infinity ribbon microphone usage guidelines
Barkley ribbon microphones come with a LIFETIME warranty on the ribbon element; any damage to the ribbon, or degradation of performance will be repaired at no cost to the owner besides return shipping.
Ribbon microphones are very delicate and so there are some simple procedures to follow to ensure a long service life:
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- Store the mic with the “hat” provided, both in the box and on the stand when not in use. This is to mitigate any accidental wind puffs such as slamming the box lid, running past the mic, moving the mic too quickly
- Don’t blow dust off the grille, or mic body in general.
- No phantom power.
- Always use a pop shield on voice, harmon muted trumpet, kick drum and anywhere even a slight “wind” might be experienced by the ribbon.
- Do not drop & store boxed.
- When moving and repositioning the ribbon, including carrying, act more slowly than with other microphones, as the “wind” from movement could potentially tear the ribbon. Putting the “hat” over the microphone while moving will protect it from this issue.
- The strong neodymium magnets in the motor assembly within the microphone WILL pick up metal, filings, screwdrivers etc.; be thoughtful of where you place these.
- Do not use close to AC sources such as motors.
There is a healthy ‘proximity’ effect, which can be used to great affect; placed 6-12” (15-30cm) from the source, this microphone will exhibit a boost of 3db or so in the low to low-mid frequencies which is experienced as a little more warmth and/or presence/weight. The obverse is true - if the source sounds a little muddy, experiment with space and placement.
Ribbon microphones respond far better to EQ than others; they are much more resistant to phase change, and as such you can take a characterful somewhat vintage sounding microphone and make it sound very modern and crisp using EQ. This makes it somewhat of a multi-tool. The side-rejection of the fig-8 pickup of the ribbon design is dramatic, and can be a great way to manage spill. Think that the ribbon ‘hears’ front and back, but not side to side.