Pinnacle Microphones Fat Top II Black Active Passive
Best ribbon microphone for professional studio recording and critical audio capture.
This premium ribbon microphone delivers a warm, rich, and rounded tone, ideal for professional audio capture. It offers switchable active and passive modes, with the active mode providing up to 20 dB of gain via a low-noise differential amplifier. The bi-directional polar pattern excels at isolating sound sources, making it perfect for instruments like guitar cabinets, piano, brass, and percussion. Featuring an upgraded Lundahl transformer, it ensures an extended frequency range and improved definition for exceptional sonic quality.
$689.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
272
/ 3374
#272 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
-1%
Below average
Transducer Type
Ribbon
/ Ribbon
Who it's for
- Podcasters using quiet ribbon or dynamic microphones
- Audio engineers seeking authentic, uncolored microphone performance
- Home recordists aiming for a pristine, noise-free signal chain
Who should skip it
- Users with vintage gear lacking phantom power capabilities
- Producers wanting all-in-one signal processing and tone shaping
- Engineers already equipped with high-gain, premium preamplifiers
Performance breakdown
Sonic Fidelity
Lundahl transformer integration delivers exceptionally smooth and detailed ribbon character.
Versatility
Switchable active and passive modes adapt seamlessly to various preamp setups.
Build Integrity
Robust construction ensures long-term reliability in demanding professional studio environments.
Accessory Package
Includes a high-quality shockmount and protective case for immediate professional deployment.
Transient Response
Captures fast, natural transients with the classic warmth of ribbon technology.
Ease of Integration
Active circuitry simplifies gain staging for modern digital audio interfaces.
Key Specs
Transducer Type
Ribbon
Polar Pattern
Bi-Directional
Impedance
<200 Ohms
Frequency Response
30 Hz - 15 kHz (±3 dB)
Sensitivity
-54.4 dB (1.5 mV/Pa)
Max SPL
135 dB
Model Number
D-FTII-AP-S
Power Source
Phantom Power (for Active mode)
Know before you buy
The active mode provides an extra 20 dB of gain, which is helpful when recording quieter sources or using preamps that lack high gain. The passive mode allows you to bypass the internal circuitry for a traditional ribbon mic experience, giving you more flexibility depending on your recording chain.
It depends on your mode selection. You only need to engage 48V phantom power when using the microphone in active mode; passive mode does not require phantom power and should generally be used without it to protect the ribbon element.
This microphone is designed to deliver a warm, rounded, and 'fat' tone characteristic of classic ribbon mics. With the upgraded Lundahl transformer, you get that vintage-style warmth while maintaining better frequency definition and clarity than many standard ribbon designs.
The bi-directional (figure-eight) pattern is excellent for capturing sound from the front and back while rejecting noise from the sides. It is particularly effective for recording guitar cabinets, brass instruments, or percussion where you want to isolate the source while maintaining a natural room feel.
Yes, the Fat Top II handles up to 135 dB SPL, making it robust enough to capture loud guitar amplifiers and brass sections without distortion. Its durable ribbon construction is built to withstand these higher pressure levels.
The microphone comes with a dedicated shockmount to reduce handling noise, an aluminum carrying case for secure transport, and a protective leatherette pouch for storage when the mic is not in use.
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