Apex 210 Ribbon

[GinEnema]

Does anyone own/have exp. with the Apex 210 ribbon? If so, I'd like to hear some opinions. I'm considering adding one to the mic drawer just to try out a ribbon on my limited budget, but I worry that maybe the mic is shoddy and they're just selling the idea of ribbons being the "holy grail" of mics. Any input is greatly appreciated!

 

[reshp1]

I'm pretty sure they are the same rebadged mics as the Nady's and ShinyBox mics. I own the shinybox and love it. It is my go to mic for guitar cabs. I highly recommend getting the shinybox instead of Apex, it comes with a nice (shiny ) hard case and the padded bag. Plus you can get upgraded models with better output transformers. It's just one guy that sells them and he seems like a nice, helpful guy that knows mics. I always try to support the mom 'n' pop operations when possible.

 

[kidvybes]

I'm considering adding one to the mic drawer just to try out a ribbon on my limited budget

...if you're interested in "testing the waters" of ribbon microphone applications, I recommend considering this offer...same mic as the Nady and Shinybox at about half the price:

http://www.frontendaudio.com/APEX_APEX205_Ribbon_Microphone_p/7489.htm

...keep in mind that the Apex 210 uses the same ribbon element as the 205, but the "body" of the mic is smaller on the 205, which makes it easier to position when miking guitar cabs or drums...both are quite effective when miking vocals...different "flava" from the typical LDC mic "sound"...highly recommended!...

 

[leberak]

regarding the Apex 210

I own two of these microphones, Apex 210 and find that the audio quality to be excellent when used with a proper shock mount and when used with a pre-amp or mixer that has the proper impedance. When used with a "high" impedance mixer like the Mackie, the microphone seems to be quite "bassy" but when I use it with my Beringer mixer it sounds terrific!

There is quite a bit of handling noise unless used with a shock mount. I have found that the Spider Mount made by Samson, the model SP01 works well, as the microphone fits easily inside the basket, and it is large enough to accommodate the microphone with no modifications.

One of the microphones came with the ribbon quite loose in the magnetic mounting and I had to re-tension it. This is NOT something that you should be doing as it will most assuredly void the warranty when you break the ribbon, which is almost guaranteed as it is very VERY fragile and unless you are experienced with the proper procedure and have the needed tools you should not attempt this repair yourself. I got lucky and the microphone now performs as advertised! I am sure that I would have had no problem returning the microphone for replacement but I was in a hurry and felt confident in making the repair myself.

All in all, I am very happy with the way the microphone performs and probably will be purchasing another one in the near future. It is a great bargain!

bob

Does anyone own/have exp. with the Apex 210 ribbon? If so, I'd like to hear some opinions. I'm considering adding one to the mic drawer just to try out a ribbon on my limited budget, but I worry that maybe the mic is shoddy and they're just selling the idea of ribbons being the "holy grail" of mics. Any input is greatly appreciated!

 

[Mr. Antrobus]

Chinese ribbon mic buyer's guide

I've found this article by Michael Joly to be pretty helpful. YMMV.