off me...

It is the favorite of all sax players and trumpet players that go through the studio, way more than the 414.

When i record section, they fight over who sits in front of it....

[jeep]

what are you mainly using it for?



+ 1 on the M160

[Hudson]

Cascade Fathead, Peluso R14 & Beyer M160

[warhead]

John, we shot out a bunch of ribbons from $1300 to $99 in the Tuesday Testers link in my sig. I think it's fair to say that some of the lower cost ribbons compete pretty nicely against some higher end models. However, there aren't any I'd pick over my R84, sE Electronics R1 or that Peluso ribbon.

The Woodpecker wasn't present that day, but I've used them a fair amount and would not overlook it either. It's a great blend of ribbon smoothness and condensor like detail.

War

[drBill]

Originally Posted by Johnkenn

So - I'll probably just end up with a 121, but does anyone out there swear by a cheap ribbon?

For vox I presume???

I had michael joly mod an Apex205 for me. The mods cost much more than the mic, but still, only about $350 w/ shipping and shockmount all in. Put it up with my U87 on Oren Waters and about fell out of my chair. Mojo for miles, and miles. Like conjuring up old motown greats. Of course Oren has a great (make that phenomenal) voice, but what the modded 205 brought to the table in conjunction with the 87 was just magic.

[newyorkbrass]

On brass the ruler flat high end brings out the sound and also responds much faster to the transients.

When u study the waveform of ribbon vs condenser on brass u see that the ribbon reacts a lot better to the brass. In condenser scenario the brass waveform usually is concentrated on one sideband. This is the reason brass sounds better with older transformer - it tends to even out the energy around the center point better than the newer solid state pres. when using ribbons this isnt an issue and there is a lot more energy present in the sound because although the peaks and rms of the wave are the same there is more symetry in the wave - hence more power.

This is true on any ribbon regardless of price - so you hear more energy for same "volume" in a ribbon for most shockwave instruments hence its appeal.

I am trying to see if I have the same thing recorded on two mics and then u can see what I am talking about