Pinnacle Microphones D-X-L Xtreme Stereo Ribbon Mic
Best stereo ribbon microphone for professional studio drum and orchestral recording.
Experience superior stereo recording with this advanced ribbon microphone. Engineered for exceptional spatial accuracy, it features two matched ribbon elements in a 90-degree Blumlein configuration, delivering a true figure 8 polar pattern and balanced signal capture. Its legendary symmetrical ribbon design minimizes off-axis coloration, making it ideal for professional applications like drum overheads, piano, and orchestral recording. This package includes a premium suspension shockmount, padded vinyl pouch, upgraded aluminum case, and a 5-pin cable with a splitter for independent ribbon access.
$625.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.4
/ 5
Category Rank
2442
/ 3374
#2442 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
-10%
Below average
Type
Stereo Ribbon Microphone
/ Stereo Ribbon Microphone
Who it's for
- Engineers needing quick, phase-coherent stereo drum or ensemble captures
- Producers seeking vintage warmth to smooth out harsh, aggressive sources
- Studio owners recording loud amps or drums without risking damage
Who should skip it
- Recordists lacking high-gain, low-noise preamps or inline boosters
- Beginners unfamiliar with handling delicate, phantom-power-sensitive ribbon microphones
- Budget-conscious buyers needing a versatile, all-purpose mono microphone
Performance breakdown
Stereo Imaging
Blumlein configuration delivers precise, immersive spatial accuracy for complex acoustic sources.
Off-Axis Response
Symmetrical ribbon design maintains tonal consistency even when sound sources shift.
Build Integrity
Rugged aluminum construction ensures durability for demanding studio and stage environments.
Signal Versatility
Splitter cable allows independent ribbon control for flexible mixing and processing.
Transient Detail
Delicate ribbon elements capture natural, smooth high-end transients with ease.
Accessory Quality
Included shockmount and aluminum case provide professional-grade protection and stability.
Key Specs
Type
Stereo Ribbon Microphone
Polar Pattern
Bidirectional (Figure 8)
Connectivity
5-pin cable splitting to two separate XLR connectors
Intended Use
Instruments
Model Number
D-X
Build Material
Corrugated aluminum membrane (ribbon)
Included Accessories
Shock Mount, Carry Case
Microphone Type
Ribbon
Know before you buy
The Blumlein configuration uses two matched ribbon elements at a 90-degree angle to create a highly accurate stereo image. It excels at capturing the natural depth and spatial characteristics of a room, making it a top choice for recording ensembles, pianos, or drum overheads.
The microphone comes with a specialized 5-pin cable that splits into two standard XLR connectors. This allows you to plug each ribbon element into separate preamp channels on your interface, giving you independent control over the left and right signals.
While it is primarily designed for instruments, you can certainly use it for vocals if you want a vintage, warm, and natural sound. Keep in mind that as a figure-8 microphone, it will capture sound from both the front and the back, so you will need to be mindful of your room's acoustics.
No, this is a passive ribbon microphone and does not require phantom power. In fact, you should keep phantom power turned off on your preamp to avoid potential damage to the delicate ribbon elements.
The figure-8 pattern captures sound equally from the front and back while rejecting sound from the sides. This is incredibly useful for isolating specific instruments in a room or capturing a natural, open sound that feels less 'boxed in' than a standard cardioid microphone.
Ribbon microphones are sensitive to dust and physical shock. Always store the microphone in its included aluminum case when not in use, and keep it covered with the provided pouch to protect the ribbon elements from airflow and debris.
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