Pinnacle Microphones Fat Top II Black w/Lundahl Deluxe
Best ribbon microphone for capturing warm, detailed instrument recordings.
This short ribbon passive microphone is engineered to capture rich, detailed sound with a wonderfully warm, fat, and rounded sonic character, perfect for instruments needing a classic tone. Its bi-directional polar pattern excels at isolating sound sources, making it ideal for guitar cabinets, piano, brass, and percussion. Featuring an upgraded Lundahl transformer, it offers an extended frequency range for improved definition and a higher dynamic ceiling, ensuring pristine audio.
$599.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
272
/ 3374
#272 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
-14%
Below average
Microphone Type
Ribbon (Passive)
/ Ribbon (Passive)
Who it's for
- Engineers seeking pristine detail and high-fidelity signal capture
- Producers recording harsh sources needing a smooth, vintage character
- Studio owners requiring reliable gear for heavy daily use
Who should skip it
- Beginners unfamiliar with delicate passive ribbon microphone safety
- Recordists lacking high-gain, low-noise outboard preamplifiers
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for entry-level ribbon options
Performance breakdown
Sonic Warmth
Delivers that classic, rounded ribbon character perfect for taming harsh transients.
Transient Detail
The Lundahl transformer upgrade provides exceptional clarity and high-end definition.
Source Isolation
The tight bi-directional pattern effectively rejects unwanted off-axis room noise.
Dynamic Range
Handles high-pressure sound sources with a surprisingly robust and clean ceiling.
Build Integrity
Rugged construction ensures long-term reliability in demanding studio environments.
Stereo Versatility
Pairs perfectly for Blumlein configurations to capture immersive, natural room depth.
Key Specs
Microphone Type
Ribbon (Passive)
Polar Pattern
Bidirectional
Diaphragm Size
Short ribbon
Transformer
Upgraded Lundahl LL2913
Model Number
D-FTII-DEL-S
MPN
D-FTII-DEL-S
UPC
850046454080
Condition
New
Know before you buy
No, this is a passive ribbon microphone and does not require phantom power. In fact, you should keep 48V phantom power turned off on your preamp or interface to avoid potential damage to the ribbon element.
The Lundahl LL2913 transformer provides a more extended frequency response and improved clarity compared to standard transformers. It helps the microphone handle higher sound pressure levels and delivers a more defined, professional sound across the spectrum.
Yes, because the Fat Top II features a bi-directional polar pattern, it is an excellent choice for Blumlein stereo miking techniques. Using two of these microphones in this configuration allows for a natural, wide stereo image.
This microphone excels at capturing instruments that benefit from a warm, rounded tone, such as electric guitar cabinets, brass, piano, and percussion. Its ability to tame harsh high frequencies makes it a go-to for sources that can sound overly bright with condenser mics.
The bi-directional pattern picks up sound equally from the front and back while rejecting sound from the sides. This is highly effective for isolating a specific instrument in a room or capturing two sound sources simultaneously by placing them on opposite sides of the mic.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.