M 160 - A Double-Ribbon Microphone that stands alone – Handmade in Germany

Updated 2023 iteration:

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Then check out our 6 part video series on drum miking, we explain what to look for and which mic is best for which instrument.

Like its famous users, the M 160 has achieved cult status. The M 160 impresses with its flexible application options. In addition to drum and amp miking, the wide frequency response and fine-detailing sound also comes into effect on acoustic guitars, brass instruments, and string instruments. Its outstanding technical properties make it predestined for use on other gear such as electric guitar amplifiers, Hihats or overhead.

The dynamic double-ribbon microphone is unique in terms of sound, production, and history. A special feature of the M 160 is its polar pattern. Due to its hypercardioid polar pattern, which is unusual for ribbon microphones, the M 160 is less susceptible to ambient noise, as it reduces background noise by 25 dB at 110° and picks up less sound from behind.

This makes it ideal primarily for the studio, but also on stage. Together with the M 130 double-ribbon microphone (polar pattern: figure-eight), the M 160 can be used for M/S miking.

Due to the M160s extremely complex production process, since 1957 the microphone has, and can only be made by hand by a few employees of beyerdynamic at the company's location in Heilbronn, Germany.

In 2019. The M 160 was Inducted into the NAMM TEC Awards Technology Hall of Fame

FEATURES

• Balanced treble, high impulse fidelity & very good transient reproduction
• Iconic dynamic double-ribbon microphone with warm and silky sound
• Exceptional on electric guitar amp, Hihat and overhead
• Hypercardioid polar pattern
• Handmade since 1957
  
  

SPECIFICATIONS

• Transducer type: Dynamic
• Operating principle: Pressure gradient
• Frequency response: 40 - 18,000 Hz
• Polar pattern:  Hypercardioid
• Rear attenuation at 1 kHz:  > 25 dB at 110°
• Sensitivity (0 dB = 1 V/Pa): .1.0 mV/Pa (= -60 dBV)
• Nominal impedance: 200 Ω
• Load impedance:  ≥ 1000 Ω
• Diaphragm: Pure aluminium
• Case/finish: Brass
• Connector: XLR, 3-pin, male

DIMENSIONS

• Length:  164 mm
• Shaft diameter: 23 mm
• Head diameter:  38 mm
• Weight: 192 g
  
  

SUPPLIED ACCESSORY

MA-CL 25 Microphone clamp with 3/8" internal thread,
with internal diameter of 25 mm . . Order # 727.954

Soft protective storage case to protect your investment.