Ribbon Mic Suggestions

[aaronmcoleman]

I've been doing some searching on this site researching ribbon mics, and just wanted some last minute advice before I get one.

I'd like something that sounds good on acoustic guitar, vocals, and cabs in that order. Basically I want something with a smooth warm sound. It'd be running through an RNP so no real color from the pre, but enough gain for anything. I want to add some color to my acoustic sound and thought this might be one of the best ways.

I've looked at the fat head, RSM 5, Trion 7000, and Golden Age R1. I'd like to keep in under $300. Those seem to be the most recommended cheaper ribbons.

Any thoughts on these, and experience with them would be appreciated.

Thanks a lot!

 

[Marik]

If you'd like quality thing in this budget I'd stretch a bit and get ShinyBox. Another option would be getting Apex205 and look for aftermarket modification.

On the other hand, even stock Chinese ribbon for some $79-$99 could get you there, depending on how picky you are and if you want to take a risk.

Best, M

 

[moresound]

Any of the Nady RSMs give ok quality I like the 4. I've also got the 2 again it's ok and the 5 seems to be ok as well.
The Golden age gets good reviews as does the Fathead.

But as Marik has stated even the MXL ribbon and others in the lowest prices avalible will get the job done but it's always a crap shoot on the quality, meaning the placement/tension etc. of the ribbon element.

 

[miroslav]

I picked up a pair of the Cascade Fat Head II mics a few years ago...and the Fat Head has been my go-to guitar cab mic ever since. I have a pretty large mic locker by home/project studio standards, and yet the Fat Head is the one for guitar...even after doing some shoot-outs with a few other mics I liked for guitar. I'm not saying it's the only/best one to use...but it consistently gives me good guitar tracks.
I also use the Fat Head on my Hammond organ, and recently I tried it out on my upright piano and was surprised at how well it came out...one of the nicer/easier piano tracks I ever got.
It's not great for vocals...just a bit too much color, at least on my voice...but not really bad.

Anyway...it's one of the better mic purchases I've made...and I just got the stock transformers. You can order them with upgraded trannies too for a few more bucks. Cascade has a few other nice looking ribbon mics at pretty good prices.

 

[Jim Lad]

If you already have a really nice preamp then there is no need for an active ribbon.
In fact, you'll do better with a passive.
The Nady RSM 2 is a superb ribbon.
The Nady RSM 5 is a surprisingly excellent mic but not quite a full as the RSM 2. (The 5 would be my 1st choice for your application)
The RSM 8A is a fine microphone. Has less inner padding than the RSM 2 and is a wee bit brittle to my ear but a fine mic nonetheless.
The Golden Age R1 MkII (I've never owned the MkIII) is a superb microphone. It's basically the RSM 2 with some upgrades and phantom power.

The RSM 4 is a heavier ribbon, dark and not suited to your needs.
Good for drums and bass.

 

[aaronmcoleman]

Cool, i think I'll grab a RSM 5. They're only $80 or less so no harm in trying.

What do you mean by "not quite as full as the RSM 2"?

 

[Jim Lad]

Don't know how long you've been recording but the more you do, the better your ear will develop.
I hear fullness and thinness, Warm, harsh, brittle bassey.... the list goes on.
A couple of years ago I would have recognised too much bass or too much top.
The RSM 5 will not let you down and seems to require less dB than the other passive ribbons.

 

[aaronmcoleman]

thanks for the suggestion. i've been recording for several years, but took a hyatus for a few years and just recently got back into it. but, i've been a musician and in studios for 15 years, so i feel like i have a pretty good ear. for the price, i might just pick up rsm-5 and rsm-2 and hear for myself!

 

[Jim Lad]

Then by "Not as full" I'm saying that it doesn't quite fill out as much as the RSM 2 but you wouldn't notice it without a blind comparison.