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When I was working on my Music Production and Engineering degree at Berklee College of Music, students had a certain awe and reverence associated with ribbon mics. They were so delicate, so specialized, so...mysterious. You literally couldn't check one out of the mic closet without first undergoing training and filling out paperwork. Back then, I never bothered. They seemed both antiquated and too fussy. That was then...

The ribbon microphone, also known as a ribbon velocity microphone, is a type of microphone that uses a thin ribbon of metal suspended between two poles of a magnet to convert sound waves into electrical signals. But enough with the technical jargon, let's dive into the fascinating history of the ribbon microphone!

It all started in the 1920s, when the first ribbon microphones were developed. These early ribbon microphones were a hit in the recording industry due to their ability to produce high-quality sound recordings. They were often used to record the smooth, velvety voices of the era's jazz and big band singers.

But the ribbon microphone's reign didn't go unchallenged. In the 1930s, dynamic microphones began to gain popularity. These microphones used a diaphragm attached to a coil of wire to convert sound waves into electrical signals, and they were prized for their durability and low cost. However, many audio professionals still preferred the superior sound quality of the ribbon microphone.

Enter Western Electric, a telecommunications company that decided to give the ribbon microphone a much-needed upgrade. In the 1930s, they developed a new type of ribbon microphone that used a corrugated ribbon instead of a flat ribbon. This new design allowed the microphone to be more sensitive to sound waves and produce even higher-quality recordings. It was like giving the ribbon microphone a megaphone - suddenly, its sound was even more vibrant and dynamic.

The use of ribbon microphones continued to grow throughout the 20th century, and they remained a popular choice among audio engineers and recording professionals. They were used to record everything from intimate jazz club performances to the loudest rock concerts. In fact, many musicians and audio professionals still swear by the unique sound of the ribbon microphone.

But the ribbon microphone's journey didn't stop there. In the 21st century, advances in technology have led to the development of new types of ribbon microphones. These new microphones are more durable, more sensitive, and more versatile than ever before. They can be used to record a wide range of instruments and vocal styles, from the softest acoustic guitar to the most aggressive electric guitar.

While ribbon microphones are often though of as boutique mics that are both difficult to work with and expensive, there are quite a few affordable options available. For example, MXL makes the R144 HE Heritage Edition Ribbon Microphone at around $130. Apex makes the 210B, which retails for around $160. And sE Electronics makes the X1 Series Ribbon Microphone, which goes for about $230.

These humble microphones may not have the flashy looks of their dynamic and condenser counterparts, but they have a rich history and a timeless sound that continues to captivate audio professionals and music lovers alike. I wish I'd taken the time to get to know them back in my Berklee days, but I'm glad I finally discovered the wonders of ribbon mics.