pixeltarian
Active member
pictures: http://jeffreyjamesmusic.110mb.com/ribbon/
I used the rickshaw records instructions and it went alright. the epoxy and model glue recommended didn't work at all. the chassis broke like 4 times. This is why you see that ugly black JB Weld all over. I used a handicapped-friendly bathroom rail for the housing and a flanged brass plumbing bolt I found at park supply for the bottom cover/xlr mount (which was way easier than using a step drill on an end cap). I have a clip recorded ("the lonesome death of haddie carol") that I'll post soon (the computer I use for recording has no internet). I could have been more precise on cutting parts, but it's very tricky to cut the plastic plating, it has a tendency to chip when you're cutting only 1/4" away from the edge, even if it's with a plexiglas cutting tool. So the top is a little wider than the bottom so I had to cut the ribbon to be a little narrower than 1/4" - but I really do like how the thing sounds. There was a lot of headaches and parts runs involved and I worked on it for about 40 hours in the course of 3 days. I was ready to call it quits the 3rd time the ribbon motor broke, but I'm really glad I finished because it sounds just wonderful. it's so full and saturated compared to my other mics, not crystal clear in the high register, but it's still something I'll use a lot on vocals for a neat vintage sound, and I wouldn't call it muffled by any means.
I used the rickshaw records instructions and it went alright. the epoxy and model glue recommended didn't work at all. the chassis broke like 4 times. This is why you see that ugly black JB Weld all over. I used a handicapped-friendly bathroom rail for the housing and a flanged brass plumbing bolt I found at park supply for the bottom cover/xlr mount (which was way easier than using a step drill on an end cap). I have a clip recorded ("the lonesome death of haddie carol") that I'll post soon (the computer I use for recording has no internet). I could have been more precise on cutting parts, but it's very tricky to cut the plastic plating, it has a tendency to chip when you're cutting only 1/4" away from the edge, even if it's with a plexiglas cutting tool. So the top is a little wider than the bottom so I had to cut the ribbon to be a little narrower than 1/4" - but I really do like how the thing sounds. There was a lot of headaches and parts runs involved and I worked on it for about 40 hours in the course of 3 days. I was ready to call it quits the 3rd time the ribbon motor broke, but I'm really glad I finished because it sounds just wonderful. it's so full and saturated compared to my other mics, not crystal clear in the high register, but it's still something I'll use a lot on vocals for a neat vintage sound, and I wouldn't call it muffled by any means.