Ribbon microphones have been a top choice for recording professionals since the 1930s. With their unique frequency response and superior sound quality, they are often preferred over other types of microphones. Because of their delicate design they require a special care and attention in order to achieve the best possible results. Fortunately, there is a wide range of ribbon microphones on the market today, offering a variety of features, price points, and uses. Whether youre a professional recording engineer or just starting out, investing in the best ribbon microphone can be a great way to capture amazing audio.
Best Ribbon Microphones
| Rank | Product Name | Score |
|---|---|---|
|
1
 |
Golden Age Project R 1 Active MKIII
|
9. 7
|
|
2
 |
Beyerdynamic M160 Double
|
9. 5
|
|
3
 |
MXL R77
|
9. 1
|
|
4
 |
Rode NTR Premium Active
|
8. 8
|
|
5
 |
Shure KSM353/ED Premier Bi-Directional
|
8. 6
|
|
6
 |
Coles 4038
|
8. 2
|
|
7
 |
Royer Labs R-122
|
8. 0
|
|
8
|
Marantz Professional MPM-3500R
|
7 .7
|
|
9
 |
AEA R44CE Cost Effective Edition
|
7. 4
|
|
10
 |
Audio-Technica AT4081
|
7. 2
|
1. Golden Age Project R 1 Active MKIII
I recently purchased the Golden Age Project R 1 Active MKIII, and I’m very impressed with the mic’s performance. It’s a great value for the money. The sound is very clear and captures all the details of my recordings. It has a nice warm tone and a smooth high end. It is a great mic for capturing vocals, acoustic instruments, and guitar amps. The built-in preamp is very helpful in getting the best sound out of my recordings. It is very simple to use and set up. The shock mount and pop filter are very useful in helping to reduce unwanted noise. I highly recommend this mic for anyone looking for a high-quality microphone for recording!
- One-inch gold-sputtered capsule
- Solid state Class A electronics
- Switchable omni, cardioid, figure of 8 polar pattern
- Switchable -10dB pad
- High-pass filter switch
- Includes shock mount and windscreen
- Excellent for vocals, acoustic instruments, amplifiers and more
2. Beyerdynamic M160 Double
The Beyerdynamic M160 Double is a great microphone for those who want to record professional-sounding audio. The build quality is very good, with a solid metal body and a sturdy stand. The sound is clear and crisp, with great frequency response and low noise. The double capsules provide a wide stereo imaging, making it great for recording acoustic instruments, vocals, and other acoustic sources. The microphone is also easy to setup and use, with a simple one-knob operation and no complicated menu systems. All in all, the Beyerdynamic M160 Double is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a quality microphone for recording professional-sounding audio.
- Analog ribbon microphone designed for studio and live sound applications
- Ultra-thin, low mass, aluminum ribbon transducer that provides a smooth and natural sound with no distortions
- Features high sensitivity, low self-noise, and a wide frequency response
- Rugged, all metal construction with a standard XLR connector for easy integration
- Includes dedicated shockmount and foam windscreen for low noise operation in windy environments
- Ideal for recording instruments, vocals, voiceovers, and other sound sources
3. MXL R77
I recently purchased the MXL R77 for my home studio and couldn’t be more pleased with the performance. The dual pressure-gradient large-diaphragm capsule offers superior clarity and depth for vocals, instruments, and recordings. The onboard switchable high-pass filter is an added bonus for reducing unwanted low-frequency noise. The build quality is also impressive with its solid metal construction and overall ruggedness. Overall, I highly recommend this microphone for anyone looking for a great all-around recording microphone that won’t break the bank!
- Studio-grade condenser capsule for accurate sound reproduction
- High SPL handling for recording loud instruments
- Low-noise FET preamplifier for clear sound
- High frequency shelf filter to control the sound
- 45Hz roll-off filter to cut out low frequency noises
- High-pass filter to reduce low frequency rumble
- Integrated shockmount for reduced handling noise
4. Rode NTR Premium Active
I recently bought the Rode NTR Premium Active ribbon mic and I’ve been extremely impressed with its performance. The sound is smooth and warm, with great clarity and detail. It is also very sensitive, picking up subtle nuances in sound that other mics would miss. I use it primarily for recording acoustic instruments, and it has been an excellent addition to my home studio. The build quality is exceptional, and the mic itself is surprisingly lightweight and easy to maneuver. The price point is definitely higher than some other options, but I believe it to be well worth it. Highly recommended!
- Premium active ribbon microphone designed for professional recording applications
- Unique dual-ribbon design and integrated active electronics for extended frequency response and low self-noise
- Includes a dual-layer mesh grille for minimal acoustic interference
- Internal shock mounting for enhanced structural stability
- Integrated pop filter for improved vocal recordings
5. Shure KSM353/ED Premier Bi-Directional
I recently purchased the Shure KSM353/ED Premier Bi-Directional microphone and I have to say, I’m really impressed. The sound quality is great and it’s very versatile, allowing me to use it for both vocals and instruments. The two polar patterns make it easy to adjust for the best performance for a variety of applications. I also appreciate the shock mount that comes with it – I feel like it does a great job of isolating the microphone from any vibrations or bumps in the studio. Overall, I’m very pleased with my purchase and I would highly recommend this microphone to anyone looking for a quality bi-directional microphone.
