Ocean Way’s High-performance Modern Ribbon Microphone
The Ocean Way Audio RM1-B is a no-compromise bidirectional ribbon mic that provides ultra-high-fidelity sound capture with vanishingly low noise. Its predecessor, the RM1, has become a popular mic for vocals and symphonic recordings. Now OWA raises the bar with the RM1-B, a completely reimagined active design that addresses the shortcomings of large-element passive ribbon mics — namely, low sensitivity, dark spectral output, and pop proneness. With its high output, velvety upper octave presence, and robust plosive resistance, the Ocean Way Audio RM1-B takes the modern ribbon microphone to the next level of performance and ease of use.
Related Videos: RM1-B Active Ribbon Microphone
Consistent results for more efficient sessions
Designed by pro audio transducer inventor and technologist Cliff Henricksen, the RM1-B is very easy to use, enabling faithful recordings with a minimum of downstream processing. As the RM1-B provides expectedly consistent results, your sessions will run more efficiently. And at Sweetwater, that’s something we can all get behind! The RM1-B is ideal for vocals (12"–18" is a good working range free from proximity effect) and most instruments, with the exception of nearfield kick drums and bass guitar cabinets, the high-decibel low frequencies of which could harm the ribbon element.
Noise-free sonic purity
The RM1-B’s ribbon diaphragm is made from ultra-thin aluminum. It vibrates in a highly intensified neodymium magnetic field, generating unusually high output. The diaphragm’s output is then amplified by a meticulously engineered and artfully voiced audiophile-grade, ultra-low-noise phantom-powered preamplifier. This combination gives you a true plug-and-play microphone that rarely needs EQ, even in a thick arrangement. Integration of OWA’s SuperQuiet technology ensures noise-free sonic purity.
Artful high-end design
Did we mention how gorgeous the RM1-B is? Its tastefully elegant, form-follows-function design includes aluminum case components that are matte-surfaced as part of the manufacturing process and finished with a hard-anodize outer coating. The grille with integrated pop filter is formed in a graceful geometric shape. It all adds up to an irresistible package. Every studio needs at least one high-quality ribbon mic.
Ocean Way: a legacy of unerring sonic quality
In 1976, 5-time Grammy-winning recording engineer/producer Allen Sides started leasing the former United Western Studios in Hollywood, originally built in 1952 by legendary engineer/audio designer Bill Putnam. In 1988 he purchased the property and changed the name to Ocean Way Recording, and he also added Record One in Sherman Oaks to the Ocean Way family. In 1997 he opened Ocean Way Nashville on Music Row. Over the years, Sides personally worked on over 1,000 albums by top artists like Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, Eric Clapton, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Phil Collins, and Alanis Morissette; and it is estimated that albums recorded in Mr. Sides’s studios have sold in excess of one billion copies. Housed in a 16,000 square-foot beachfront villa at the exclusive Eden Rock Resort on the Caribbean island paradise of Saint Barthélemy, Ocean Way St. Barths was created to provide the ultimate creative environment for this level of clientele.
Mr. Sides, who has been building audiophile speakers since he was a teenager, designed the unerringly accurate monitors used in all his control rooms and provided custom designs for many of his clients’ studios. The Ocean Way brand had become synonymous with uncompromising sonic quality, and Ocean Way Audio was the next logical step, enabling studios of all sizes to avail themselves of this remarkable technology. Elevate your studio to world class with Ocean Way Audio monitors and mics.
Ocean Way Audio RM1-B Ribbon Microphone Features:
- High-intensity NeO-powered magnet Super Circuit provides 6dB more level
- Audiophile-grade 1st-stage preamp with all-discrete circuit
- Ultra-low-noise phantom-powered preamplification
- Output level comparable to quietest condenser mics
- Figure-8 polar pattern with natural full-bandwidth sound within both directions
- Redesigned outer perimeter clad in archival stainless steel
- Knurled cylinder knobs for superior hand torque
- Laser-etched jet-black lettering on stainless steel
- Output: ~ -38dB balanced for 1Pa (94dB SPL), 20Hz–20kHz
- Preamp requires 48-volt phantom power via XLR connector, draws ~ 8mA (4mA/side)
- 24" Gotham GAC3 cable with integral strain relief and gold-plated Neutrik XLRM
- Includes yoke mount and waterproof, airtight Pelican case for safe transportation and storage
