AT4080 ribbon mic - Bang A Gong!
 

Hi,

Here's a link to a blog article I have running about using AT4080 ribbon mics for Blumlein recording.

Ty Ford Audio and Video: The Audio-Technica High Sensitivity AT 4080 Ribbon Mic

I just had Yoga Master Joe Roberson in to record one of his gongs. Gongs are not easy to record, but the AT4080 did a very good job. There's a link to SoundCloud so you can hear the results. Listen to how quiet the noise floor is at the beginning. These AT4080 are as sensitive as an AKG C414.

Regards,

Ty Ford

Re: AT4080 ribbon mic - Bang A Gong!
 

Thank you Ty! That was very informative! I've always wondered about Ribbon mics. The Blumlein Stereo recordings sound fantastic. What equipment did you use in the audio chain?

Re: AT4080 ribbon mic - Bang A Gong!
 

Hi Michael,

Thanks! As I try to make plain, the AT4080 are NOT like regular ribbon mics.

- The are as sensitive as a condenser mic
- They have more hf response.
- The magnets are stronger
- The ribbons are longer
- There's an onboard amp chip that's powered by Phantom Power.

I used two AT4080 mics positioned in Blumlein, into two channels of GML mic pre, into an RME ADI-8 DS A/D converter and optically into Pro Tools. 24-bit, 44.1kHz.

I used a bit of compression and limiting on the stereo mix bus and I think on "Living Will" I added a touch of 10kHz shelf and two stereo reverbs.

I added stereo reverbs on the gong.

My point being that these mics really do a nice job on lots of stuff. I have a flautist coming in today to record a bit with this rig and will add that to the story.\

Regards,

Ty Ford