Beyerdynamic M 160
List: $799
Audix i5
List $179
Audio-Technica AT4060
List: $1,665
The M 160 is a hypercardioid, dynamic ribbon
mic that has two ribbons arranged one above
the other a half-millimeter apart. It’s got a
max SPL of 129dB and a frequency response
of 40Hz– 18 kHz. Its big, ribbony sound is
always a favorite for good reason.
The i5 is a dynamic, general-purpose mic with
a cardioid polar pattern. It has a frequency
response of 50Hz–16kHz and a max SPL of
140dB—so it can take it hard. It sounds like
a 57, but with additional presence and upper
mid clarity, and would make a great partner
with a MD 421 or Royer.
This is a large cardioid, vacuum tube condenser with a large, 2-micron-thick gold
diaphragm and separate power supply. It
features 20Hz–20kHz specs and can take up
to 131dB SPL, which is a lot for a tube mic.
While it may not be the best call by itself, it
would make a nice mic to put back around
3–4 feet for some additional room sound.
Coles 4038
List: N/A
Audio-Technica AT4047/SV
List: $745
AKG 414 B-ULS
List: $1349
The 4038 is a studio ribbon mic designed by
the BBC for broadcasting and recording. It’s bi-directional (figure- 8) with a frequency response
of 30Hz–15kHz and can take up to 125dB
SPL—although we had to move this back to 11
inches for breakup factor. Another classic ribbon sound with the softened highs and warm
overall tone, there’s no denying this one.
This good-looking condenser mic has a wide
frequency response of 20Hz–18kHz and the
ability to take up to 159dB SPL with the 10dB
pad in. There’s a switchable 80Hz hi-pass filter as well, and it features a gold plated dual-diaphragm capsule design. It captured both
crisp highs and a well-rounded bottom.
Wow, another classic. The 414 has five switchable polar patterns (omni, wide cardioid,
cardioid, hyper cardioid, figure- 8) and a large,
1-inch diaphragm. It’s got 20Hz–20kHz frequency response and a max SPL of up to 158
with -18dB of attenuation switched in. We set
it to cardioid, no pad. This mic cuts through a
mix well and has lots of attitude.
