Melodium 42Bn Ribbon Microphones (Matched Pair)

Melodium

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Product Code: 3696
$5,998.00
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The Melodium 42Bn Ribbon Microphone is a faithful revival of the iconic 1940's Melodium 42B ribbon microphone that was originally built by Charles Boutelleau and Emile Furn, in Paris France. This pair of 42Bn's are is factory matched giving you two identical microphones for your stereo recording applications.

The Melodium 42Bn Ribbon Microphone (the “n” is for “new”) is based on the same magnet technology (as the original the Melodium 42B), with the enhancement of an improved motor, an overall improved mechanical construction, a custom-wound transformer (allowing for a higher output impedance), and a classic XLR connector. The original Melodium microphone, made from the late ’40s until the late ’60s, had an advantage thanks to its ribbon being one of the largest ever made. Surrounded by 4 massive AlNiCo magnets, it delivered a smooth and warm sound through a specific step-up transformer, which was designed to change the impedance but also act as a passive filter. Kerwax/Melodium has remove the passive filter system in the new 42Bn, as it is not needed for today's modern studio environment. As a result, the Melodium 42Bn is the true successor of the original 42B, thanks to the use of a very large ribbon and AlNiCo 600 magnets, which allow it to keep its characteristic sound while avoiding the overboosted sounds of some microphones using neodymium technology. Modern improvements allow it to find its place in any contemporary studio configuration.

These microphones are handmade with old-world metal casting of the yoke, and traditional machine pressing of the mics body/grill - meaning there will be natural marks from manufacturing. This lends to the industrial style and feel of each individual microphone. Stylistically, this is one of the more unique microphones we’ve had here at Front End Audio. The workmanship is truly impressive!

Melodium 42Bn Ribbon Microphone Features

  • The largest ribbon microphone ever made, recreated for the 21st century.
  • Original magnet technology using 4 x AlNiCo 600 magnets, creating a closed magnetic loop that provides a warm, smooth, and organic sound, like the original one.
  • A vintage aesthetic combined with modern improvements designed with classic and modern studio needs in mind.
  • Designed and 100% handbuilt in France using ecologically sustainable practices and locally sourced parts.
  • Less than 1% plastic, 100% recyclable.

Melodium 42Bn Ribbon Microphone Specifications

  • Principle: ribbon velocity
  • Polar pattern: figure of 8
  • Ribbon: pure aluminum 2.5 µm
  • Magnets: AlNiCo 600
  • Magnetic field strength: 4400 Gauss
  • Sensitivity: -50dBV @1kHz re 1Pa, open circuit
  • Output impedance: 300 Ohms
  • Connector: XLR-3M
  • Dimensions: 320 x 140 x 50 mm (12 x 5.5 x 2 inches)
  • Weight: 2.7kg (4.4 lbs)

Melodium 42Bn Ribbon Microphone Includes

  • 2x 42Bn Ribbon Microphone
  • 2x Wood Box
  • 2x Chart/Paper Work
  • 2x One Year Warranty

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What We Think

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The Melodium 42Bn is one of those microphones that makes an impression before you ever plug it in. The craftsmanship alone stops you in your tracks. While handling it in the studio, it’s immediately obvious this is a traditionally built microphone — cast yoke, machine-pressed body and grill, and an unmistakable old-world look and feel that’s refreshing in a modern sea of lightweight designs. Pick it up and there’s no question: this thing is a beast. Solid, heavy, and unapologetically serious. Definitely grab a proper stand for it — this is Latch Lake territory. Of course, looks and build only get you so far. Fortunately, the Melodium 42Bn delivers in the one place that really matters: sound. Putting it up on a source, the tone is simply gorgeous. The best way we can describe it is like taking reality, dipping it in chocolate, and wrapping it in velvet. It’s real, rich, smooth, and warm — the kind of sound that immediately feels finished and musical. There’s depth, weight, and an effortless softness that never feels dull or slow. This is a microphone with true character and undeniable magic. It’s not subtle about what it is, and it doesn’t need to be. The Melodium 42Bn is one of those mics you don’t just hear — you feel it. And once you do, it’s hard not to appreciate just how special it really is.

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