ribbon mics breaking up

[permanent hearing damage]

so, i was recording this doom metal band. their amps are super loud (like 200 watts or so), they weren't cranked, but were pretty loud. they also tune down to A. i have used an M500 pretty close to the cone on guitar cabs before. but it kept breaking up on the real low end, just kind of flubbing a bit. should i attribute that to the low frequency or the volume?

think a few minutes of that would fuck up the ribbon

[lichthaus-media]

I'd attribute it to air pressure. That situation is equiv. to beat-boxing into a ribbon (or ribbon-micing a kick or floor tom). Detune guitars playing doom metal can really push air. Scary air.

-james

[Al]

High SPL's will make your ribbon mic a very dull boy!

Al

[cgarges]

think a few minutes of that would fuck up the ribbon

Yes, you are correct.

Put your hand in front of the speaker while the guitarist is playing and feel the air movement. Move your hand back until it subsides a bit. Try putting the 500 there. If you go back in and listen and it still breaks up, it's time for a different mic.

Chris Garges
Charlotte, NC

[rhythm ranch]

I generally keep my ribbon mics at least 1' back from a guitar cabinet, but if they're really screaming I'll move it even further back.

[Al]

You should be looking at around a foot away from a loud amp, or the ribbon element wont last long.

Al

[Lazy_Q]

would a pop shield help? I don't know if they'll stop the air if it's always pushing like that, but it might reduce it to a manageable level.

[Al]

A pop shield would most deffo help out, i use one often on loud sources, The Royers can handle fairly high SPL'S, more so than the older style Wibbon mics

Al