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Photo of Royer R-121 Studio Ribbon Microphone

Royer R-121 Studio Ribbon Microphone

Dynamic Ribbon Microphone with Figure-8 Polar Pattern; Includes Wooden Presentation Box - Nickel
$1,599.00
Or $45.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Bundle Savings Available!
Rated 4.9/5 Stars (39)
In Stock
Photo of Beyerdynamic M 160 Double Ribbon Microphone
$100.00 Off!

Beyerdynamic M 160 Double Ribbon Microphone

Double-ribbon Microphone with Hypercardioid Polar Pattern
$949.99
Or $27.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Rated 4.8/5 Stars (20)
In Stock
Photo of sE Electronics VR2 Active Ribbon Microphone

sE Electronics VR2 Active Ribbon Microphone

Active Ribbon Figure-8 Microphone with Shockmount
$519.00
Or $11.00/month§ with
48 month financing*
Bundle Savings Available!
Rated 4.8/5 Stars (15)
In Stock
Photo of Royer R-10 Ribbon Microphone

Royer R-10 Ribbon Microphone

Dynamic Ribbon Microphone with Figure-8 Polar Pattern
$649.00
Or $19.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Bundle Savings Available!
Rated 4.8/5 Stars (43)
In Stock
Photo of AEA R88A Active Ribbon Microphone

AEA R88A Active Ribbon Microphone

Active Stereo Ribbon Mic with Storage Case, Swivel Adapter, and Custom Protective Mic Sleeve
$2,799.00
Or $78.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Bundle Savings Available!
Rated 5.0/5 Stars (11)
In Stock
Only 2 Left
Photo of MXL R144 Ribbon Microphone

MXL R144 Ribbon Microphone

Ribbon Microphone with Figure-8 Polar Pattern
$129.95
6 Month Special Financing Available‡
Learn More
Bundle Savings Available!
Rated 4.6/5 Stars (16)
In Stock
Photo of Warm Audio WA-44 Studio Ribbon Microphone

Warm Audio WA-44 Studio Ribbon Microphone

Ribbon Microphone with 2.5-micron Ribbon, Figure-8 Polar Pattern, 20Hz-20kHz Frequency Response, and 140dB Max SPL
$999.00
Or $21.00/month§ with
48 month financing*
Bundle Savings Available! Certified Open Box available for $899.10
Rated 4.9/5 Stars (8)
In Stock
Only 5 Left
Photo of sE Electronics VR1 Passive Ribbon Microphone

sE Electronics VR1 Passive Ribbon Microphone

Passive Ribbon Figure-8 Microphone with Shockmount
$409.00
Or $12.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Bundle Savings Available!
Rated 4.6/5 Stars (32)
In Stock
Photo of Royer R-121 Studio Ribbon Microphone with RSM-SS1 Sling-Shock Microphone Shockmount

Royer R-121 Studio Ribbon Microphone with RSM-SS1 Sling-Shock Microphone Shockmount

Dynamic Ribbon Microphone with Figure-8 Polar Pattern, Microphone Shockmount, and Wooden Presentation Box - Nickel
$1,748.00
Or $49.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
In Stock
Only 5 Left
Photo of Golden Age Project R2 MKII Ribbon Microphone
$36.00 Off!

Golden Age Project R2 MKII Ribbon Microphone

Ribbon Microphone with Figure-8 Polar Pattern
$143.00
6 Month Special Financing Available‡
Learn More
Rated 4.6/5 Stars (8)
In Stock
Photo of AEA KU5A Supercardioid Ribbon Microphone

AEA KU5A Supercardioid Ribbon Microphone

Ribbon Microphone with Supercardioid Polar Pattern and Active Electronics
$1,599.00
Or $45.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Bundle Savings Available!
Rated 4.9/5 Stars (25)
In Stock
Photo of Royer R-10 Ribbon Microphone - Matched Pair

Royer R-10 Ribbon Microphone - Matched Pair

Dynamic Ribbon Microphone with Figure-8 Polar Pattern - Matched Pair
$1,298.00
Or $37.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Bundle Savings Available!
Rated 4.9/5 Stars (7)
In Stock
Only 6 Left
Photo of Pinnacle Microphones Fat Top Ribbon Microphone - Brown

Pinnacle Microphones Fat Top Ribbon Microphone - Brown

Ribbon Microphone with Shockmount, Carrying Pouch, and Flight Case - Brown
$330.00
Or $55.00 suggested monthly payment§ with 6 month‡ special financing
Rated 5.0/5 Stars (1)
In Stock
Photo of AEA R84A Active Ribbon Microphone

