SP ribbon mic?

[GregPittman]

Hey guys,

My first message here. I remember on the old forum Alan mentioned something about new ribbon mics. Just wanted to check where it stands and since there are a lot of new Chinese ribbons from different companies wanted to know how it is different.

[Alan Hyatt]

This mic is out for beta testing now. It is designed by a very knowledgable person in the ribbon world. It is not chinese. While we will offer some lower cost versions, they will not be a innexpensive as the Chinese ones by Nady, ADK, Apex and some others. These will be much better quality.

[ARude]

I was recently reminded what I liked about ribbon technology. I did a brass/winds OD session with Royer and AEA mics. WOW! that's what horns are supposed to sound like! If the new mic is even close to that kind of sound, I'm in...

[GregPittman]

Yep!

For some applications ribbons rule! I tried both AE and Royer on a brass section. There is something incredible with these mics in this application. I also tried a cheaper ribbon Nady there, but it definitely could not stand up to the "bigger" guys.

Anyway, I have a very good experience with those, but some qualities are not right there. What bothers me the most is the obvious lack of HF response and some coloration which I don't necessarily like.

Once somewhere, I read from some guy on the net (I think named Marik) that ribbons can be the least colored of all the mics, and still can have a good HF extension. Although the guy seems incredibly knowledgable in any kind of mics, but kinda mysterious, I am still to see such a mic!!!

If you guys have something like that I would be definitely in!!!

Could you tell if your ribbons would have those qualities and how long to wait or where to audition them?

I understand, it is not hard to make better quality mic than Nady or alike, but how your mic stands against AE and Royer?

Any more details or features?

Best, Greg Pittman

[Brent Casey]

Hypothetically, if we were doing a ribbon mic, it would be of high quality design and build. We have looked at the ribbons, such that Nady, et al. are importing and they are interesting mics. But when PMI releases a ribbon, I guarantee it will not be a mic like these. I will say - again in purely hypothetical terms that if we were to introduce a ribbon mic, this mic might hypothetically sound flat out beautiful.
If this Siberian yahoo (I mean - mysterious guy) Marik does claim that ribbon transducers can feature an extended HF much like a condenser, I would be inclined to believe him. It's a fine line to walk in terms of design, but it can be done.
As for when you will be able to audition one - don't hold your breath. We will definitely announce such a mic when we are ready, but right now we can't be counting the chicks before they're laid.
As for the AEA's and Royers - I think most people can agree that they are lovely. Isn't that funny? When it comes to condenser mics, fist fights nearly break out over what's "good" and what isn't. But when it comes to a nice ribbon, there isn't a great deal of debate - even on the internet. That does say something about ribbon mics in general, wouldn't you say?

Brent Casey

[Marik]

Mmm... misterious... Did not think that way, but I like it. :D Need to work more to keep up this image ;)



...ribbon transducers can feature an extended HF much like a condenser, I would be inclined to believe him. It's a fine line to walk in terms of design, but it can be done...

...As for the AEA's and Royers - I think most people can agree that they are lovely. Isn't that funny? When it comes to condenser mics, fist fights nearly break out over what's "good" and what isn't. But when it comes to a nice ribbon, there isn't a great deal of debate - even on the internet. That does say something about ribbon mics in general, wouldn't you say?


The line indeed is very fine. The irony is since ribbon appearance on the market there were improvements in ribbon materials, transformers, magnet materials, but ribbon design as a concept did not change since 20's, and stays where it was about 80 years ago.
This might be one of the reasons of the lack of debates over internet--there is no a ribbon microphone on a market, which would be DRAMATICALLY better (or at least different), so the fact is most of the ribbons sound more or less similar, with (of course) better refinements in better quality ones. Basically, there is no reference point for such debates.
If we did not have something like M7, CK12, K87, or C12, U47, U67, I am sure all the fights over condensers would be much down.

This situation will stay the same for a long time, unless something revolutionary happens...

[GregPittman]

Just was wondering if there are any news...

[Ted Perlman]

If the new mic is even close to that kind of sound, I'm in...

I've used both the Royer ribbons and an early version of the SP ribbon. The SP is most definitely in the same league as the Royers!! It is spectacular! I used it on percussion and an electric guitar amp and fell in love with it.

[Chrisco]

I know that they are going to be sick of hearing the same question again and again, so I will not ask when it will be out.

No siree, I will not ask that question at all!

[Ted Perlman]

...I will not ask when it will be out

SP has no plans to ever release the ribbon mic, they just developed it to see if they could. Are you crazy? Why would they release it? That would cut into Royer's profits, and Alan would never want to jeopardize Royer's business or employees.


:-)

[Chrisco]

That is so nice of Alan. Well I for one intend support this endearing gesture of goodwill by refusing to purchase any product he may have to offer.

Competition? Why can't we be friends? :D