Audio-Technica have added to the growing re-introduction of ribbon microphones to the sound engineer's practical armoury. Practical? For decades audiophiles have agreed that ribbon mics offer superlative sound quality, but the devices have been so fragile that their use has been restricted to recording and broadcast studios — until recently, that is, when advances in materials and manufacturing have enabled a handful of specialists to let the ribbon mic escape into the wider world of live sound.
Audio-Technica's AT4080 ribbon mic:rophoneAudio-Technica's contributions are the AT4080 and AT4081, which have no fewer than 18 patents pending on various elements of their design. Said to be created from the ground up, Audio-Technica say the AT4080 and AT4081 "convincingly solve the problems of fragility and low output that have traditionally plagued ribbon mics, in part through the use of a proprietary MicroLinear ribbon imprint for excellent durability".
The AT4080 features dual-ribbon construction for pronounced sensitivity, while the single-ribbon AT4081 is of a low-profile 'stick' design to allow for flexible positioning options. A significant degree of hand production, including ribbon corrugation, imprint and assembly, is involved in the construction of the new mics.
While ensuring increased ruggedness, A-T say the design of the new microphones also retains the sought-after ribbon mic tonal character. "Both the AT4080 and AT4081 deliver smooth, articulate tone for recording, broadcast and sound reinforcement applications, with powerful N50 rare-earth neodymium magnets employed for high output. A classic figure-of-eight polar pattern is common to both phantom-powered models, as is the ability to handle high SPLs, making them suitable for a wider range of situations than is typical of ribbon microphones."
As part of the 40 Series, the AT4080 and AT4081 are covered by Audio-Technica's lifetime warranty, and also qualify for a free two-week trial under the company's First Impressions scheme.
Expect prices around £909 for the AT4080 and a mere £705 for the AT4081.
Audio-Technica +44 (0)1132 771441.
