Figure 2A Ribbon Mic Transducer

Courtesy of Royer Labs

Like the dynamic microphone, the high frequency response
is governed by the mass of the moving parts. But because the
diaphragm is also the transducer, the mass is usually a lot less than
a dynamic type. As a result, the upper frequency response tends
to reach slightly higher, to around 14kHz. The frequency response
is also generally flatter than for a moving coil microphone.

All good studio ribbon mics provide more opportunity to

EQ to taste since they “take” EQ well. Ribbon mics have their
resonance peak at the bottom of their frequency range, which
means that a ribbon just doesn’t add any extra high frequency
hype like condenser mics do.

Advantages Relatively flat frequency response, extended high frequency re-

sponse as compared to dynamics, needs no external or internal
power to operate.

Disadvantages Fragile—requires care during operation and handling, moderately

expensive.

4 The Recording Engineer’s Handbook