Topmusicanswers
In ribbon microphones, a light metal ribbon (usually corrugated) is suspended between the poles of a magnet. As the ribbon vibrates, a voltage is induced at right angles to both the ribbon velocity and magnetic field direction and is picked off by contacts at the ends of the ribbon.
How do ribbon mics work?
In ribbon mics, a light metal ribbon is suspended between the poles of a magnet. When the ribbon vibrates, it creates a voltage that corresponds to the changes in the air velocity of the sound source, unlike other mics where the voltage is proportional to the displacement of the diaphragm.
What is a ribbon microphone used for?
Ribbon microphones are the most natural mics that you can use to capture the sound of an instrument, a voice, and even the ambience of a room. Due to their figure-of-8 polar pattern, massive low-end pick-up, and natural high-frequency roll-off, ribbons really hear more like your ears than any other mic out there.
Do ribbon microphones need power?
The ribbon elements in some vintage ribbon microphones can be harmed or even destroyed by the presence of phantom power. For this reason, it is commonly recommended that phantom power be turned off when using ribbon microphones. ... They require phantom power to operate and obviously will not be damaged by phantom power.
