So far we have talked about condenser microphones, we have compared some of them, we have got an idea of their use, of their peculiar characteristics; this time we tested three ribbon microphones: Royer R121, sE electronics Voodoo VR2, sE electronics X1R.
The test was done on an acoustic guitar.
Obviously, however reliable a test may be, it is still subject to some variables such as the characteristics of the instrument, the positioning of the microphone with respect to the instrument itself, personal taste, the environment and other factors ... but these problems are normally encountered every time it takes place. such an experiment. Before starting with the results it would be appropriate to introduce, for those unfamiliar with it, this transducer: The ribbon microphone is a particular variant of dynamic microphone in which the moving element, the diaphragm, is a metal ribbon. The diaphragm construction makes the microphone more sensitive to low frequencies and less sensitive to high frequencies giving it a warm and rounded sound. Generally these are very delicate microphones, so they must be handled with care and for the same reason it is not advisable to use them in live contexts as too high sound sources close to it could damage it.
Il ribbon microphone finds effective application on various instruments such as the battery, electric guitars, acoustic or voice is sung, is spoken or again for the resumption of wind instruments at an adequate distance. However, we must consider that the continuous technological progress has made it possible to produce models robust enough to be used even in live situations.
Test results
Il Royer R121 it is a passive ribbon microphone that has perhaps its greatest strength in versatility. It is a microphone that adapts well to different shooting situations in the studio and has good sound management as it can withstand up to 135dB @ 20Hz of SPL as stated by the manufacturer. It can be used to film a choir, a male or female voice, an electric guitar, a wind instrument and in most cases it seems to be perfectly balanced to be in a mix especially if we are talking about consumer music and less suitable. in acoustic contexts such as "voice and guitar" where the sound is too thin compared to VR2 but still defined and very sweet in the mid and high frequencies. It has a slight peak response as well as on the low frequencies also on the frequencies ranging from 1.5KHZ e 7KHZ. This characteristic stands out especially at the beginning of the test, on the acoustic arpeggio. The output level of the R 121 is high when compared to microphones of the same category.
Voodoo VR2 it is an active ribbon microphone so it requires phantom power. Probably less versatile than the Royer R121 it is a more robust sounding microphone, less rounded than the Royer R121 and generally more "aggressive". Need some equalization when the sound source is too close. If you are looking for a sound that is not too soft on the highs but still retains the typical characteristics of a ribbon microphone then the Voodoo VR2 is for you because it is built according to a more modern concept and can also be used in those situations where you would use a classic condenser microphone. These characteristics make the VR2 a microphone with its own personality and for this reason, as I said, it is less versatile. I find it very suitable in acoustic situations such as for the reprise of an acoustic guitar in a drum, bass and guitar formation. X1R is a passive ribbon microphone with a low enough output signal so it needs a good preamp in order to get a satisfactory signal-to-noise ratio. Like its peers this mic also has a figure-8 polar pattern and like the Voodoo VR2 it needs a bit of bass eq in some cases when used very closely.
The X1R it can prove to be an excellent alternative to a condenser microphone, especially if we consider that there is a perceptible attenuation of the nasal frequencies typical of a cardioid pattern. Probably of the three microphones it is the one with the most transparent response of all, to which is added an excellent versatility and an optimal quality-price ratio.
By clicking on the links you can listen to the files in high definition (24bit/48Khz) in order to better appreciate the nuances of the sound.
USEFUL NEWS
Guitarist: Vincenzo Granato
Microphones: Royer R121, sE electronics Voodoo VR2, sE electronics X1R.
preamp: API 512c
Sound technician: Giorgio Durantino / Francesco Guarnaccia
Recording studio: www.thectrlroom.it
