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Ribbon Microphone

By Joe Shambro, About.com

Definition: In recording, a ribbon microphone is a special kind of microphone designed around a stretched ribbon of metal film mounted within a magnet. Ribbon microphones are some of the oldest designs for microphones, and are very popular for their smooth sound.

While some ribbon microphones are incredibly expensive (with a sound that matches the high price tag), many ribbon microphones are available cheaply. They're also the basis for many self- and professionally-done modifications, as ribbon microphones are very electronically simple.

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