Good budget ribbon mics

[Whoops]

The Coles 4038, originally designed by the BBC in the '50s is still the best ribbon out there.

The Coles/STC 4038 is a great Ribbon microphone, it's not Best or Worst than most of the good stuff out there, it's very good like others are very good and all of them are useful.

 

[miczone]

Re: AEA R84 vs Royer 120- much larger ribbon in the AEA and cinemag xfmer. bigger wider band width. if i had to choose between the two, id go AEA all day as i find them way more useful.

i have a re ribboned mxl r40 that sounds pretty great-will probably switch out the iron to compare the differences.

I don't want to hijack the thread, but I have a quick note on the MXL R40. I modded an R144, which I think is a later version of the R40. I removed the inner screen from the headbasket, and it really improved the high end. I replaced the original xfmr with a Cinemag, and that improved the sound as well, but not as much as removing the inner screen.

 

[Rusan]

i have a re ribboned mxl r40 that sounds pretty great-will probably switch out the iron to compare the differences.

I don't want to hijack the thread, but I have a quick note on the MXL R40. I modded an R144, which I think is a later version of the R40. I removed the inner screen from the headbasket, and it really improved the high end. I replaced the original xfmr with a Cinemag, and that improved the sound as well, but not as much as removing the inner screen.

I'll second miczone's post. I bought an R40 used for cheap, then re-ribboned it with 1.8 micron foil, removed the inner headbasket screen, and installed an amorphous core Mesanovic toroidal transformer. It's an incredible sounding mic, especially for less than $200 total.

 

[cfanzalone]

I've had tremendous success (5 total over the years) with an Apex 210's AND 210 B's modified by Stephen Sank (Talking Dog Transducer)...NOS RCA ribbon material and Cinemag tranny...beats all others (no names)...Phenomenal mic!!
NO, I don't work for him...just a very satisfied customer and willing to help with my experience...

 

[HerbertR]

I upgraded with Lundahl LL2912 Ribbon Mic Transformers with amorphous core the Nohype LRM 2B mics. Personally, I would absolutely buy these mics directly with Lundahl option. You won't really save any money doing this in hindsight. And for those who already have the standard version: do this simple Lundahl upgrade or let Nohype upgrade them.... Standard TX is not bad, but Lundahls deliver exactly the sound I expected. Definitely better defined character, clear bass. Amazingly decent treble. Definitely a great upgrade. One thing I can say for now after a few days... Hammer....