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Description

The Beyerdynamic M160 Stereo Pair is a sophisticated choice for discerning audio engineers and musicians seeking impeccable sound quality in their recordings. Renowned for its dual-ribbon transducer, this stereo pair captures the nuances of performances with remarkable accuracy and warmth. Ideal for a wide range of studio applications, these microphones are celebrated for their ability to deliver a natural sound that is both smooth and detailed.

The M160's hypercardioid polar pattern minimizes unwanted ambient noise, focusing on the source for pristine clarity. This makes the M160 Stereo Pair an excellent option for capturing everything from the subtle intricacies of acoustic instruments to the dynamic range of a full drum kit. Their compact design also allows for versatile placement, ensuring you capture the perfect sound in any recording environment.

Crafted with precision in Germany, the Beyerdynamic M160 Stereo Pair embodies a blend of tradition and innovation. Their robust build and classic design are complemented by modern engineering, ensuring reliability and performance that professionals can trust. Whether you're recording in a state-of-the-art studio or a home setup, the M160 Stereo Pair stands as a testament to quality and versatility.

Key Features:

  • Dual-ribbon transducer for high-fidelity sound
  • Hypercardioid polar pattern for focused audio capture
  • Smooth frequency response with a warm, natural tone
  • Excellent for a variety of instruments and vocals
  • Compact design for versatile microphone placement
  • Rugged construction with precision engineering
  • Handcrafted in Germany with attention to detail

Product specs

Brand Beyerdynamic
Model M160 Stereo Pair
Year 2010s
Made In Germany
Categories Microphones
Electronics Analog, Passive
Microphone Type Ribbon
Polar Pattern Hypercardioid
Wired/Wireless Wired

FAQs

What are the primary applications for the Beyerdynamic M160 Stereo Pair?

The Beyerdynamic M160 Stereo Pair is highly versatile, suitable for recording drums, guitar amps, acoustic instruments, brass, and strings due to its high-definition sound and wide frequency response.

Does the Beyerdynamic M160 require phantom power?

No, the Beyerdynamic M160 is a passive ribbon microphone and does not require phantom power. In fact, applying phantom power can damage the microphone.

What is the polar pattern of the Beyerdynamic M160 Stereo Pair?

The Beyerdynamic M160 features a hypercardioid polar pattern, which provides excellent off-axis rejection and is ideal for isolating sound sources in a stereo recording setup.

How does the Beyerdynamic M160 Stereo Pair enhance stereo recording?

The M160 Stereo Pair captures a wide stereo image with precise detail, making it perfect for spaced pair techniques in stereo recording, offering high-definition sound and excellent frequency response.

Is the Beyerdynamic M160 suitable for vocal recording?

Yes, the Beyerdynamic M160 can be used for vocal recording, offering a smooth and natural sound that complements various vocal styles, although it is renowned for its performance on instruments.

Gear and Sound

Gear and Sound

Test #2 Coles 4038, Beyerdynamic M 160, NoHype Audio SRM-1(stereo) Ribbon Microphone Comparison

Video thumbnail for Test #2 Coles 4038, Beyerdynamic M 160, NoHype Audio SRM-1(stereo) Ribbon Microphone Comparison by Gear and Sound

Test #2 Coles 4038, Beyerdynamic M 160, NoHype Audio SRM-1(stereo) Ribbon Microphone Comparison

Gear and Sound

Gear and Sound

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Beyerdynamic M160 Stereo Pair.

Use cases and applications

  • The M160 is praised for producing a vibey, dry, and not-too-bright sound as drum overheads, though placement requires careful attention due to its focused pattern.

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  • Best results on cymbals are achieved with bright cymbals played by skilled drummers, creating a detailed snare and toms sound.

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  • As overheads, M160s excel with spaced pair setups in small, reverberant rooms, effectively rejecting wall and ceiling reflections.

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  • The M160s can be problematic on very loud bass cabinets, with reports of the microphone crapping out at high volumes.

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  • The M160 excels as a hi-hat mic, praised for its tight hypercardioid pattern that minimizes unwanted reflections and feedback.

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  • The M160s are highly effective in small rooms with low ceilings, offering superior rejection of room reflections compared to figure-8 patterns.

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  • The M160 is effective on hand percussion, offering a smooth and direct sound that enhances the tonal qualities of small acoustic instruments.

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Comparisons

  • M160s were used in Dayglow videos; reportedly also used by Led Zeppelin on "When the Levee Breaks" with a Binson Echorec.

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  • M160s provide a unique, vibey, old-school feel for overheads, which might not suit all music styles, suggesting limited versatility for varied applications.

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  • The M160 is noted for having more upper midrange presence than the M130, making it a popular choice for guitar amplifiers.

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  • When compared to the Sennheiser 421, the M160 on guitar amps offers a complementary magic, providing a unique tonal blend.

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  • When used on guitar amps, the M160 provides a balanced sound compared to the bass-heavy Royer 121, often eliminating the need for additional blending with a SM57.

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User experience

  • Users found M160s particularly transformative in small studios, significantly enhancing overall sound quality.

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  • M160s have been successfully used on airy/nasal singers, providing a pleasing balance, though they are not the first choice for vocals generally.

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  • Owners report the M160’s mellowness may challenge overhead applications, where it can lose definition without additional EQ adjustments.

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Features and functionality

  • Owners note an upper mid peak around 3.5kHz that may need to be EQ'd for cymbal-heavy drumming, though this can detract from snare presence.

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  • Known for a durable head-basket, the M160 can withstand typical studio use without damage, even when used on stage.

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Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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