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Michael_Joly
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"Chinese Ribbon Microphone Buyer's Guide" at Recor

Post by Michael_Joly » Sat Nov 22, 2008 5:38 am

Hey folks,

I recently published an overview of Chinese ribbon mics - similarities and differences at Recording Hacks mic database and blog. The article mainly looks at the ribbon motor, the heart of a ribbon mic. It makes a case there are only three basic types of Chinese ribbon motor designs. Armed with information how each ribbon motor performs, buyers can sort their way through the various makes and models available.

Of course there's more to Chinese ribbon mics than just the motor. Headbasket design, fit'n'finish, packaging, documentation and warrantee all play a part in choosing a mic. But it all starts with the motor - and there's just one of three types to be found in all the popular Chinese ribbon mics that get discussed a lot!

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mrclean
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Thanks!

Post by mrclean » Sat Nov 22, 2008 6:21 am

Excellent article Michael!
-- mrclean

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Michael_Joly
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Post by Michael_Joly » Sun Dec 21, 2008 3:37 pm

Thanks!

Electronic Musician has a review of the Cascade Gomez MJE Ribbon Mic

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tonejunkee
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Post by tonejunkee » Tue Dec 30, 2008 9:28 pm

I am auditioning the MXL Genesis from Marshall. It generally sounds nice and full next to my Studio Projects T3.

The T3 is better on female voice IMO. THe Genesis is sounding great on my own voice though! I will try it on a few other sources soon

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009 !
Enjoy my web based guitar tuner and interactive tuning fork.

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premiumdan
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Cascade FatHead and KEL HM-2D clips

Post by premiumdan » Mon Feb 02, 2009 10:22 am

MicOp:

Recently tested a Cascade FatHead AND a KEL HM-2D on my 4x12.

Here's the hands-to-harddrive signal-chain for reference:

Guitar amplifier/rig =
Yamaha 302s (Tele copy w/ single coil pickups);
D'Addario Chromes (flatwound strings) 10-gauge;
Crate TDP tube preamp; Settings (scale is 0-10) =
clean = drive 1.5, low 4, mid 5, high 4
dirty = drive 5, (low)sub 0, (mid)focus 5, (high)lead 6
ART DualTubeMP set to medium gain;
ART FXR (2nd generation?) set for large room reverb but more dry than wet;
Samson S700 power-amp;
Hartke GH412 Celestion-loaded 4x12 speaker cabinet;

Recording setup =
Both mics were on-axis, centered on cone, just past shockmount;
Both mics recorded into ART StudioTubeMP preamps;
Both mics recorded simultaneously;
Soundcard is an M-Audio 1010LT;
Audio program is ACID Pro 6.0 at 24b/44.1k;

Quick overview:
The FatHead grabbed the lows/highs;
The HM-2D grabbed the middle;
Summed mono @ nearly-equal levels, the entire guitar EQ is accounted for.
(in my opinion)

I have dial-up at home and these files will take weeks to upload.
My T1-connection work-computer is blocked from uploading files.
Please PM or email for the 16b/44.1k files.
The files will be sent in "matched pairs"... :wink:

Cheers!

-Dan
Last edited by premiumdan on Fri Mar 13, 2009 9:47 am, edited 2 times in total.
U.S. off-shore drilling project: 1.5kHz @ +25db.

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FrugalGuitarist.com
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Re: "Chinese Ribbon Microphone Buyer's Guide" at R

Post by FrugalGuitarist.com » Wed Feb 04, 2009 1:27 pm

Michael_Joly wrote:Hey folks,

I recently published an overview of Chinese ribbon mics - similarities and differences at Recording Hacks mic database and blog...
Awesome article! Here's my review of the Apex 210 from FrugalGuitarist.com:

APEX 210 Ribbon
by Will Chen

APEX has a large line of affordable microphones and was one of the first companies to begin importing ribbon microphones from China. The 210 is a beefy mic at nearly 2 pounds with an attractive blue base and chrome mesh grill. The mic has an integrated XLR cable and yoke mount and ships in an impressive lockable aluminum enclosure which is nicely padded on the inside and a padded nylon ?gig? bag.

The 210 features a 55mm aluminum ribbon suspended between two thin Neodymium magnets similar to the classic AEA R84 design (but at a fraction of the price). As typical with ribbon mics, the APEX 210 has a figure 8 polar pattern with good off axis rejection. With a baffle placed to block reflections from the rear you could likely get usable results even in an untreated home studio.

I tested the mic on voice, acoustic, and an amp and results were mixed. On voice, the mic was very sensitive to placement. Too close and the low end became muddy and boomy. However, lowering the mic to the upper chest area/lower neck area and moving it a little over a foot away and the response evened out producing a velvety top end and rich lows reminiscent of old school crooners.

In front of an amp at about two feet away, the mic adds incredible warmth to the signal. In no way is this a go to mic for all occasions. However when you need to tame piercing highs or enhance the smooth warmth of a source, the 210 delivers nicely.

The results on acoustic were less impressive as I couldn?t get the crispness I like no matter where I seemed to position the mic.

The APEX 210 is a great affordable mic to add to your arsenal that will surely get usage as a secret ingredient to add a touch of vintage styled smoothness in just the right place.

Price: ~$150 USD
Pros: Smooth and warm tone. Ships in a very nice case
Cons: A touch too dark for some sources.
Visit my e-zine www.frugalguitarist.com dedicated to providing our readers with detailed reviews of under-the-radar gear and guides to the best bargains on the net.

Big Tones, Low Bones!

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Nick Sevilla
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Post by Nick Sevilla » Tue Feb 10, 2009 9:36 am

Hi Y'all,

I recieved some of the mics from the Terry N Chance group buy.

