What are the most portable ribbon microphones available?
This page compares 5 ribbon microphones with verified specifications and prices. Top options include Golden Age Project R1 ST, sE Electronics VR1 Voodoo, Golden Age Project R1 Active MKIII. Prices range from £164 to £906. All data is sourced from manufacturer documentation and specialist retailers.
| Product ⇅ | Price ⇅ | Frequency Response (Hz) ⇅ | Sensitivity (mV/Pa) ⇅ | Impedance (ohms) ⇅ | Polar Pattern ⇅ | Diaphragm Size (inches) ⇅ | Ribbon Material ⇅ |
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Golden Age Project R1 ST
US
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£394.29 ≈ | 30 Hz - 18 kHz +/- 3 dB | -52 dB (2.51 mV/Pa) at 1 kHz | 600 Ohms | Figure-8 | 50 mm | Aluminium |
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The R1 ST is a passive stereo ribbon microphone with two transformer-balanced ribbon elements arranged in a Blumlein configuration. It suits studios recording vocals, acoustic instruments, ensembles, drums, and room sound, and can also be used as a mono microphone. ★ Ideal forIt is relatively portable for a stereo ribbon microphone because it includes a detachable cable, splitter box, shock mount, soft case, and hard carrying case, although its 70 x 330 mm body and 4.56 kg listed weight make it less portable than compact mono ribbon microphones.
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sE Electronics VR1 Voodoo
US
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£221.19 ≈ | 20 Hz - 18 kHz | 1.78 mV/Pa (-55 dB) | 300 Ohms | Figure-8 | 2.5 µm | Aluminum |
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The VR1 Voodoo is a passive ribbon microphone with a hand-tensioned aluminum ribbon, figure-8 pickup pattern, and extended 20 Hz - 18 kHz response. It suits recording engineers and musicians capturing loud sources such as guitar cabinets, drums, brass, and acoustic instruments. ★ Ideal forIts compact 230 g body and 127 mm length make the VR1 Voodoo relatively portable, while its passive design, 135 dB maximum SPL, and figure-8 pattern suit mobile recording of loud sources.
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Golden Age Project R1 Active MKIII
US
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£164.23 ≈ | 30 Hz to 18 kHz | -40 dB (0 dB=1V/Pa) @ 1 kHz | 50 Ohm balanced | Figure-8 | 50 x 5 mm | Pure aluminum, 2 um thick |
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The R1 Active MKIII is an active ribbon microphone with a smooth high end, extended low end, and higher output from its bipolar/FET amplifier. Its figure-8 pattern, 48V phantom-power operation, 150 dB SPL handling, and included carry case make it suitable for studio vocals, guitars, strings, horns, and other acoustic sources. ★ Ideal forIt suits portable ribbon-microphone use because its 850 g weight, 69 x 185 mm dimensions, included soft transport case, active circuitry, and ability to work with standard 48V phantom-powered preamps make it practical to carry and set up.
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AEA N8 NUVO
US
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£906.20 ≈ | <20 Hz to >20 kHz | 8.3 mV/Pa at 1 kHz | 92 ohm | Bidirectional figure-eight | 4.7 mm x 59.7 mm | Pure corrugated aluminum |
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The AEA N8 NUVO is an active far-field ribbon microphone with a bidirectional figure-eight pattern, extended frequency response, and 141 dB SPL handling. Its compact 335 g design and phantom-powered electronics suit studio, live, room, drum overhead, piano, string, and ensemble recording. ★ Ideal forThe AEA N8 NUVO suits portable ribbon microphone use because it weighs only 335 g, has a compact NUVO design, includes a carrying case, and its active electronics work with a wide range of preamps and audio interfaces.
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Mesanovic Model 2 Passive Ribbon Mic - Stainless Steel
US
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£702.03 ≈ | 20 Hz-20 kHz and beyond | -53.2 dB (2.2 mV/Pa) | 250 Ohms | Bidirectional | 2 in long x 0.23 in wide | Pure Aluminum |
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The Mesanovic Model 2 is a handcrafted passive ribbon microphone with an extended high-frequency response, flat low end to 20 Hz, and low-noise toroidal transformer. Its stainless steel construction and detailed, smooth sound suit vocals, guitar, drums, strings, brass, and piano in professional studio settings. ★ Ideal forIt suits portable ribbon-microphone use with its slim 1.25 in diameter body, 340 g weight, and included protective pouch, while its extended 20 Hz-20 kHz and beyond response provides versatile studio performance.
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