Beyerdynamic
Beyerdynamic M130
Best professional ribbon microphone for nuanced instrument recording.
The Beyerdynamic M130 Dynamic Double Ribbon Microphone delivers the classic ribbon warmth and smoothness while offering exceptional detail and transient response. Featuring a figure-eight polar pattern, it captures sound from the front and rear while rejecting noise from the sides, making it ideal for room, stereo, and instrument recording. Its design ensures excellent lateral noise suppression, enabling focused and natural recordings even in complex acoustic spaces. Handcrafted in Germany, the M130 is built for professional environments where sonic precision and reliability are critical. Its versatility makes it well-suited for applications ranging from drum overheads and guitar amps to piano, acoustic instruments, orchestras, and choirs. Used in pairs, the M130 can form a Blumlein stereo array, or be combined with a hypercardioid or supercardioid microphone for M/S recording. A brass housing, pure aluminum ribbon, and durable XLR connector ensure lasting performance in both studio and live settings.
$1549.99
More M Series Options
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
1120
/ 3337
#1120 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
+205%
Above average
Transducer Type
Dynamic
/ Dynamic
Who it's for
- Audio professionals desiring a classic, authentic sonic signature
- Recording engineers exploring advanced stereo miking techniques
- Musicians and producers needing precise capture of instrument dynamics
Who should skip it
- Beginners unfamiliar with the specific care of ribbon microphones
- Home studio owners with entry-level audio interfaces
- Engineers needing robust microphones for loud, close-up sources
Performance breakdown
Transient Response
Captures rapid sonic attacks with the precision of a modern condenser.
Stereo Imaging
Perfect for Blumlein arrays that create a wide, natural soundstage.
Off-Axis Rejection
Superior lateral suppression keeps unwanted room noise out of your mix.
Build Integrity
German-engineered brass housing ensures a lifetime of reliable studio service.
Sonic Character
Delivers that signature ribbon warmth without sacrificing essential high-end detail.
Application Versatility
Equally at home tracking delicate acoustic instruments or aggressive guitar cabinets.
Key Specs
Transducer Type
Dynamic
Operating Principle
Pressure gradient
Frequency Response
40Hz - 18,000Hz
Polar Pattern
Figure-eight
Rear Attenuation @1kHz
>30dB at 90°
Sensitivity (0dB = 1V/Pa)
1.3mV/Pa (-57.5dBV)
Impedance
200ohms
Load Impedance
≥1000ohms
Features
- Classic ribbon warmth and smoothness
- Exceptional detail and transient response
- Figure-eight polar pattern for focused recording
- Excellent lateral noise suppression
- Handcrafted in Germany for professional quality
- Versatile for various instruments and vocals
- Durable brass housing and pure aluminum ribbon
- Ideal for stereo recording techniques
What customers say
Customers consistently praise this microphone for its exceptional sound quality, particularly its warm, natural reproduction of instruments like drums and guitars. Users frequently highlight its robust build, indicating high reliability and durability for professional use. This microphone is celebrated for its unique ribbon character, making it a go to choice for specific recording applications. Its consistent performance and solid construction contribute to a highly positive user experience, cementing its reputation as a dependable studio workhorse.
Know before you buy
The M130 uses a pure aluminum ribbon transducer, which provides a natural, smooth high-frequency roll-off and a warm character that condensers often lack. It is particularly effective at taming harsh transients on instruments like cymbals or electric guitar cabinets.
Yes, the M130 is an excellent choice for the 'Side' component of an M/S setup. Because it features a figure-eight polar pattern, it pairs perfectly with a hypercardioid or supercardioid microphone to create a wide, phase-coherent stereo image.
No, the M130 is a passive dynamic ribbon microphone and does not require phantom power. In fact, you should ensure phantom power is switched off on your preamp or interface to avoid any risk of damaging the ribbon element.
The figure-eight pattern captures sound from the front and back while rejecting sound from the sides. This is highly useful for isolating specific instruments in a room or for capturing the natural ambience of a space while keeping the off-axis bleed to a minimum.
While ribbon microphones are traditionally delicate, the M130 is built with a robust brass housing and designed for professional environments. However, it should still be handled with care and protected from direct blasts of air, such as from a kick drum or a vocal pop filter.
Because the M130 has a relatively low output sensitivity of 1.3mV/Pa, it performs best with a high-quality, low-noise preamp that offers plenty of clean gain. This ensures you can capture quiet sources without introducing excessive hiss into your signal.
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