Pricing and availability

Average Price: $226

Budget/Beginner

$499

$1500+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Cascade Fat Head BE is a standout in the world of ribbon microphones, well-regarded for its blend of classic warmth and modern precision. Designed to capture the essence of vintage sound, this microphone is a favorite among studio professionals and home recording enthusiasts alike. At its core, the Fat Head BE features a figure-eight polar pattern, which ensures exceptional off-axis rejection and a balanced capture of ambient sound. This makes it an excellent choice for recording in diverse acoustic environments.

The Fat Head BE is particularly adept at picking up rich, natural tones, making it perfect for instruments like brass, strings, and guitar amplifiers. Its robust construction includes a hand-tuned ribbon element, providing durability and performance consistency. The microphone's low-frequency response and smooth midrange make it an ideal choice for vocal recordings as well, delivering a full-bodied sound with clarity and depth.

Moreover, the Fat Head BE comes equipped with a Lundahl transformer, known for its high-quality output and ability to maintain the integrity of sound. This combination of features ensures that the Cascade Fat Head BE remains a versatile and reliable tool in any recording setup.

Key Features:

  • Ribbon microphone with a figure-eight polar pattern
  • Ideal for capturing warm, natural tones
  • Hand-tuned ribbon element for durability and sound consistency
  • Equipped with Lundahl transformer for high-quality output
  • Exceptional off-axis rejection for better ambient sound capture
  • Suitable for a wide range of instruments and vocal recordings

Product specs

Brand Cascade
Model Fat Head BE
Finish Gunmetal
Year 2010s
Categories Microphones

FAQs

What is the primary application for the Cascade Fat Head BE ribbon microphone?

The Cascade Fat Head BE is ideal for recording instruments and vocals, offering a warm, natural sound that is particularly suited for guitar amps, drum overheads, and brass instruments.

Does the Cascade Fat Head BE require phantom power to operate?

No, the Cascade Fat Head BE does not require phantom power, as it is a passive ribbon microphone.

How does the Cascade Fat Head BE handle high sound pressure levels?

The Cascade Fat Head BE is capable of handling high sound pressure levels, making it suitable for close-miking loud sound sources like guitar amplifiers and drum kits.

What are the core sound characteristics of the Cascade Fat Head BE?

The Cascade Fat Head BE is known for its smooth, warm tone with a natural and unhyped frequency response, making it a great choice for achieving a vintage sound.

Is the Cascade Fat Head BE suitable for home studio use?

Yes, the Cascade Fat Head BE is well-suited for home studios, providing professional-quality sound capture for a variety of instruments and vocals in smaller recording environments.

Joe Gilder • Home Studio Corner

Joe Gilder • Home Studio Corner

Ribbon Mics: The Good & The Bad (Cascade Fathead)

Video thumbnail for Ribbon Mics: The Good & The Bad (Cascade Fathead) by Joe Gilder • Home Studio Corner

Ribbon Mics: The Good & The Bad (Cascade Fathead)

Joe Gilder • Home Studio Corner

Joe Gilder • Home Studio Corner

Video thumbnail for Cascade Fathead - Heavy Guitars demonstration @ STL Audio by STLAudio

Cascade Fathead - Heavy Guitars demonstration @ STL Audio

STLAudio

STLAudio

Video thumbnail for Cascade Fat Head Ribbon Mic Demo by Leon Todd

Cascade Fat Head Ribbon Mic Demo

Leon Todd

Leon Todd

Video thumbnail for Cascade Fathead Microphone Demo by AskAGuitarPro

Cascade Fathead Microphone Demo

AskAGuitarPro

AskAGuitarPro

Video thumbnail for How Awesome is the Fathead Ribbon Mic on Guitar Cabs ?!!! by ADDICTED TO GEAR

How Awesome is the Fathead Ribbon Mic on Guitar Cabs ?!!!

ADDICTED TO GEAR

ADDICTED TO GEAR

Video thumbnail for Shure SM57 and Cascade Fat Head - IR Comparison by Leon Todd

Shure SM57 and Cascade Fat Head - IR Comparison

Leon Todd

Leon Todd

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Cascade Microphone Company Fat Head BE.

Features and functionality

  • Cascade Fat Head BE does not come stock with a Cinemag transformer, contrary to some assumptions about the brand's ribbon mics.

    Source
  • The Fat Head BE has significant proximity effect, which can influence mic placement decisions for optimal sound quality.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Phantom power isn't required for the Fat Head BE to function; users have operated it successfully without it.

    Source
  • Owners often position the Fat Head BE a few inches from the cab to manage proximity effect and phase alignment when paired with a 57 mic.

    Source

User experience

  • The Fat Head BE can still pass sound even after a pop sound is heard when accidentally turned on with phantom power.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The microphone's ribbon should show no sagging when held horizontally, indicating it's in good condition.

    Source
  • Combining the Cascade Fat Head BE with an e609 creates a powerful guitar amp sound, with the ribbon mic adding fullness and the dynamic mic providing mid-high clarity.

    Source
  • Minimal EQ adjustments, primarily rolling off lows, are needed with the Fat Head BE and dynamic mic combo, enhancing sound control and blending via faders.

    Source
  • Exceptional for drum overheads, capturing significant low-end details, enhancing drum mixing strategies.

    Source
  • Produces beautiful tone and punch on double bass, especially when used with a kick drum doghouse for isolation.

    Source
  • Effective guitar amp miking when placed 2-3 feet out, complements a close 57/i5 mic setup.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Successfully used with Logic Pro and an Apogee Duo interface, indicating compatibility with popular recording setups.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Considered darker/muffled initially, it gains clarity with gentle high-end EQ boosts, unlike other ribbon mics.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Genre Usage

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

More Cascade Microphone Company Ribbon Microphones

Royer R-121

$1,499.00 - $1,599.00

# 2

Rank

John Frusciante Mac DeMarco Billie Joe Armstrong
50 artists using
AEA R84

$1,199.00 - $1,399.00

# 5

Rank

Jack White Yannis Philippakis Moby
9 artists using
AEA R88

$2,317.94 - $2,599.00

# 9

Rank

Jacob Collier John Osborne Butch Walker
6 artists using
Royer R-10

$625.00 - $1,298.00

# 11

Rank

Masaru Teramae
1 artist using
AEA R44CE

$2,589.00 - $4,299.00

# 21

Rank

Álvaro Henriquez Bibio Lizzo
3 artists using

Accessories & Related Items

Artist usage

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides