beyerdynamic M 160 (2023)

A couple of years ago I was looking forward to enrich my mic locker with some ribbon microphones so I ordered a pair of M160s and I was not disappointed. I use these whenever I need a smooth, warm, "vintage" tone, also on sources which might get too bright or harsh when recorded with condensers, for example, violins. When placed as overheads, the M160s give a very balanced picture of the drum kit and add that special ribbon colour which you'll immediately notice once you hear it. I also use the pair as X/Y room mics and the sound is powerful but not harsh. This microphone shines of strings, I have used it on guitar amps too with good results, even on vocals together with a large diaphragm condenser. Very versatile microphones which will be a great addition to anyone looking for a ribbon microphone tone.

I bought a pair for live percussion and overhead duties. They are fantastic. The sound is detailed and incredibly coherent and the ribbons turn even the harshest heavy-metal China crash cymbal into a pleasant, smooth, shimmering wash of sound. The sound of the whole kit, in fact, is amazing. The transients are smooth and snappy, and also the body of the drums has a lovely low mid richness that it seems only ribbons can provide.

As usual with passive ribbons there is a low output voltage so good preamps are a must. I use a Midas M32 which can provide enough gain for loud sound sources and live stuff in general, but if I was recording a quiet source with the M160 then I would get a Cloudlifter.

I intended to use M160 primarily on vocals due to the flat frequency responce and not boosted highs as on many condenser microphones. The mike gives a natural representation of my voice (much less sibilance). Also I tried it on guitar amp and acoustitc guitar and like how it sounds, warm, rich and pleasant. Works very well in combo with SM57 too. The microphone is small, and well manifactured.
Because it is a dynamic microphone, I would say it has low output, but even at the max level of my Steinberg UR22 it is not noisy. So, a preamp is good to have around.
I recommend it to anyone looking for something different than standard production large condensors.