Ribbon

Figure-of-eight ribbon microphones for studio and broadcast work: sE Electronics’ Voodoo VR1 and VR2 and the Rupert Neve-designed RNR1, Shure’s KSM313 and KSM353, the Audio Technica AT4081 and the entry-level sE X1 R.

Ribbons trade the etched top end of a condenser for a smooth, natural high-frequency roll-off, which is why they earn their keep on brass, guitar cabs, strings and voiceover. The active versus passive split matters in practice: passive designs like the VR1 and KSM353 need a quiet preamp with plenty of clean gain, while active models such as the VR2 and AT4081 carry their own electronics and require 48V phantom power. The KSM313 is a dual-voice design with the front and rear sides voiced differently, effectively two mics in one body. All the microphones here are figure-of-eight, so use the deep side nulls to reject spill from neighbouring sources, and keep ribbons away from strong wind and plosive blasts, which is what retires most of them early.

Pair a passive ribbon with a high-gain preamp from your existing rack, or ask us about suitable front ends before ordering.

Ribbon Microphone FAQs

What do ribbons sound like? Smooth, natural top end where condensers etch, the figure-of-eight pattern and gentle high-frequency roll-off flatter brass, strings, guitar cabs and voices in good rooms.

Do ribbons need special care? Classic passive ribbons dislike phantom-power accidents on patched lines and hard plosives, check each model’s rules, use a pop shield, and they last decades.