1.- They are made in China.

2.- They were designed by TnC.

3.- For what I paid for them, they do a great job.

4.- The ACM-2, of which I got a pair, is a ribbon mic, similar (very) to Cascade, and other lollipop shape ribbon mics. I like these a lot, they have all the characteristics of a middle price ribbon mic, which to me is not a bad thing.

5.- The ACM-1200, which is a tube mic, with 9 polar patterns selectable at the power supply box, is a good find. I have other tube mics, and this one has it's own character, different than the others I own. My only gripe with it is that the preamplifier in the microphone seems to overload with louder sound pressure levels. I will be addressing this with a modification of the circuitry that feeds the output of the capsule into the amplifier section.

6.- The build quality was good, and although not stellar, the mics do feel solid, and feel as though they will last a long time. THey were not built with cheap metals, but with quality components, so they should be able to handle daily use with no mechanical issues.

For people on a budget, who want to get several microphones that can give them different textures, these from TnC are a good buy. Since they are still de-bugging and developing the brand, it will probably be a while before you can buy them in the open market, but when they do, do check them out.

Cheers
Howling at the neighbors. Hoping they have more mic cables.

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premiumdan
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Cascade FatHead / Nady RSM-4 comparisons

Post by premiumdan » Wed Feb 18, 2009 6:34 am

MicTestOp:

Microphones =
Cascade FatHead "scoop grille" v/s Nady RSM-4
(both are stock models, not modded)

Signal-chain =
Takamine EG531C acoustic guitar;
D'Addario acoustic strings (model?) 10-47 gauges;
Yamaha NAMM-promo medium-ish pick;
ART studioTubeMP preamp;
M-Audio 1010LT PCI i/o card;
Sony ACID Pro 6.0;
Track-level and program-output-level set to 0db;
Recorded 24bit/44.1kHz / rendered 16bit/44.1kHz for e-mailing;

Preamp for FatHead was 100% output & 75% gain (w/ +20db switch on);
Preamp for RSM-4 was 100% output & 100% gain (w/ +20db switch on); and still quieter than FatHead!
Input card set to +4db (pro-level);
For each take, the mic was placed 12 inches from the 12th fret;
Did not record both mics at the same time due to phasing possibilities;
Tried to play with equal strumming-force through each mic;
The same musical ideas are played through each mic, though not at same tempo;

In my opinion =
--
RSM-4 has less bass-frequency sensitivity;
RSM-4 has lower output;
RSM-4 could be better in a dense mix;
--
FatHead sounds "bigger" in the mids and less "narrow";
FatHead could get "boomy" without much effort;
FatHead could be better in a sparse mix;
--
Both mics are usable, but depends on music/style/instrument/placement/etc;

PM your address and I'll send you the files.

Cheers!

-Dan
U.S. off-shore drilling project: 1.5kHz @ +25db.

capnreverb
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Post by capnreverb » Tue Apr 21, 2009 9:11 am

I reviewed this mic here

http://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=132277

Might be helpfull for some!!!!!!

douglas baldwin
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Post by douglas baldwin » Wed Aug 26, 2009 5:14 pm

A five-page-and-still-growing thread developed off of the MXL R144 (formerly R44) ribbon mic. It's right here in the Tape Op gear forum. Here's the link:
http://messageboard.tapeop.com/viewtopic.php?t=66033
Douglas Baldwin, coyote in residence
Music and writings
Psychedelic pop and ambient soundscapes a specialty
www.thecoyote.org

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

unchartedthickets
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Post by unchartedthickets » Tue Nov 23, 2010 8:23 am

so i purchased a Nady RSM5 and recorded a backup vocal track on a recording with some LCD's used on instruments and main vocal track. there is a big difference in the
amount of sound the RSM5 outputs compared to the phantom powered LCD's. if i crank the gain on the mic pre to get the sound level equivalent of the LCD's the RSM5 is too noisy to be useful.

i've since thought about this little gadget from Rode that may boost the signal.
i've only read unfavorable reviews. anyone have thoughts...thanks.
http://www.rodemic.com/accessory.php?pr ... Power_Plug

unchartedthickets
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Post by unchartedthickets » Thu Nov 25, 2010 5:27 pm

being thanksgiving i would expect that people wouldn't be trawling but i wonder if becoming a "sticky" makes questions unanswerable. in an effort to break the "sticky"
compendium i would ask if there's a remedy for a low output ribbon mic like the Nady RMS5.

I love the way it captures for the price, especially on layered vocal tracks. It sounds very natural but my question revolves around it's output and dullness next to a phantom LCD or SCD in a recording. Am I SOL regarding this mic or can I use it with the Rode D-Power Plug or some other device to boost it's output to the same level and clarity of the other mics mentioned?

Have an incredible Thanksgiving and may all your sound pursuits be enviable!

unchartedthickets
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Post by unchartedthickets » Sat Nov 27, 2010 5:06 pm

i think that placing a topic into "stickydom" makes it obsolete instead of making it
a necessary read.

Twig
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Post by Twig » Sun Jan 09, 2011 12:36 am

I'm curious if anyone has these? vintage SONY F-96 dynamics.....
If so do you like them? tried them? feedback? I have 2 and I am still experimenting.



http://dl.dropbox.com/u/827981/images.jpeg

Sculli
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Post by Sculli » Sun Mar 27, 2011 5:40 am

had the great pleasure of tracking a fiddle with a DPA-4099. Just made my life alot easier. $599 isn't bad for such a wonderful mike. Just my 2 cents.
Peace,
Kevin

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