AEA R84A Active Ribbon Microphone

Large-diaphragm Powered Ribbon Microphone with 141dB SPL Handling, 20Hz-20kHz Frequency Response, and High Output
$1,599.00
Or $45.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Bundle Savings Available!
Rated 5.0/5 Stars (14)
In Stock
Only 1 Left
Photo of Golden Age Project R1 Active MKIII Ribbon Microphone

Golden Age Project R1 Active MKIII Ribbon Microphone

Active Ribbon Figure-8 Microphone with FET Buffer Amp, 10dB Pad, and Highpass Filter
$229.00
Or $39.00 suggested monthly payment§ with 6 month‡ special financing
Bundle Savings Available!
Rated 4.9/5 Stars (39)
Photo of Golden Age Project R1 MKII Ribbon Microphone

Golden Age Project R1 MKII Ribbon Microphone

Passive Ribbon Microphone with Figure-8 Polar Pattern
$193.96
Or $33.00 suggested monthly payment§ with 6 month‡ special financing
Rated 4.4/5 Stars (24)
In Stock
Photo of AEA R84 Passive Ribbon Microphone

AEA R84 Passive Ribbon Microphone

Large Ribbon Studio Microphone w/Cable and Carrying Case
$1,299.00
Or $37.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Bundle Savings Available!
Rated 5.0/5 Stars (49)
In Stock
Only 1 Left
Photo of Royer R-122 MKII Active Ribbon Microphone with RSM-SS1 Sling-Shock Shockmount - Matched Pair

Royer R-122 MKII Active Ribbon Microphone with RSM-SS1 Sling-Shock Shockmount - Matched Pair

Matched Pair of Active Ribbon Microphones with 15dB Pad, Bass Roll-off Switch, and RSM-SS1 Sling-Shock Shockmounts
$4,296.00
Or $120.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Photo of Warm Audio WA-44 Studio Ribbon Microphone with Warm Lifter Preamp
$50 Bundle Savings

Warm Audio WA-44 Studio Ribbon Microphone with Warm Lifter Preamp

bon Microphone with 2.5-micron Ribbon, Figure-8 Polar Pattern, 20Hz-20kHz Frequency Response, 140dB Max SPL, and Inline Active Microphone Preamp
$1,098.00
Or $23.00/month§ with
48 month financing*
In Stock
Photo of AEA R88 MkII Stereo Ribbon Microphone

AEA R88 MkII Stereo Ribbon Microphone

Large Ribbon Stereo Microphone with Cable and Carrying Case
$2,399.00
Or $67.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Bundle Savings Available!
Rated 4.9/5 Stars (37)
In Stock
Photo of Royer R-121 Studio Ribbon Microphone with RSM-SS1 Sling-Shock Microphone Shockmount - Matched Pair

Royer R-121 Studio Ribbon Microphone with RSM-SS1 Sling-Shock Microphone Shockmount - Matched Pair

Matched Pair of Dynamic Ribbon Microphones with Figure-8 Polar Pattern, Microphone Shockmounts, and Wooden Presentation Boxes - Nickel
$3,496.00
Or $98.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
In Stock
Only 1 Left
Photo of AEA Nuvo N28 Active Blumlein Stereo Ribbon Microphone

AEA Nuvo N28 Active Blumlein Stereo Ribbon Microphone

Active Stereo Ribbon Figure-8 Microphone with Fixed Blumlein Matched Transducers and Lehle Output Transformers
$2,599.00
Or $73.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Rated 5.0/5 Stars (2)
In Stock
Only 2 Left
Photo of Warm Audio WA-FT Fen-tone Ribbon Microphone

Warm Audio WA-FT Fen-tone Ribbon Microphone

Active Ribbon Figure-8 Microphone with Selectable 26dB In-line Preamp and Custom CineMag USA Transformer
$649.00
Or $14.00/month§ with
48 month financing*
Bundle Savings Available!
Rated 4.5/5 Stars (1)
In Stock
Photo of AEA R44C Museum-quality Reproduction Ribbon Microphone

AEA R44C Museum-quality Reproduction Ribbon Microphone

Ribbon Figure-8 Microphone
$4,699.00
Or $131.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Rated 5.0/5 Stars (1)
Photo of AEA Nuvo N8 Ribbon Microphone - Stereo Kit
$379.90 Off!

