Ribbon mics

[Rick Sarson]

Anyone out there used any ribbon mics? I have read some interesting stuff about the CAD Trion 7000, but know nothing about potential pitfalls. There must be reasons that there are so few ribbons around. I have heard of fragility in the past, but is that still true? Anybody?

[Smifis]

the only mics i use are shotgun mics in the film industry so can't really help i'm afraid.

[Simon Ryder]

Hi Rick,
I use Beyer M160 ribbons. I have found them to be tough, robust and awesome general purpose microphones. Never tried the CADs as I find a figure of 8 polar pattern of limited value on a live stage.

[Rick Sarson]

Obviously this is on the CAD website so it is not going to say anything bad, but interesting just the same www.cadmics.com/RichardFortus.htm I have also read about people using the fact that ribbons have "true" figure of eight polar pattern to exclude sounds the don't want by careful angling of the null points. Has anyone out the tried doing M&S stereo? It is a really cool way of achieve stereo and makes a fantastic drum overhead too.

[Simon Ryder]

I have used M&S many times but never live. My live stereo techniques are eiter near coincident or spaced pair.

In the studio my M&S weapons of choice have either been AKG c414s or Beyer M130 & M160.

I cannot stress enough to check whatever you get against the Beyers. These are truly amazing microphones and have been used on everything from David Bowie's vocals to numerous classical applications.

[Simon Ryder]

Oh yes, I tried the SE electronics ribbon on vocal a while back and was very impressed.