Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $89

Budget/Beginner

$499

$1500+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "the t.bone RB 500". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 19, 2026.

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Description

Discover the enchanting world of analog warmth with the t.bone RB 500 Ribbon Microphone, a favorite among both budding and seasoned recording artists. This mic is designed to capture the essence of sound with a very warm, natural tone that enriches vocal and instrumental recordings. The RB 500’s figure-8 polar pattern ensures that sound from both the front and back is captured equally, lending itself perfectly to a variety of studio applications, from recording duets to capturing the ambiance of an entire room.

Constructed with a 2-inch aluminum ribbon, this microphone boasts a frequency range of 30-18,000 Hz, providing a broad spectrum to highlight every subtlety of your sound. With a sensitivity of -60 dB, the RB 500 is adept at capturing the quietest nuances, while its ability to handle up to 148 dB SPL means it won't flinch in the face of powerful audio sources.

Whether you're setting up for a podcast, a full studio session, or a live performance, the RB 500 is equipped for versatility. It comes with a U bracket for easy installation and a padded carrying bag for safe transport. Plus, the attached XLR cable ensures a seamless connection to your recording equipment. Elevate your audio production with a microphone that respects the integrity of your sound.

Key Features:

  • Very warm, natural sound
  • Figure-8 characteristic
  • 2” Aluminum ribbon (strength: 2 µm)
  • Frequency range: 30 - 18,000 Hz
  • Sensitivity: -60 dB / 1mV/PA (0dB = 1V/PA @ 1 kHz)
  • Maximum SPL: 148 dB
  • Includes U bracket and padded carrying bag
  • XLR cable attached to the microphone

Product specs

Available since October 2004
shockmount included No
Incl. Clamp 1
Polar Pattern Figure Eight

FAQs

What is the primary intended application for the t.bone RB 500 ribbon microphone?

The t.bone RB 500 is primarily designed for studio recording, offering a classic ribbon microphone sound that's well-suited for capturing vocals, brass, and string instruments with a warm and natural tone.

What is the polar pattern of the t.bone RB 500, and what does it mean for recording?

The t.bone RB 500 features a figure-eight polar pattern, which captures sound equally from the front and back while rejecting noise from the sides. This makes it ideal for stereo recording techniques and capturing room ambiance.

Does the t.bone RB 500 come with a shockmount?

No, the t.bone RB 500 does not include a shockmount. However, it comes with a clamp for mounting the microphone.

How would you describe the sound signature of the t.bone RB 500 ribbon microphone?

The t.bone RB 500 is known for its warm and smooth sound signature, providing a rich and natural tone that is characteristic of ribbon microphones, making it particularly suitable for vintage-style recordings.

Thomann's Drum Bash

Thomann's Drum Bash

One Mic, Four Positions | Drum Lesson | Thomann

Video thumbnail for One Mic, Four Positions | Drum Lesson | Thomann by Thomann's Drum Bash

One Mic, Four Positions | Drum Lesson | Thomann

Thomann's Drum Bash

Thomann's Drum Bash

Video thumbnail for Is the T-Bone RB500 the best budget ribbon microphone for drums? by Callum Edwards Drums

Is the T-Bone RB500 the best budget ribbon microphone for drums?

Callum Edwards Drums

Callum Edwards Drums

Video thumbnail for T BONE RB-500 Ribbon Microphone Fingerstyle Acoustic Guitar Demo by Darryl Syms

T BONE RB-500 Ribbon Microphone Fingerstyle Acoustic Guitar Demo

Darryl Syms

Darryl Syms

Video thumbnail for Lewitt lct 040 vs t bone rb 500 by Jaime Nadal

Lewitt lct 040 vs t bone rb 500

Jaime Nadal

Jaime Nadal

Video thumbnail for RIBBON VS CONDENSER MICS | T bone RB500 vs Aston Spirit: Which Sounds Better as Drum Overheads? by Lui Piluso

RIBBON VS CONDENSER MICS | T bone RB500 vs Aston Spirit: Which Sounds Better as Drum Overheads?

Lui Piluso

Lui Piluso

Reviews

PROS

  • Delivers warm, round transients, ideal for the 'ribbon' effect

  • Capable of capturing subtle tone changes, excellent for high-volume sources

  • Renders a warm, rounded-off sound with character, suitable for vintage-style music

  • Performs exceptionally well without needing processing, especially for drums

  • Highly sensitive to room acoustics, offering detailed capture

  • Pairs well with other mics for a rich, detailed sound

  • Affordable, providing great value for its price

  • Maintains sound quality with or without additional preamps

CONS

  • Attached mic cable is non-replaceable and could be more durable

  • Requires careful handling of its inner protection net to maintain sound quality

  • May need slight EQ adjustment to control low mids

  • Sensitivity to room acoustics requires careful placement

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about the t.bone RB 500.

Setup and maintenance

  • Connect the t.bone RB 500 before enabling phantom power and disconnect after turning it off to avoid potential damage.

    Source
  • Pairing the RB 500 with a Millenium preamp featuring a high-pass switch and adjustable impedance can enhance its performance.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The t.bone RB 500 can be used with in-line phantom power blockers or mic boosters like Cloudlifter, fetHead, or sE Dynamite for safe operation and gain enhancement.

    Source
  • The RB 500's natural mid/high response is complemented by a notably bassy tone, which may require a high-pass filter for balanced sound.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners have not experienced damage when adhering to proper phantom power procedures, despite Thomann's warnings.

    Source
  • A user reported significant satisfaction with the RB 500's performance on guitar cabinets, noting its colored sound as a favorable characteristic.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The t.bone RB 500 is reported to have sonic similarities to Coles 4038, especially in its warm, colored sound on drums.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners find the RB 500 effective as drum room mics in a Blumlein setup, delivering great results.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A fethead is highly recommended for use with the RB 500 to achieve the best versatility and performance across applications.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The t.bone RB 500 is priced around $100/€100, offering an affordable entry into ribbon microphones for those exploring this mic type.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Temu uses the t.bone RB 500

Temu

Singer, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

Featured in this January 9, 2021 studio tour video at 8:42.

Ribbon Mic- https://www.thomannmusic.com/the_tbon...

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 the t.bone RB 500, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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