Coles 4038

Presentation of the master of Ribbons

It is one of the most famous ribbon microphones Transportability and strength were high on the BBC's list of requirements. The Coles 4038 proved to be a sublime vocal performer, forever associated with the sound of the eminent broadcaster.

However, its future use in a recording studio context transcended its utilitarian origins. Which cemented its reputation as a versatile microphone that has more than a few tricks up its sleeve.

Better known as the "waffle iron", the Coles 4038 has grown from humble beginnings to become one of the most recognizable symbols in the studio microphone world.

The history of Coles 4038

Long before the STC and Coles 4038 , another stereo microphone had left its own indelible mark on BBC history.

The Marconi Type A was the broadcaster's sound from the 1930s until the creation of the 4038 in 1952. It was also a ribbon microphone , although the ribbon was quite thick by modern standards. This proved detrimental to the performance of its first incarnation, the Type A.

Later Marconi models saw improvements in ribbon technology. Among other things, a Ticonal type magnet was added to the Marconi AXBT model to increase sensitivity by 6dB.

Although the Marconi models underwent developments, the recording microphones themselves were prohibitively large and heavy. In fact, the Marconi shared a similar aesthetic and boxy proportions to the great RCA 44-BX from across the Atlantic.

Although this did not necessarily pose a problem for radio, because the BBC was entering the television field at that time.

To do this, she needed a microphone:

• END
• Discreet
• Portable
• Suitable for television production

And this is where our Coles 4038 makes its first appearance under the name STC 4038.

STC 4038

Its striking design wasn't just meant to attract attention. In fact, the dynamic microphone was an assembly of an internal nickel-copper-iron alloy shield that protected the aluminum ribbon. It was also intended to counteract the resonances that were present in Marconi microphones.

A more or less thick fabric then protects it. Then, the dynamic microphone is enclosed in its characteristic perforated brass shell. All of which then contributes to a design that captures sounds with a minimum of internal reflections.

His debut in the Studio

Shortly after its introduction to the BBC , the pro mic became popular in recording studios across England.

In the 1960s, British pop music dominated the world. At that time, competition for bands that ranked above others on the charts was fierce.

This situation fostered advances in multi-track recording technology and innovative production techniques.

To meet demand, engineers needed a reliable, yet high-class studio recording microphone to turn to. In fact, one of the first to use the 4038 was Glyn Johns .

This legendary sound engineer used a specific technique for his drum sound recording (known as the Glyn Johns Method). And this technique involves only three high-frequency microphones:

• One in front of the bass drum
• Another one above the drummer's head (facing the snare drum)
• Another facing the snare drum as well, but to the right, beyond the floor tom.

This miking device played an important role in the formation of drum sound. And more especially that of modern rock. The 4038 was one of Glyn Johns' guns of choice.

He was undoubtedly won over by the build quality of the condenser microphone. Not to mention the fact that one of his main guinea pigs was John Bonham. The legendary drummer of Led Zeppelin and one of the best in history.

It was in 1974 that Coles bought the rights to STC 4038 . He then distributed it under his own name, Coles 4038.

An exceptional Ribbon Microphone

The frequency response of the Coles 4038 is relatively flat from 30 to 15,000 Hz. The ribbon maintains a uniform figure-eight polar response in both the horizontal and vertical planes.

This type of response is very often found in ribbon microphones, such as the Beyerdynamic M160 .

Moreover, the Coles 4038 is no exception.

The sound is not distorted to focus attention on the upper parts of the spectrum. condenser microphone would . Additionally, it also doesn't exhibit withdrawals in the low frequencies, as some dynamic models do.

Moreover, its thickness over a large part of the spectrum was the perfect complement for a drum recording.

Then the Coles 4038 became one of the top choices for stereo drum overheads. Beyond the Dissident Techniques of Glyn Johns.

It does not accentuate the crackle of the cymbals and Charleston. Which means it gives the sound engineer more choice when it comes to positioning.

Coles 4038s made today are reminiscent of those made in 1974. Despite advances, the 4038 uses the same magnet that was originally specified by the BBC in the 1950s. This is even though magnet technology has evolved since then.

The frequency response curve speaks for itself.

The output connector is a Western Electric 4069 ; The singing mic can be ordered with a 4069-to-XLR adapter.

The ribbon material is one of the thinnest of all commercially available ribbon microphones, at 0.6 microns. Indeed, its length is 1 inch, its width 0.23 inch (5.8 mm). It is set to around 45 Hz.

The technical characteristics of the Coles 4038

If the Coles 4038 has been able to join the ranks of legendary ribbon microphones, it is in particular thanks to its exceptional characteristics. In summary, you can notably remember:

• Directivity: bidirectional / figure 8;
• Frequency response: 30 Hz – 15 kHz;
• Sensitivity: -65 dB (WRTIV / Pa);
• Maximum sound pressure: 125 dB;
• Output impedance: 300 Ohm;
• Dimensions: 197 x 83 x 61 mm;
• Weight: 1.08 kg.

The essential accessories for a Studio Ribbon Mic

The Coles 4038 itself is a stereo microphone capable of providing you with everything you will need for recording sound and vocals. However, the device also requires certain accessories to optimize its effectiveness . Among other things, it is an XLR adapter often offered separately.

In this case, you have the Coles 4071B microphone stand, a 15cm model that is both flexible and robust and also suitable for the Coles 4069 microphone. You also have the Coles 4072 anti-vibration microphone stand for the suspended version. Both from the same brand act as an XLR cable and connector suitable for the Coles 4038.

My opinion on the Coles 4038

The Coles 4038 is, in my opinion, a studio microphone that can be described as legendary. Given the quality of the sound emitted, never leaving music lovers indifferent, it is aptly named the master of ribbons . And it alone makes the reputation of the English brand.

It is among ribbons, like the Neumann U87 Ai among statics, a legend!

With a relatively smooth and natural frequency response, the sound quality is indeed there. The harshest sounds soften as soon as they are captured by Coles' professional ribbon mic. The proximity effect is not exaggerated for vocal recording.

The directivity microphone also knows how to capture all sounds to reproduce them very clearly. And this, while being able to remove all ambient sounds and other parasites to retain only the most important ones.

It magnifies everything you record: vocals, acoustic guitars, guitar amps, drums, percussion, pianos, saxophones, and much more. Capturing sounds perfectly is his job, even in a home studio!

It is a very versatile ribbon microphone , although it is mainly used in recording studios to capture vocals. This is still the case in the BBC studios where it was born more than half a century ago.

Its high sensitivity also requires an acoustically treated space when you record. As a high-end microphone, it demands an environment to match its performance. Without forgetting a preamp or sound card worthy of the beast.

The Coles 4038 seduces as soon as you lay eyes on its sober and modest design. A somewhat heavy microphone, weighing more than a kilo, but very sensitive and precise, with a thick and soft sound (the perfect vocal microphone coupled with an anti-pop filter).

But behind all the simplicity of his style lies a marvel, a true rare pearl that we quickly want to adopt. In any case, this is what recording studio professionals have been asking for many decades!

Our opinion on the Coles 4038:

The Coles 4038 is the ribbon microphone that every sound engineer must have in their arsenal. It has become a reference, whether for recording vocals, brass or guitars. A reference to have urgently in your microphone fleet!

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