APEX 205 Ribbon Microphone

The APEX 205 Ribbon Microphone has been designed with today's direct-to-drive digital recording systems in mind. Its classic ribbon element delivers a warm tone and the most natural sound reproduction available from virtually any style of studio microphone.

Front End Audio has sold hundreds of Apex 205's over the years and hands down it is the best value in a budget friendly ribbon. If you are just getting into ribbons or just looking to add that ribbon sound to your recordings then give the 205 a try.

The APEX 205 Ribbon Microphone has been engineered to deliver incredibly open and natural sounding recordings available only from a classic ribbon microphone design. The active element of a ribbon microphone is a very thin corrugated aluminum ribbon mounted under low tension between the poles of a strong magnet. The low-tension 2-inch long, 2-micron thick aluminum ribbon used in the APEX 205 offers audio reproduction with smooth, natural extended low and high frequency response, yet handles extremely fast transients accurately. Although ribbon microphones are by their nature extremely fragile, the APEX 205 can handle high sound pressure levels approaching 165dB range.

The asymmetrical figure-8 pickup pattern has an extended sweet spot on the rear face of the microphone allowing the recording to accurately reproduce the natural space and ambient reverberation of a good sounding live room.

APEX 205 Ribbon Microphone Features

Ribbon microphone design
Figure-8 polar pattern
Fast accurate transient response
No power supply required

APEX 205 Ribbon Microphone Specifications

Type: Large Element Ribbon
Ribbon Type: Pure Aluminum (2 Microns)
Frequency Response: 40Hz - 18kHz
Sensitivity: -55dB (0dB = 1V/Pa)
Impedance:
S/N: 70dB
Max SPL: 160dB
Connection: XLR-M
Dimensions: 6.5 x 2 in / 170 x 50.5 mm
Weight: 19 oz / 545 g

APEX 205 Ribbon Microphone Includes

APEX 205 Ribbon Microphone
Padded Deluxe Carry Bag

APEX 205 Ribbon Microphone Downloads

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24 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews

5
awesome mic, awesome price

Posted by chris shaughnessy on May 30th 2017

I don't care if they are Chinese, a great sounding ribbon mic for $100? I'm in, all day. Fast shipping to boot. I'll be a customer for a looooong time.
5
Apex 205 order

Posted by Maxwell Croy on Apr 6th 2017

Super quick order! I don't have the mic yet as I had it sent to be mod'd but very pleased with the service. Thank you!
4
Money Well Spent

Posted by Barry Breckinridge on Oct 17th 2016

Bought 2 of these to use primarily as overheads for home recording. I did the recommended mod removing the internal windscreens. No issue with ribbon sag...both ribbons looked to be tensioned properly so either quality control is up or I got lucky (based on lots of reviews). As for quality, they seem solid except for the mounting bracket are a bit chinsey. As for quality of sound, what can I say for a $100 mic? I think with good source sounds and a decent room you can get a very respectable recording. I got a nice solid image of my drum kit in a medium live room that has log walls and a vaulted ceiling. The woodiness of the room gave a warm somewhat dry sound but enough ambience that they had some life. While a bit "dark" as ribbon mics supposedly are I find the high end response smoother than my mid-semi-pro level Shure condenser mics. Plenty of low end information. I noted 1 mic had a 36k bump easily rectified with eq. For a project studio recording they are a steal.
4
Good sounding ribbon mic

Posted by Jim Cavalcante on Sep 13th 2016

This mic sounds very good for the price. It's kind of dark sounding in a good way with tight bass response very happy with this purchase.
5
Great mic... Amazing service

Posted by b goodkin on Feb 16th 2016

Couldn't be happier with the mic; however, I was really blown away by front end's service and extras... A nice long mic cable... A pop screen! I mean for a budget mic I got all this extra stuff??

Awesome!
5
Apex 205

Posted by Rob on Dec 15th 2015

I gave this an excellent rating because for the price it is a great value. With some very cheap modding (some of it free requiring time only) it can rival mic's that cost many times more. It is a microphone afterall. Why should a mic' cost thousands of dollars. The technology is old and there is not much to a ribbon microphone. Buy smart and read reviews. Google is your friend. God bless.
5
Great Service

Posted by Curtis McCormick on Nov 20th 2015

Item arrived when and as promised, works perfectly. I'm very happy and will glady buy from Front End Audio again in the future.
5
As advertised and quikly shipped.

Posted by Edward Graham on Oct 22nd 2015

So far I have not done any extensive testing so I will reserve my review till another time.
5
awesome service thanks

Posted by Mike Weston on Aug 14th 2015

Really competitive price - unbeatable actually. Delivery was very quick (I am in New Zealand) and I totally appreciate the extra trouble taken to pack a fragile ribbon mike in an oversized box surrounded by air bags.
Definitely a return customer