Pinnacle Microphones D-FTII-DEL-G Fat Top II Brown Ribbon Microphone w/ Lundahl Deluxe
Best ribbon microphone for capturing warm, detailed instrument recordings.
Experience a warm, rich, and rounded audio capture with this passive ribbon microphone. Its bi-directional polar pattern excels at isolating instruments like guitar cabinets, pianos, and brass, making it ideal for close-miking applications. The upgraded Lundahl transformer enhances definition and expands the frequency range for superior clarity. It's also well-suited for creating immersive room recordings using Blumlein setups. This microphone includes a deluxe shockmount and a protective aluminum case for convenient transport and storage.
$599.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
1123
/ 3374
#1123 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
-14%
Below average
Type
Ribbon (velocity) Microphone
/ Ribbon (velocity) Microphone
Who it's for
- Professional engineers demanding pristine signal clarity and low noise
- Recording artists seeking warm, vintage textures for acoustic instruments
- Busy studio owners needing reliable gear for daily heavy use
Who should skip it
- Home recordists using entry-level interfaces without high-gain preamps
- Beginners who need a rugged microphone for casual handling
- Podcasters working in untreated rooms with significant background noise
Performance breakdown
Sonic Warmth
Delivers the classic, rounded ribbon character essential for smooth instrument tracking.
Transient Definition
The Lundahl transformer upgrade provides exceptional clarity and improved high-end detail.
SPL Handling
Robust design comfortably captures loud guitar cabinets without signal distortion.
Polar Pattern Precision
Symmetrical figure-eight pattern offers excellent off-axis rejection for studio isolation.
Build Integrity
Solid construction paired with a high-quality shockmount ensures professional studio reliability.
Frequency Range
Extended response captures a balanced spectrum suitable for diverse acoustic sources.
Key Specs
Type
Ribbon (velocity) Microphone
Polar Pattern
Symmetrical Figure 8
Frequency Response
30 to 15 KHz (+/- 3dB)
Max. SPL
135 dB
Sensitivity
-54.4 dB (1.5 (mV/Pa))
Impedance
<=200 Ohms
Ribbon Material/Dimensions
99.99% Pure Aluminum, 2.5 microns, 1 3/4" (L) X 3/16" (W)
Dimensions
Diameter: 3" (O.D. grill), overall length 8 1/2", 1 7/8" (O.D. body)
Know before you buy
The Lundahl LL2913 transformer significantly improves the microphone's definition and dynamic ceiling. It helps expand the frequency range, resulting in clearer, more detailed audio capture compared to standard ribbon transformers.
No, the Fat Top II is a passive ribbon microphone and does not require 48V phantom power. In fact, you should keep phantom power turned off on your preamp or interface to avoid potential damage to the ribbon element.
The bi-directional Figure 8 pattern is excellent for isolating specific sound sources, such as guitar cabinets, brass, or piano. It is also highly effective for Blumlein stereo recording techniques when using two of these microphones together.
Yes, it is designed specifically for close-miking applications. With a maximum SPL of 135 dB, it can handle high-volume sources like guitar amps and brass instruments without distorting.
The microphone features a 2.5-micron pure aluminum ribbon, which is delicate by nature. Always use the included shockmount to minimize vibrations and store it in the provided aluminum case when not in use to protect it from dust and physical impact.
Because this is a passive microphone with a sensitivity of -54.4 dB, it performs best with a high-quality preamp that offers plenty of clean gain. A preamp with an input impedance of at least 1000 Ohms is recommended to ensure the best frequency response.
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