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A ribbon microphone
produces its sound much in the same fashion that a dynamic mic does, i.e.,
a diaphragm, a voice coil, and a magnet. Ribbon microphones differ in
the construction of the diaphragm. In a dynamic mic, the diaphragm is Mylar
or plastic and
is durable in the extreme. In a ribbon mic, the diaphragm consists of a
very, very, very thin strip of aluminum, hence the name ‘Ribbon.’ Ribbon
microphones are very expensive and extraordinarily fragile – so fragile
that a
gust of wind or a strong breath could destroy the diaphragm. Ribbon mics
were the mic of choice in the 30’s and early 40’s. They are known for
their unique
sound that has been described as silky, or smooth. Essentially what this
means is that the highs tend to roll off in a gradual manner and the lows
tend to smear together a bit. Engineers looking for the ‘vintage’ sound
usually own a couple of ribbon mics. If they don’t, they covet them. Ribbon
microphones usually start at about a 1,000 bucks, ergo the covet.
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