Beyerdynamic
beyerdynamic M 160
Best ribbon microphone for capturing smooth, professional studio-quality instrument recordings.
The Beyerdynamic M 160 V2 is a distinguished double-ribbon microphone, celebrated for its superior sound quality and meticulous craftsmanship. It delivers a precise bass response, warm mid-tones, and elegantly smooth treble with minimal coloration. Ideal for capturing electric guitar amps and drums, its hypercardioid pattern effectively softens harsh sounds. This wired microphone connects via XLR, offering excellent transparency and impulse fidelity for a rich, distinctive audio signature. Handmade in Germany, it's a testament to intricate engineering.
$179.00
More M 160 Options
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
269
/ 3337
#269 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
-65%
Below average
Type
Dynamic (double-ribbon)
/ Dynamic (double-ribbon)
Who it's for
- Studio engineers seeking a warm, vintage character for acoustic instruments
- Live sound technicians needing maximum isolation in crowded performance spaces
- Recording artists requiring natural, detailed capture of fast-moving transients
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious recordists lacking high-gain, low-noise microphone preamplifiers
- Careless users working in environments with strong wind or plosives
- Producers wanting the modern, airy sparkle of high-end condenser microphones
Performance breakdown
Transient Response
Double-ribbon design captures lightning-fast attacks with exceptional clarity and precision.
Frequency Smoothing
Expertly tames harsh high-end frequencies for a warm, professional studio sound.
Off-Axis Rejection
Hypercardioid pattern effectively isolates sources while minimizing unwanted room noise.
Build Durability
Robust brass housing ensures reliable performance in demanding live and studio settings.
Source Versatility
Handles everything from aggressive guitar amps to delicate vocals with ease.
High-Pressure Handling
Dynamic ribbon construction manages high sound pressure levels without sacrificing fidelity.
Key Specs
Type
Dynamic (double-ribbon)
Frequency Response
40 Hz - 18 kHz
Polar Pattern
Hypercardioid
Nominal Impedance
200 Ohm
Sensitivity
-60 dBV/Pa
Dimensions
156 mm length, 23 mm shaft diameter, 38 mm head diameter
Weight
192 g
Connection
XLR 3-pin
Features
- Unique double-ribbon design for warm, silky sound
- Hypercardioid pattern for excellent isolation
- Softens harsh high-frequency sounds
- High impulse fidelity and quick transient response
- Robust brass housing for durability
- Handmade in Germany with intricate craftsmanship
- Optimized for loud sources like guitar amps and drums
- Detailed audio reproduction with minimal coloration
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the beyerdynamic M 160 for its unique sonic character and robust performance. Users consistently highlight its smooth warm and detailed sound signature, noting its accuracy in capturing transients without harsh high frequencies. This microphone is especially revered for recording guitar cabinets, providing excellent depth and body. Its hypercardioid pattern offers superior isolation, making it highly effective in complex setups. While a premium investment, the M 160 is viewed as a necessary long-term tool due to its irreplaceable versatility and professional results, cementing its status as a studio staple.
Know before you buy
The M 160 uses a double-ribbon transducer rather than a condenser capsule, which gives it a naturally warm, smooth high-end response. It excels at taming harsh frequencies, making it a favorite for sources that can sound brittle on other mics.
The hypercardioid pattern is quite focused, which is excellent for isolating a specific sound source and rejecting off-axis noise. While it requires more precise placement than an omnidirectional mic, it provides superior control in busy studio or live environments.
Yes, the M 160 is frequently used on vocals, especially when you want to soften sibilance or achieve a vintage, intimate character. Its neutral response makes it a versatile choice for singers who find condenser microphones too bright or clinical.
Yes, it connects via a standard 3-pin XLR cable. However, keep in mind that as a ribbon microphone, it has a lower output sensitivity, so you will need a preamp with clean gain to get the best performance.
The M 160 is built with a robust brass housing and is designed to handle high sound pressure levels, such as those from guitar amps and drums. While it is more durable than many vintage ribbon designs, it should still be handled with care and protected from direct blasts of air or phantom power surges.
No, the M 160 is a passive dynamic microphone and does not require phantom power to operate. While modern phantom power is generally safe for this model, it is best practice to ensure your preamp or interface is set correctly to avoid any potential issues.
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$179