Samson VR88 Velocity Ribbon Mic

Samson VR88 Velocity Ribbon Microphone

Samson’s VR88 Velocity Ribbon Microphone combines traditional ribbon technology with the precision and versatility of advanced active electronics. It’s perfect for capturing warm, natural audio in a variety of live and studio applications, such as miking vocals, acoustic instruments, electric guitars and even overhead miking drums.

A Modern Day Ribbon Mic Revolution

At the dawn of the recording industry and through its golden age, ribbon microphones were the most popular and best regarded studio mics around. They had a detail, warmth, and flat response that flattered just about any source. Now in the age of the digital revolution, engineers are rediscovering the benefits that a smooth, natural, "un-hyped" top end can have for sometimes harsh-sounding digital recordings. While many modern examples cost around $1,000 (with vintage examples costing many times more), Samson has created a classic-sounding, pro-performance ribbon mic any musician can afford. The Samson VR88 sounds great with a wide variety of sources, but it absolutely shines on electric and acoustic guitar, horns, strings, piano, and backup and lead vocals.

High Volume Handling

While Ribbon mics tend to be little more delicate than dynamic or condenser microphones, the VR88 Velocity is still a robust studio tool. This mic was built to withstand sound pressure levels (SPLs) up to 138 dB. For comparison, a power circular saw at 3 feet away produces an SPL of 110 dB, and the OSHA pain threshold level is 125 dB. This means that the VR88 can more than handle fortissimo piano, high-gain guitar amplifiers, bass drums, or symphony orchestras.

Perfect For Classic Stereo Recording

Like all ribbon microphones, the Samson VR88 Velocity has a figure-eight pickup pattern, meaning a focused, non-bass-hyping response that's mirrored front and back (but not on the sides). This pattern has many uses--including introducing natural room ambience into studio recordings--but it's integral to a technique known as Blumlein recording. With a decent room, the Blumline technique produces some of the most natural-sounding and spacious stereo recordings possible. It's the coveted sound of timeless music, re-imagined for today's digital recording needs and priced within anyone's reach.

Samson VR88 Velocity Ribbon Microphone Features :

• Low mass, 2.5-micron aluminum ribbon microphone

• Ideal for miking soft, delicate sounds or warming up digital recordings

• Strong neodymium magnets, precision electronics provide increased sensitivity, low self-noise

• Bidirectional (figure-8) pickup pattern with excellent off-axis rejection

• Smooth, extended frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz

• Handles high SPLs of up to 135dB

• FET amplifier and transformer provide increased output, stabilized source impedance for compatibility with any mic preamp

• Rugged die-cast construction

• Includes shockmount and carry case

Samson VR88 Velocity Ribbon Microphone Specifications :

• Frequency Response : 30 Hz to 16 kHz

• Polar Pattern : Figure 8 (bi-directional)

• Element Type : Velocity ribbon

• Ribbon : 2 microns aluminum

• Sensitivity : -40 dB/Pa

• Maximum SPL : 137 dB

• Equivalent Noise Level : 17 dB

• Impedance : 200Ω

• Minimum Load Impedance : 1kΩ

• Phantom Power Requirement : 48V ±3V

• Dimensions (H x W x D) : 7 x 2.125 x 1.1" (175 x 54 x 28 mm)

• Weight : 1.18 lb (535 g)