AEA Nuvo N8 Ribbon Microphone - Stereo Kit

Stereo Kit with Matched Pair of AEA N8 Ribbon Microphones, Travel/Storage Case, Stereo Bar, 2 Windscreens, Mic Hanger, Blumlein Coupler, and Mounting Hardware
$2,519.10
Or $70.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Bundle Savings Available!
Rated 5.0/5 Stars (4)
Photo of Pinnacle Microphones Fat Top Ribbon Microphone Stereo Pair - Brown

Pinnacle Microphones Fat Top Ribbon Microphone Stereo Pair - Brown

Ribbon Microphone Stereo Pair with Shockmounts, Blumlein Bar, and Aluminum Case - Brown
$750.00
Or $21.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Rated 5.0/5 Stars (1)
In Stock
Only 2 Left
Photo of Shure KSM313/NE Dual-voice Ribbon Microphone

Shure KSM313/NE Dual-voice Ribbon Microphone

Dual-voice Ribbon Microphone with 30Hz-15kHz Frequency Response, Proprietary Ribbon Material, and 146dB SPL-handling
$1,429.00
Or $30.00/month§ with
48 month financing*
Bundle Savings Available!
Rated 4.7/5 Stars (13)
In Stock
Only 2 Left
Photo of sE Electronics Rupert Neve RNR1 Active Ribbon Microphone

sE Electronics Rupert Neve RNR1 Active Ribbon Microphone

Active Ribbon Figure-8 Microphone with Custom Rupert Neve-designed Transformers, Class-A Circuitry, and Low-cut Filter
$1,599.00
Or $34.00/month§ with
48 month financing*
Bundle Savings Available!
Rated 5.0/5 Stars (2)
In Stock
Only 1 Left
Photo of Warm Audio WA-FT Fen-tone Ribbon Microphone - Matched Pair

Warm Audio WA-FT Fen-tone Ribbon Microphone - Matched Pair

Active Ribbon Figure-8 Microphones with Selectable 26dB In-line Preamps and Custom CineMag USA Transformers - Matched Pair
$1,199.00
Or $25.00/month§ with
48 month financing*
Bundle Savings Available!
Rated 5.0/5 Stars (2)
In Stock
Photo of Royer R-12 Active Ribbon Microphone - Matched Pair

Royer R-12 Active Ribbon Microphone - Matched Pair

Active Ribbon Microphone with 15dB Pad and HPF - Matched Pair
$1,898.00
Or $53.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Bundles Available!
Rated 5.0/5 Stars (1)
Photo of Royer R-122V Vacuum Tube Ribbon Microphone

Royer R-122V Vacuum Tube Ribbon Microphone

Ribbon Microphone with Vacuum Tube Circuit and Military-grade Tube
$3,399.00
Or $95.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Rated 5.0/5 Stars (1)
Photo of AEA KU4 Ribbon Microphone

AEA KU4 Ribbon Microphone

Supercardioid Ribbon Microphone
$6,249.00
Or $174.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Certified Open Box available for $5,624.10
In Stock
Photo of Royer R-122 MKII Active Ribbon Microphone

Royer R-122 MKII Active Ribbon Microphone

Active Ribbon Microphone with 15dB Pad and Bass Roll-off Switch
$1,999.00
Or $56.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Bundle Savings Available!
Rated 4.9/5 Stars (6)
In Stock
Only 2 Left
Photo of Royer SF-24V Stereo Tube Ribbon Microphone

Royer SF-24V Stereo Tube Ribbon Microphone

Stereo Vacuum Tube Ribbon Microphone with External Power Supply and 7-pin Cable
$5,599.00
Or $156.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Certified Open Box available for $5,039.10
Rated 5.0/5 Stars (2)
In Stock
Photo of AEA Nuvo N22 Active Ribbon Microphone
$119.90 Off!

AEA Nuvo N22 Active Ribbon Microphone

Active Ribbon Microphone with 2.35" Ribbon, Figure-8 Polar Pattern, Custom German-made Transformer, and Phantom Power
$1,079.10
Or $30.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Rated 5.0/5 Stars (25)
In Stock
Photo of sE Electronics X1R Ribbon Microphone

sE Electronics X1R Ribbon Microphone

Passive Ribbon Figure-8 Microphone with HF Extension Tech
$249.00
Or $42.00 suggested monthly payment§ with 6 month‡ special financing
Bundle Savings Available!
Rated 4.9/5 Stars (26)
In Stock
Photo of AEA R44CXE High Output Ribbon Microphone

AEA R44CXE High Output Ribbon Microphone

High-output Ribbon Mic with Vintage-style Appointments
$4,349.00
Or $121.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Rated 5.0/5 Stars (2)
Photo of Royer R-122 MKII Active Ribbon Microphone with RSM-SS1 Sling-Shock Shockmount

Royer R-122 MKII Active Ribbon Microphone with RSM-SS1 Sling-Shock Shockmount

Active Ribbon Microphone with 15dB Pad, Bass Roll-off Switch, and Shockmount
$2,148.00
Or $60.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Photo of Pinnacle Microphones Fat Top II Ribbon Microphone Stereo Pair with Lundahl Transformer - Brown