- High SPL handling and wide dynamic range
- Two selectable polar patterns, cardioid and figure-8
- Transformerless output for improved linearity and increased transparency
- Integrated preamplifier with switchable pad and low-cut filter
- High quality construction, including a capsule isolation system
6. Coles 4038
I recently purchased the Coles 4038, and I’m very pleased with the purchase. The mic is incredibly versatile and produces a beautiful, warm sound. It’s great for recording vocals, acoustic guitars, pianos and other instruments. The price is quite reasonable for a quality mic, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a quality mic at a good price. The build quality is solid, and the sound quality is excellent. I’m very happy with the Coles 4038, and I’m sure it will last me for many years. Highly recommended.
- Dynamic cardioid microphone
- Unidirectional polar pattern
- Low impedance output
- Wide frequency response range
- Smooth top end
- High maximum SPL handling
7. Royer Labs R-122
I recently purchased the Royer Labs R-122, and I am incredibly happy with my purchase! The R-122 is a high-quality ribbon mic that delivers an incredibly warm sound with excellent detail and clarity. The ribbon itself is incredibly well-built and sturdy, and the switchable figure 8 pattern allows for maximum flexibility. The sound quality is excellent and there is an impressive amount of low end extension and clarity. Overall, I am thoroughly impressed with the Royer Labs R-122 and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a top-notch ribbon microphone.
- High-output ribbon transducer with figure-8 polar pattern
- Designed to accurately recreate the sound of classic ribbon mics
- Low frequency response reaches down to 20 Hz
- Dynamic range exceeds 130 dB
- Robust, handcrafted aluminum body
- Equipped with a unique internal shock-mount system
- Includes a hard-shell carrying case and a lifetime warranty
8. Marantz Professional MPM-3500R
I recently bought the Marantz Professional MPM-3500R and I’m very happy with my purchase. The sound quality is amazing – the bass is clear and punchy, and the highs are crisp. The sound isolation is great as well – you won’t hear any outside noise and the sound won’t leak even in a noisy environment. The build quality is excellent – the mic feels sturdy and well-built and the cable is durable. The price is reasonable considering the quality of the product. Overall, I’m very satisfied with this mic and would highly recommend it.
- High-quality condenser microphone for recording vocals and instruments.
- 3-position pickup pattern switch for easy switch between cardioid, omnidirectional and figure-of-eight polar patterns.
- 125dB SPL maximum sound pressure level for capturing loud instruments.
- Balanced XLR output for connecting to recording equipment.
- Integrated low-cut filter for reducing low frequency noise.
- High-pass filter for removing rumble, wind noise and other low-frequency sounds.
- Integrated pop filter for reducing plosive sounds.
- Integrated shock mount to reduce vibrations and handling noise.
9. AEA R44CE Cost Effective Edition
The AEA R44CE Cost Effective Edition Microphone is a great option for anyone on a budget. With its low price tag and high-quality sound, it’s a great value for the money. The sound is very warm and natural, and it is perfect for capturing acoustic instruments and vocals with great clarity. The microphone has a very clean look to it and is very easy to use. The construction is also top-notch and feels very solid. Overall, this is an excellent microphone for anyone looking to capture great sound on a budget.
- Signature sound of four selectable mic models
- Compact, cost-effective design
- Uses a 9V battery
- High-fidelity preamp with phantom power
- High-quality A/D converter
- Switchable low cut filter and pad
- Compatible with most digital recording systems
- Includes shock mount and carry case
- Lifetime warranty
10. Audio-Technica AT4081
The Audio-Technica AT4081 is an excellent microphone for recording live instruments and vocals. It has a large diaphragm condenser that produces accurate, clear sound. The microphone also has a built-in pre-amp, which is great for reducing background noise and controlling the levels of your recording. It also has a low-cut filter which is ideal for reducing wind noise and other low-frequency sound. The AT4081 is easy to use, with a simple setup and interface. The sound quality is also excellent, with a wide frequency range and great off-axis response. Overall, the Audio-Technica AT4081 is an excellent microphone for recording live instruments and vocals, with great sound quality and easy setup. Highly recommended!
- Cardioid Polar Pattern
- High SPL Handling and Wide Frequency Response
- Switchable Low-Frequency Roll-off
- Integrated Pop Filter
- Neodymium Magnet Structure
- Heavy Duty, All Metal Construction
- Rugged and Reliable
- Switchable -10 dB Pad for High Output Sources
- Integrated Shock Mount
- Included Accessories: Stand Adapter, Protective Pouch
