Ribbon Mics. What's the low down?

[Markd102]

Hi Guys

Just wondering about ribbon mics. What are the advantages/disadvantages over condensers? What are their main application? What's the difference between a single and double ribbon?

I'll have about $600-800 Australian to spend next month and I've been leaning towards a C1. (Keep in mind that they retail for $650 here). I was chatting to my dealer friend and he was suggesting we try out a few different ones and amongst his list was a Beyer ribbon mic (not sure of model) which was roughly the same price as the C1.

Any suggestions on which way to go? Any other mic suggestions in the same price range would also be appreciated.

Thanks
Mark

 

[Track Rat]

Ribbon mics are generally darker and smoother in the top end than condensers. They sound good as drum overheads, on guitar cabs, very nice on horns and on vocals. Ribbon mics are also pron to damage from wind blasts and can be blown out just by walking too quikly with one in your hands.
Price wise, a Royer will start around $1100 or so, a Coles a little more. Beyers can be had for about half of that or even less. Octava makes a few that are in the $400 range.