Topmusicanswers
How does a ribbon microphone 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.
Is a ribbon mic directional?
Unless designed otherwise, all ribbon mics are naturally bidirectional, giving them a figure-8 polar pattern. The reason for this is that sound waves arriving from the side of the thin ribbon element won't cause it to move at all, since the pressure on both sides of the ribbon is identical.
