Experience the timeless allure of the Coles 4038 Ribbon Microphone Stereo Pair, a staple in the recording world since its inception by the BBC in the 1950s. This stereo pair is not just a microphone—it's a bridge to the past with its iconic design and unmatched sound quality. Revered for its distinctive, rich tonality, the 4038 captures sound in a way that is both full-bodied and intricately detailed, making it an essential tool for recording drums, guitar amplifiers, and brass instruments. Its unique figure-of-8 polar pattern and wide frequency range from 30 Hz to 15 kHz make it perfect for capturing the dynamic range of any performance while minimizing unwanted noise.

The 4038's swiveling head, often referred to as the "waffle iron," is not just for show—it's a functional design element that allows for precise positioning, ensuring you capture the sound exactly as you envision it. This microphone's ability to reject off-axis noise is unparalleled, making it an invaluable asset in both studio and live settings.

Whether you're capturing the gentle whisper of a jazz saxophone or the thunderous crash of a rock drummer, the Coles 4038 delivers a sound that is both classic and contemporary, giving your recordings a warmth and clarity that stands the test of time.

Key Features:

• Matched pair for stereo recording
• Figure-of-8 polar pattern
• Frequency range: 30 Hz - 15 kHz
• Sensitivity: -65 dB (W.R.T. IV / Pa)
• Maximum SPL: 125 dB
• Output impedance: 300 Ohm
• Swiveling head for precise positioning
• Notable historical use in iconic recordings

Product specs

FAQs

What is the primary intended application for the Coles 4038 Ribbon Microphone Stereo Pair?

The Coles 4038 Ribbon Microphone Stereo Pair is ideal for studio recording, particularly for capturing detailed and natural sound from acoustic instruments, vocals, and orchestral recordings due to its smooth frequency response and rich tonal characteristics.

What is the polar pattern of the Coles 4038 Ribbon Microphone, and what does it mean for recording?

The Coles 4038 features a figure-8 polar pattern, which captures sound equally from the front and back while rejecting sound from the sides, making it excellent for stereo recording techniques and capturing room ambiance.

How would you describe the sound signature of the Coles 4038 Ribbon Microphone?

The Coles 4038 is known for its warm, natural sound with a smooth high-frequency roll-off, making it ideal for recording sources where a detailed, yet non-harsh sound is desired.

Is the Coles 4038 Ribbon Microphone Stereo Pair suitable for loud sound sources?

While the Coles 4038 can handle loud sound levels, it is sensitive to strong air gusts, so care should be taken to avoid placing it near sources like kick drums or loudspeaker bass ports that can damage the ribbon element.

Does the Coles 4038 Ribbon Microphone come with a shockmount?

No, the Coles 4038 Ribbon Microphone does not include a shockmount, so users may need to purchase one separately to reduce handling noise and vibrations during recording.