Pinnacle Microphones Fat Top II Ribbon Microphone Stereo Pair with Lundahl Transformer - Brown

Ribbon Microphone Stereo Pair with Lundahl Transformer, Shockmounts, Blumlein Bar, and Aluminum Case - Brown
$1,200.00
Or $34.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Photo of AEA KU4 Ribbon Microphone
Save $624.90

AEA KU4 Ribbon Microphone Certified Open Box

Supercardioid Ribbon Microphone
$5,624.10
Or $157.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
In Stock
Photo of AEA R44CE Ribbon Microphone

AEA R44CE Ribbon Microphone

Ribbon Figure-8 Microphone
$3,849.00
Or $107.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Rated 4.9/5 Stars (11)
Photo of Royer R-10 Ribbon Microphone and dBooster Pack

Royer R-10 Ribbon Microphone and dBooster Pack

Microphone Package with Royer R-10 Ribbon Microphone and dBooster In-line Signal Booster
$799.00
Or $23.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Rated 5.0/5 Stars (2)
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Ribbon Microphones: Vintage Magic, Modern Versatility


The ribbon microphone employs one of the oldest transducer designs in professional audio, yet it remains one of the most revered. Its magic lies in the ribbon element itself: an ultra-thin strip of metal suspended between magnets that responds to sound pressure in a way that is quite similar to the human ear. The result? Recordings that sound natural, warm, and incredibly detailed.


Though once considered fragile and prone to damage from movement or loud sources, many modern ribbon mics are far more robust and can handle higher sound pressure levels than ever before — from screaming stage stacks to silky-smooth studio vocals.


Ready to stake your claim in the sound made famous by producers like Steve Albini, Greg Wells, and Eddie Kramer? Read on for Sweetwater’s tips for choosing your next passive or active ribbon microphone.


How to Choose a Ribbon Mic


For decades, a high-quality ribbon mic was out of reach for anyone on a limited budget. Today, there are excellent options at nearly every price point. The real question is: which features matter most to your recording needs? Ribbon mics have a few unique characteristics worth knowing before you invest.


Polar Patterns


One interesting characteristic of the ribbon mic is that its normal polar pattern is figure-8. In other words, the ribbon element is suspended between two magnets, allowing it to pick up sound from both sides of the capsule. That said, today's ribbons are available in a variety of other patterns, such as cardioid, crossed figure-8 (shaped like a four-leaf clover), and multi-pattern. There are even several stereo versions that employ two elements in a single capsule.


Applications and SPL Handling


Most ribbon microphones can handle sources up to about 140dB SPL. This covers most applications in which you would be looking to achieve that airy, detailed sound, such as vocals, cello, and acoustic instruments. In recent years, ribbons have also become popular on guitar amps cranked into power-tube distortion. If that’s your goal, make sure you choose a model rated for higher max SPL (ideally 150dB or above) to ensure durability under high-volume conditions.


Stereo Ribbon Mics


A stereo ribbon mic can be a powerful addition to your studio. These dual-element options can be pure magic when placed in front of a large choir or string ensemble, or when used as a general room mic or drum kit overhead. Because many stereo ribbons use a 5-pin XLR connector, be sure you have the proper breakout cable to connect to your interface or preamp.


Find Your Next Ribbon Microphone at Sweetwater


With so many excellent models now available, choosing the right ribbon microphone comes down to your specific needs and preferences. If you’re weighing your options, give us a call. Our Sales Engineers know the ins and outs of every ribbon mic we carry, and we’ll help you match your feature wish list to the perfect microphone for your setup.

What are the most popular brands for Ribbon Microphones on Sweetwater.com?


What are the most popular Ribbon Microphones on Sweetwater.com?


  1. Royer R-121 Studio Ribbon Microphone

    39 reviews

    $1,599.00

  2. Beyerdynamic M 160 Double Ribbon Microphone

    20 reviews

    $949.99

  3. AEA R88A Active Ribbon Microphone

    11 reviews

    $2,799.00

  4. Royer R-10 Ribbon Microphone

    43 reviews

    $649.00

  5. AEA R84A Active Ribbon Microphone

    14 reviews

    $1,599.00

Why shop Ribbon Microphones at Sweetwater.com?


With a massive selection of Ribbon Microphones, free shipping, a free 2-year warranty, 24/7 access to award-winning support - and more - Sweetwater gives you more than any other retailer! If you have any questions about Ribbon Microphones, make sure to give your personal Sales Engineer a call at (800) 222-4700.