Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $450

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$499

$1500+

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Description

The Beyerdynamic M500 is a classic piece of studio recording gear, known for its exceptional sound quality and reliability in capturing vocals and instruments. As a ribbon microphone, the M500 offers a warm and natural sound that has made it a favorite among recording professionals over the years. Its hypercardioid polar pattern ensures focused sound capture, reducing ambient noise and making it ideal for studio environments where precision is key.

Engineered for versatility, the M500 shines both in studio settings and live performances. Its design minimizes feedback, allowing performers to deliver their best without distractions. Whether you're recording a delicate acoustic guitar session or a powerful vocal track, this microphone adapts effortlessly, providing a refined, vintage character to the output. The durable construction ensures that it can withstand the rigors of frequent use, making it not just an investment, but a long-term partner in music production.

With its proven track record, the Beyerdynamic M500 continues to be a preferred choice for artists and audio engineers who demand clarity and detail in their recordings. Its heritage and build quality reflect the commitment to excellence that Beyerdynamic is renowned for.

Key Features:

  • Ribbon microphone for natural and warm sound
  • Hypercardioid polar pattern for focused sound capture
  • Minimizes feedback for live performance applications
  • Versatile for both studio and live environments
  • Durable construction for long-term use
  • Ideal for vocals and acoustic instruments

Product specs

Brand Beyerdynamic
Model M500-N(C) Hypercardioid Ribbon Microphone
Finish Black
Year 1970s
Made In Germany
Categories Microphones
Electronics Analog, Passive
Microphone Type Ribbon
Polar Pattern Hypercardioid
Wired/Wireless Wired

FAQs

What is the primary application for the Beyerdynamic M500 ribbon microphone?

The Beyerdynamic M500 is primarily used for recording vocals and instruments, offering a warm, natural sound characteristic ideal for studio environments.

How does the hypercardioid polar pattern of the Beyerdynamic M500 affect sound recording?

The hypercardioid polar pattern provides excellent off-axis rejection, making it suitable for isolating sound sources in noisy environments or reducing room ambiance in studio recordings.

Is the Beyerdynamic M500 suitable for live performances?

While primarily designed for studio use, the Beyerdynamic M500 can be used in live settings due to its robust build and effective feedback rejection from the hypercardioid pattern.

What are the sound characteristics of the Beyerdynamic M500 ribbon microphone?

The Beyerdynamic M500 offers a smooth, warm tone with a natural high-frequency roll-off, making it ideal for capturing detailed and rich vocal and instrumental performances.

Does the Beyerdynamic M500 require phantom power?

No, the Beyerdynamic M500 is a passive ribbon microphone and does not require phantom power, which is beneficial for protecting the delicate ribbon element.

Cole Picks Vintage

Cole Picks Vintage

Beyerdynamic Ribbon Microphone Shootout (M160, M260, M500)

Video thumbnail for Beyerdynamic Ribbon Microphone Shootout (M160, M260, M500) by Cole Picks Vintage

Beyerdynamic Ribbon Microphone Shootout (M160, M260, M500)

Cole Picks Vintage

Cole Picks Vintage

Video thumbnail for A Riot of Ribbons! Beyerdynamic V90r, vs V90r, vs M500, vs M500, vs M500, vs M500. by Anton Browne

A Riot of Ribbons! Beyerdynamic V90r, vs V90r, vs M500, vs M500, vs M500, vs M500.

Anton Browne

Anton Browne

Video thumbnail for Microphone of Legends: The Beyerdynamic M500 Ribbon, Preferred by Frank Sinatra for Live Performance by Barry Watson

Microphone of Legends: The Beyerdynamic M500 Ribbon, Preferred by Frank Sinatra for Live Performance

Barry Watson

Barry Watson

Video thumbnail for Beyerdynamic M500 Ribbon Microphone by Anton Browne

Beyerdynamic M500 Ribbon Microphone

Anton Browne

Anton Browne

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Beyerdynamic M500.

Setup and maintenance

  • The M500 requires an adapter cable from DIN 41524 to XLR, as it's often wired for DIN "Tuchel" cables.

    Source
  • Ensure not to run phantom power through the M500, as this could damage the vintage ribbon mic.

    Source

Other

  • The M500 bought in 1979 may need attention to its original cables, which could be worn and affect testing.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The M500, paired with the M160 or SM57, is favored for capturing electric guitar tones, offering versatility in both driven and clean settings.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some users prefer the M160 over condenser mics for overheads because it captures sensitivity and detail while minimizing room reflections.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners note that combining the M500 with other mics, like the SM57, can enhance the overall recording by adding depth and capturing different tonal qualities.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The M500 is praised for its ability to provide a full, rich guitar sound that complements other microphones in a multi-mic setup.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Pete Townshend uses Beyerdynamic M500

Pete Townshend

Singer, Guitarist

The Who

...
Verified via YouTube

Used for vocals on Deep End Live!, as can be seen throughout the concert footage.

See how Lindsey Buckingham uses Beyerdynamic M500

Lindsey Buckingham

Guitarist, Singer

Fleetwood Mac

...
Verified via Photo

Lindsey Buckingham used the Beyerdynamic M500 ribbon microphone from 1977 to 1980, as shown in a user-uploaded photo on Tumblr.

See how Sabrina Carpenter uses Beyerdynamic M500

Sabrina Carpenter

Guitarist, Singer

...
Verified via Photo

Sabrina Carpenter uses the Beyerdynamic M500 ribbon microphone, as evidenced by a Facebook post in which the sixth photo shows three of these microphones.

See how Christine McVie uses Beyerdynamic M500

Christine McVie

Singer, Keyboardist

Fleetwood Mac

...
Verified via Photo

Christine McVie used the Beyerdynamic M500 microphone from 1977 to 1982, as evidenced by a user-uploaded photo on Tumblr.

Album Usage

The Beyerdynamic M500 has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

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

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Beyerdynamic M500, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1

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