Beyerdynamic M160 Ribbon Microphone

The Beyerdynamic M160 Ribbon Microphone is one of the indisputable legendary ribbon microphones of the classic rock era. The M160 Ribbon Microphone is perfect for miking string instruments and guitar amps.

It features excellent transmission qualities. Its hypercardioid polar pattern with a noise cancellation of 25 dB at 110° suppresses lateral sound reflections and external noise effectively. Therefore, the Beyerdynamic M160 Ribbon Microphone is an ideal for applications demanding the very best in recording and transmission technology. The compact and rugged construction allows the unobtrusive use on stage.

Beyerdynamic M160 Ribbon Microphone Features

For miking string instruments and guitar amps
Warm and natural sound
Hypercardiod polar pattern
Extended frequency response
Excellent transparency

Beyerdynamic M160 Ribbon Microphone Applications

Hi-Hat
Snare
String instruments
Piano
Saxophone
Acoustical guitar
MS-Stereophony (in conjunction with M130)

Beyerdynamic M160 Ribbon Microphone Specifications

Transducer Type: Dynamic
Operating Principle: Pressure Gradient
Frequency Response: 40 - 18,000 Hz
Polar Pattern: Hypercardioid
Rear Attenuation at 1 kHz: > 25 dB at 110°
Open Circuit Voltage at 1 kHz (0 dB = 1 V/Pa): 1.0 mV/Pa = -60 dBV
Nominal Impedance: 200 O
Load Impedance: = 1000 O
Diaphragm: Pure Aluminium
Case/Finish: Brass
Connector: XLR, 3-Pin, Male
Dimensions:
- Length: 156 mm
- Shaft Diameter: 23 mm
- Head Diameter: 38 mm
Weight Without Cable: 156 g

Beyerdynamic M160 Ribbon Microphone Includes

M160 Ribbon Microphone
MKV 8 Microphone Clamp
Owners Manual
2 Year Warranty

Beyerdynamic M160 Ribbon Microphone Downloads

What We Think

"The Beyerdynamic M160 is one of the indisputable legendary ribbon microphones of the classic rock era. Andy Johns made it famous when he ran a pair of these pointed down a hallway, through a pair of 1176 compressors and a Binson Echorec to capture John Bonham's kit for 'When The Levy Breaks'. It's also a rather famous microphone on guitar amps. I've found that the M160 is a little more forgiving due to it's more tamed low-frequency response than most 'big-ribbon' ribbon mics. Therefore, it works pretty well when pointed at an acoustic guitar if you're after what is reminiscent of a 'Stones' acoustic sound. It's one of those perfect microphones for helping digital to sound less-so by capturing the source with a little less zing - while retaining a very nice depth. The M160 is also really good for eliminating 'tiz' and that sizzly top end on guitar amps while keeping the sound less "huge" and fitting in the mix with a really nice frequency balance. In fact, the Beyer M160 has become one of my preferred electric guitar mics. This little mic certainly knows a thing or two about rock and roll, and can work wonders for a number of other instruments than just guitar and drums and other styles of music as well. And the M160 will definitely work wonders on horns and on strings. Give it a shot. It's really one of those microphones that you really just have to have one or two of if you're serious about your mic locker."

Front End Audio

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3 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews

5
Wow...

Chuck Hutcheson

Oct 19th 2017

If you are a sax player and want a contemporary sound, this is the mic to have. Not to mention how well it works on so many other sources - guitar cabs, percussion, drum overheads, certain acoustic instruments, you name it. Seriously, I did some tracking on my tenor sax (I'm a somewhat gritty and forward player) and didn't need to compress or EQ at all, as the track just sat in the mix and sounded "professional". Running through a good pre always helps, as I run through an AEA ribbon preamp. I've used it this mic on vocals, individual snare drum, and other sources, and it just works well. I would have no problem purchasing this mic for a good mic locker, and am seriously considering getting another.
5
New favorite mic

Stephen Trageser

Jul 19th 2011

Solid choice for drum overheads where you need that softer ribbon character but don't want them too dark. With the right preamp, has excellent focus without being clinical. Haven't used on guitar cab myself, but very impressed with others' results for that application.
5
Satisfied customer

Jim Tollefsrud

Feb 6th 2011

Eddie Kramer knows his stuff. Solid lows, punchy mids, handles spl's a foot off a Marshall cab very nicely for a ribbon. Wonderful as an OH or room mic. Likely will get another soon.