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Description

The Cascade Fat Head II Stereo Pair is a stellar choice for recording enthusiasts seeking the warm, natural sound that only ribbon microphones can provide. Designed to capture the nuance and detail of your musical performances, these microphones are perfect for a variety of applications, from studio recording to live sound reinforcement. The Fat Head II features a dual-ribbon design, delivering a rich, full-bodied sound with a smooth frequency response that flatters a wide range of instruments and vocals. With a focus on quality, these microphones boast exceptional craftsmanship and durability, ensuring they remain a staple in your audio toolbox for years to come.

Whether you're capturing the subtle overtones of an acoustic guitar, the complex harmonics of a grand piano, or the powerful punch of a drum kit, the Cascade Fat Head II Stereo Pair has you covered. These microphones excel in stereo recording setups, providing a wide, immersive soundstage that brings your music to life. The figure-eight polar pattern offers excellent side rejection, minimizing unwanted noise and reflections from your recording environment.

Key Features:

  • Dual-ribbon design for a rich, natural sound
  • Figure-eight polar pattern for effective side rejection
  • Smooth frequency response that enhances a variety of instruments and vocals
  • Ideal for both studio recording and live sound applications
  • Handcrafted with a focus on quality and durability
  • Comes with a premium shock mount and aluminum carrying case for protection and convenience

Product specs

Brand Cascade
Model Fat Head II Stereo Pair
Year 2010s
Categories Microphones

FAQs

What is the polar pattern of the Cascade Fat Head II Stereo Pair?

The Cascade Fat Head II Stereo Pair features a figure-8 polar pattern, which is ideal for capturing sound from the front and back while rejecting noise from the sides.

Are the Cascade Fat Head II microphones suitable for recording instruments?

Yes, the Cascade Fat Head II Stereo Pair is well-suited for recording instruments, especially for applications like drum overheads, guitar cabinets, and brass instruments, thanks to its warm and natural sound.

What is the benefit of using a stereo pair of ribbon microphones like the Cascade Fat Head II?

Using a stereo pair allows for capturing a more immersive and natural sound field, making it ideal for stereo recording techniques such as Blumlein or Mid-Side, which enhance spatial accuracy and depth in recordings.

Does the Cascade Fat Head II Stereo Pair require phantom power?

The Cascade Fat Head II is a passive ribbon microphone and does not require phantom power, making it compatible with most preamps that do not supply phantom power.

How does the Cascade Fat Head II Stereo Pair handle high sound pressure levels?

The Cascade Fat Head II Stereo Pair is designed to handle high sound pressure levels, making it suitable for recording loud sources like electric guitar amps and drums without distortion.

American Musical Supply

American Musical Supply

Ribbon Mic Comparison - American Musical Supply

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Ribbon Mic Comparison - American Musical Supply

American Musical Supply

American Musical Supply

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 II Stereo Pair.

Mods and upgrades

  • The Cascade Fat Head II is often recommended with a Lundahl transformer upgrade for improved sound quality.

    Source
  • For budget-conscious users, modifying an Apex 205 with a Cinemag CM-9888 transformer and re-ribboning can rival higher-end models.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Fat Head II mics are frequently used for drum overheads, horn recordings, and as room mics in a blumlein setup.

    Source
  • Owners find Fat Head II excellent for capturing the sound of a Leslie 145 cab driven by a Hammond C-3.

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  • The Cascade Fat Head II is praised for its lush, dark, and wooly sound, particularly effective on guitar cabs and in drum room setups.

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Comparisons

  • Some users prefer Cascade Vin Jet over Fathead for its longer ribbon and wider frequency response, especially when upgraded with a Lundahl transformer.

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  • Fat Head BE doesn't come stock with a Cinemag transformer, contrary to some beliefs; further upgrades may be needed for this feature.

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  • The Cascade Fat Head II is often chosen over more expensive options like Royers and Coles for its character and affordability, especially for specific tasks.

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Setup and maintenance

  • It's important to inspect the ribbon for sagging by holding the microphone horizontally, as sagging may indicate damage.

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Features and functionality

  • Fat Head mics work without phantom power, contradicting some users' initial beliefs about ribbon mic requirements.

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  • Ribbon mics, including Fat Head models, are transformer-coupled and do not inherently require phantom power.

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User experience

  • An audible pop when connecting with phantom power on might not indicate damage, as the mic can still function normally post-incident.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Owners have found the Cascade Fat Head II stereo pair with blumlein bar and shock mounts available for around $625, offering great value for the quality.

    Source

Other

  • The Fat Head II's thick, vintage-style ribbon delivers a distinctive sound that some users miss after selling, indicating its unique tonal appeal in certain setups.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Fat Head II Ribbon Mic Review - Active/Passive Options | Tape Op Magazine

tapeop.com

The Cascade Fat Head II Stereo Pair is a budget-friendly marvel, offering both active and passive modes in one mic. While it's not ideal for sources needing crisp high-end detail, its versatility across instruments like drums, guitars, and horns makes it a studio staple. The active mode brings a welcome high-frequency boost, though it may still need a condenser for full acoustic detail. It's a solid choice for backing vocals and ensembles, and with impressive build quality and stellar customer service, it's a steal under $600. A must-have for those seeking ribbon mic flexibility without breaking the bank.

positive

Cascade Microphone Company Fat Head II Stereo Pair review on harmonycentral.com

harmonycentral.com

The Cascade Fat Head II Stereo Pair delivers a remarkable blend of affordability and quality, making it a standout choice for both budding home recordists and well-equipped studios. Praised for its warm, natural sound that complements digital recordings, this ribbon mic pair excels in capturing a wide range of sources, especially in stereo configurations. While the stock model may lack the high-end sparkle for drum overheads or bright vocals, it shines with electric guitar amps and percussion. Although built in China, meticulous quality control ensures reliability. With its vintage charm and competitive price, the Fat Head II is an easy recommendation for anyone looking to expand their mic locker without breaking the bank.

positive

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