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Average Price: $442

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Description

Capture the rich, vintage sound of classic recordings with the Pinnacle Microphones Fat Top II Ribbon Microphone. Designed for studio professionals and recording enthusiasts alike, this microphone taps into the revered sonic characteristics of yesteryear while integrating modern engineering advancements. The dual-ribbon design ensures smooth, natural sound reproduction, making it ideal for capturing the nuance of vocals and instruments with remarkable accuracy.

The Fat Top II excels in versatility, offering a broad frequency response that handles everything from whisper-quiet acoustic guitar passages to the powerful dynamics of a grand piano. Its robust build and advanced internal components make it a reliable choice for both studio and live environments. The microphone’s figure-eight polar pattern delivers superior off-axis rejection, allowing you to focus on your intended sound source with minimal background noise interference.

Whether you’re laying down vocal tracks, recording live instruments, or capturing the subtle intricacies of a full orchestra, the Pinnacle Microphones Fat Top II Ribbon Microphone provides a warm, detailed soundscape that is both true to life and captivating.

Key Features:

  • Dual-ribbon design for smooth and natural sound reproduction
  • Figure-eight polar pattern for excellent off-axis rejection
  • Broad frequency response suitable for a variety of recording applications
  • Built for durability and reliability in both studio and live settings
  • Ideal for capturing vocals, instruments, and complex arrangements

Product specs

Brand Pinnacle Microphones
Model Fat Top II Ribbon Microphone
Year 2023 - 2025
Categories Microphones
Microphone Type Ribbon
Polar Pattern Bidirectional
Wired/Wireless Wired

FAQs

What is the primary application for the Pinnacle Microphones Fat Top II Ribbon Microphone?

The Pinnacle Fat Top II is ideal for recording vocals and instruments, offering a warm, vintage sound characteristic of ribbon microphones, making it suitable for studio environments.

What is the polar pattern of the Pinnacle Fat Top II, and what are its benefits?

The Fat Top II features a bidirectional polar pattern, capturing sound from the front and back while rejecting noise from the sides, which is excellent for recording ensembles or room ambiance.

How does the Fat Top II Ribbon Microphone compare to condenser microphones in terms of sound?

Ribbon microphones like the Fat Top II generally provide a smoother, more natural sound with less high-frequency emphasis compared to condenser microphones, making them great for taming harshness in recordings.

Is the Pinnacle Fat Top II Ribbon Microphone suitable for live performance use?

While primarily designed for studio use, the Fat Top II can be used in live settings with careful handling and placement due to its sensitivity and bidirectional pattern.

Does the Pinnacle Fat Top II require phantom power?

The Fat Top II does not require phantom power, as most ribbon microphones are passive and can be damaged by it. Always ensure your preamp or interface does not send phantom power when using this mic.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Pinnacle Microphones Fat Top II Ribbon Microphone.

Use cases and applications

  • The Pinnacle Fat Top II excels on guitar cabs and drum overheads, making it a versatile choice for home recording studios striving for a professional sound.

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  • Ribbons like the Fat Top II are favored for their ability to smooth cymbal harshness, ideal for overheads in well-treated spaces.

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  • The SE VR2 is favored for violin close-miking and offers surprising top-end detail akin to a condenser, making it versatile for various instruments.

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Value and pricing

  • A stereo pair with blumlein bar and shockmounts was priced at $625, offering a cost-effective alternative to high-end models like Royer 121s or Coles 4038s.

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  • The MXL R144, despite its low price, is noted for its thick, mid-heavy sound that complements dynamic-mic'd guitars, offering great value for budget-conscious users.

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Comparisons

  • Pinnacle Fat Top II is often compared to the Cascade Fat Head II, and users highlight its suitability for room mic applications, offering lush low mids and a dark, wooly tone.

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  • The Royer R10 is considered a viable alternative in the same price range, though it shares the figure-8 pattern common to ribbon mics.

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  • The Golden Age Project R1 MKII is compared to Coles for its response, but noted to be less dark, making it versatile for mono drum overheads and acoustic guitars.

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  • The Alder Audio H44 is praised for its dual sonic profiles and compared favorably to the Royer 121, being half the price but offering similar quality for guitars and acoustics.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Some users recommend using a FetHead with ribbon mics for optimal performance across a variety of applications, noting its impact on versatility and sound quality.

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  • Fathead mics can be enhanced by retuning ribbons at Manny’s Mic Locker for improved sound quality, addressing common complaints about cheap ribbons.

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User experience

  • Owners report that the Fat Top II provides a rich, warm sound that is particularly effective for achieving vintage tones on guitar amplifiers and drum kits, enhancing recording depth.

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  • Owners suggest that ribbons, including the Fat Top II, excel in creating a warmer sound by taming the highs compared to SDCs.

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Features and functionality

  • The figure-8 pattern of most ribbon mics, including the Fat Top II, requires careful placement in terms of height and room treatment.

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Setup and maintenance

  • The Golden Age R1 requires placement a few feet from kick drums to avoid damage from air blasts, indicating its sensitivity to positioning.

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Critic Reviews

Pinnacle Microphones Fat Top II: The Legacy of a Cult Classic Company Carries On -

happymag.tv

The Pinnacle Microphones Fat Top II Ribbon Microphone is a vintage-inspired gem that offers a lush, warm sound, particularly excelling with drum kits and electric instruments. Its classic design, coupled with the Lundahl Transformer, ensures high-quality audio capturing, making it an excellent choice for those seeking to soften harsh high frequencies. While it requires some recording know-how, like avoiding phantom power mishaps, its robust build and included accessories make it a reliable studio addition. With a price of $599, it’s a solid investment for serious audio engineers wanting that unique ribbon mic warmth.

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