Beyerdynamic M160

What is the Beyerdynamic M160?

The Beyerdynamic M160 is a dual ribbon microphone. In other words, its design differs from other ribbon microphones because it has a cardioid polar pattern.

Definitely, you will be able to hear the sound of this microphone on so many world popular records. For example, renowned songwriter David Bowie used it to record his vocals.

Likewise, Eddie Kramer, producer and sound engineer, used it on almost all of Jimi Hendrix's recordings.

This microphone is a small microphone. At 16 cm tall, it uses the dynamic transducer . Moreover, the two ribbons making up the microphone guarantee its power compared to other models on the market.

In the majority of ribbon microphones, we find the usual figure-of-eight polar pattern. But the Beyerdynamic M160 has a hypercadioid directivity . Thanks to this directivity, the drop in volume on the sides can be clearly heard in sound samples.

This therefore makes it a preferred instrument for recording stringed instruments, percussion, and piano. It also showed exceptional sound quality for all types of vocal reproduction live or in the studio.

You can see through this link our complete test on other professional studio microphones.

The very particular design of the M160

The Beyerdynamic M160 has a very particular shape. Its proportion immediately strikes your eye as it is made up of a small spherical housing sitting atop a fairly stocky body.

The microphone housing contains a double aluminum strip spaced 0.05 mm apart. The pure aluminum diaphragm integrates perfectly with the black chrome surface of the microphone. All of this gives an impeccable and classy finish to the Beyerdynamic M160.

Ribbon Microphone Directivity

Unlike other ribbon microphones, the Beyerdynamic M160 impresses with its hypercardioid polar pattern . It is this directivity of the Mic M160 that makes it an excellent tool where the eight-shaped directivity would pick up too much sound at the rear.

Added to this characteristic is excellent transmission quality . Therefore, the Beyerdynamic M160 is the ideal microphone for the most demanding. Its hypercardioid polarity and its ability to reduce background noise by 25 dB at 110° also make it your ally on stage.

Applications suitable for Beyerdynamic

The Beyerdynamic M160 can be considered a versatile microphone . It is one of the best-known models from the German brand Beyer. In addition, its double ribbon allows you to obtain an authentic sound, without any coloration .

This microphone is particularly appreciated as an overhead. Indeed, on this point, users are unanimous. But he has also proven himself on violins, saxophones and voices.

With an application on the battery for example, it manages to capture the slightest subtlety. This is a fairly rare feature for ribbon microphones. Besides, only a condenser microphone generally has this feature.

Furthermore, the extremely small dimensions of the Beyerdynamic M160 allow it to be used both on television and in film studios. In combination with other microphones, such as the M130 for example, this microphone remains the ideal equipment for stereo recording in MidSide (MS) technology.

The two ribbons making up the microphone are much more sensitive than the voice coil of dynamic microphones. Certainly, ribbon microphones are very fragile, and their handling much more delicate.

So, if you plan to use a pole, I recommend using a pongee as a shock absorber. You can also use it on a tripod or mic stand to improve sound quality.

Sound quality of the Beyerdynamic M160

With 25dB noise cancellation at 110°, the microphone completely ignores side sounds and unwanted noise. Likewise, with the properties of the M160, raw sound sources are reproduced smoothly and elegantly. Indeed, the Beyerdynamic M160 shows mastery of low frequencies.

In the midrange it produces a warm sound and in the treble the tone is silky. The whole thing then forms a very characteristic and very pleasant vintage sound . This microphone became known for recording with a guitar and drum preamp. It stands out from its competitors mainly by the sound it produces.

Thus, the frequency response curve, which begins around 1.5 kHz, finds its maximum between 4 and 6 kHz. This is something to consider when recording a snare drum or for use as a hanging mic.

Compared to the Neumann brand condenser microphone (KM184 for example), the Beyerdynamic M160 produces a much darker sound.

Its ability to provide a lush sound specific to Beyer microphones, the microphone owes its notoriety above all to its great versatility. It quickly became an essential microphone in the professional environment thanks to this.

Used in homestudio and on acoustic instruments, the Beyerdynamic M160 produces sound with a high quality/price ratio.

Its frequency response allows it to offer a warm, natural sound with a fairly pronounced proximity effect. As was the case with the Coles 4038 , this type of microphone is rather professional.

However, its use requires a certain investment, including the use of a good sound card or a good preamp.

In a recording studio and for vocal recording, you can also use a windscreen or a pop filter to remove plosive consonants.

As a ribbon microphone , the sound reproduction of the Beyerdyamic M160 is very precise. Even though it falls into the dynamic microphone category, it can be powered by +48v phantom. As a dynamic mic, it has a very low output level. So, for optimum results, we recommend pairing it with a decent preamplifier.

M160 Connectivity

The XLR connector is a type of plug used to connect different types of devices in the world of sound and entertainment. Therefore, they meet an international specification. This is one of the reasons why the majority of microphones and mixing desks are equipped with them.

Precisely, the Beyerdynamic M160 is no exception to the rule. Equipped with a three-pin XLR jack, it fits almost all types of audio interface and mixer.

However, for a satisfactory result, I recommend using balanced microphone cables. Being a revolutionary microphone , the microphone also requires the use of a good preamp to achieve optimal results. Precisely, it is important to emphasize that the M160 offers excellent transmission quality .

What are the Technical Specifications of the Beyer M160?

• Transducer Type: Dynamic
• Principle: Pressure gradient
• Bandwidth: 20 – 18,000 Hz
• Directivity: Hypercardioid
• Off-Axis Attenuation: > 25 dB at 110°
• Sensitivity at 1 kHz (0 dB=1V/Pa): 1 mV/Pa = -60 dBV
• Nominal impedance: 200 Ohms
• Load impedance: > 1000 Ohm
• Diaphragm: Pure aluminum
• Connection: XLR Male
• Length: 156mm
• Weight: 156g

My take on the Beyerdynamic M160

Made in Germany, the Beyerdynamic M160 exudes strength and quality . Indeed, with an unusual design and meticulous finishing, the microphone exudes an air of elegance and power.

Equipped with a double ribbon, the microphone has a hypercardioid polar pattern. This characteristic also places it as one of the main competitors of condenser microphones like the Neumann U67 , and dynamic ones of the same rank.

Given its characteristics, it will always find its place in a home studio or in a professional recording studio. At the same time, it becomes the essential recording equipment for any professional in the sector. And it integrates essential studio equipment in its own right.

Have you always dreamed of having a ribbon microphone ? The Beyerdynamic M160 is made for you. Among the microphones in its range, it has no equals.

Whether it's its frequency response, or its directivity, it's the exception that proves the rule. All in all, we are dealing with a professional microphone: a benchmark for its competitors .

Thanks to its directivity, you can use it on stage. In fact, the cardioid polar pattern of the microphone allows it to focus on its sound source. Ambient and unwanted noise will then be considerably reduced. For a better look, you can also add a windshield.

In short, live, in the studio (professional or home studio), the performance of this microphone is not questionable. In the studio, you can use a microphone stand to reduce vibrations and handling noise.

Our opinion on the Beyerdynamic M160 microphone

The Beyerdynamic M160 is among the oldest microphones produced and offered in specialist stores for over 50 years. It is undoubtedly one of the legends of studio microphones. So, do you want to buy a microphone to complete your collection? Very competitive, this microphone will seduce you with a warm and rich sound.

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