Competition : Buy a Pair of HDV-1 valve mics for the price of a single microphone
The best humourous answerthat makes us laugh/smile the most, wins.
HDV-1
This valve microphone is recommended universally with its 32MM golden diaphram capsule. Used for recording vocals, brass, acoustic guitars, guitar amps, double bass, overheads (see website for quotes and endorsements).
A very versatile wide-diaphragm microphone. The HDV-1 offers a slight boost in the higher frequencies to cut through the mix.
A perfect compliment to the HDR-1. This is a robust and universally applicable microphone.
Specifications
Frequency Range: 20Hz-- 20kHz
Multi-polar Cardioid, Omni, Figure 8 (and interstages) : Max SPL: 134dB for 0.5% THD
HDR-1
This ribbon microphone is recommended for e.g. nylon strings, room mics, overheads, a darker mic on guitar cabs, in front of a kick drum (handles high SPL pressure unlike older vintage ribbon mics), double bass, horns, vintage vocals (BBC radio), acoustic instruments etc. The double ribbon delivers a close, warm and unique reproduction concentrating on the mid to low frequencies. (see website for quotes and endorsements). Higher frequencies can be boosted as required using a quality eq.
A perfect compliment to the HDV-1.
NOTE : Always use a pop shield and avoid shocks and blows to the HDR-1. Ribbons are VERY fragile. Store in upright position.
DO NOT USE PHANTOM POWER ON YOUR HDR-1
Specifications:
Dual 2 microns thick ribbons
Polar pattern is fig. 8
Frequency Response is 30 ~18KHz (±3dB)
Recommended load impedance is 1000 Ohms
Max.SPL (1%THD @ 1000Hz ) is 165dB
A ribbon microphone is a type of dynamic microphone that uses a thin aluminum or duralum ribbon placed between the poles of a magnet to generate voltages by electromagnetic induction. Ribbon microphones are typically bidirectional, meaning they pick up sounds equally well from either side of the microphone.
In the dynamic microphone, the diaphragm is attached to a light movable coil that generates a voltage as it moves back and forth between the poles of a permanent magnet.
In ribbon microphones, a current is induced at right angles to both the ribbon velocity and magnetic field direction. As the sound wave causes the ribbon to move, the induced current in the ribbon is proportional to the particle velocity in the sound wave. The voltage output of older ribbon microphones is typically quite low compared to a dynamic moving coil microphone and a step-up transformer is used to increase the voltage output and increase the output impedance. Modern ribbon microphones do not suffer from this problem due to improved magnets and more efficient transformers, and have output levels that can exceed typical stage dynamic microphones.
Ribbon microphones have usually been delicate and expensive, but modern materials make present-day ribbon microphones durable enough for loud rock music and stage use. They are prized for their sound reproduction comparing very favorably with condenser microphones, which can often sound subjectively "aggressive" or "brittle" in the high end of the frequency spectrum.
Due to their bidirectional pickup pattern, ribbon microphones are often used in pairs to produce the Blumlein Pair recording array. One of the first ribbon microphones was the RCA PB-31. Produced in 1931, it was a breakthrough technology in sound, and revolutionized the recording and broadcast industry, setting a new standard in frequency response. The clarity and realism were unmatched by any of the condenser microphones of its day.
As many mixers are equipped with Phantom Power in order to enable the use of condenser microphones, care should be taken when using condenser and ribbon microphones at the same time. If the ribbon microphone is improperly wired, which is not unheard of with older microphones, this capacity can damage or destroy a ribbon microphone.
ALWAYS USE A POP SHIELD
Store the microphone upright only, and avoid blasts of air of any kind.
