ribbon microphone
Quick Summary
A ribbon microphone is a type of dynamic microphone that uses a thin metallic ribbon as its sound-pickup device. This ribbon is suspended in a magnetic field, and when sound waves hit it, the ribbon vibrates. This vibration causes a corresponding change in an electric circuit, converting acoustic power into electric power.12
Ribbon microphones are known for their warm, natural sound quality and are often used in professional audio recording. They can be designed to be unidirectional, bidirectional, or omnidirectional, meaning they can pick up sound from specific directions or all directions.2
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
microphone…(dynamic microphone) or conductor (ribbon microphone) in a magnetic field, or in the twisting or bending of a piezoelectric crystal (crystal microphone). In each case, motion of the diaphragm produces a variation in the electric output. By proper design, a microphone may be given directional characteristics so that it…
Read More…(dynamic microphone) or conductor (ribbon microphone) in a magnetic field, or in the twisting or bending of a piezoelectric crystal (crystal microphone). In each case, motion of the diaphragm produces a variation in the electric output. By proper design, a microphone may be given directional characteristics so that it…
Read More
electromechanical transducerTypes of transducersThe ribbon microphone is unique in that it responds to the air velocity of the sound wave, not to the pressure variation. Because ribbon microphones are very sensitive, they cannot be used where they will suffer mechanical shocks. Ribbon microphones are bidirectional and can be used…
Read MoreThe ribbon microphone is unique in that it responds to the air velocity of the sound wave, not to the pressure variation. Because ribbon microphones are very sensitive, they cannot be used where they will suffer mechanical shocks. Ribbon microphones are bidirectional and can be used…
Read More