In article ,
Iain Churches wrote:

"Dave Plowman (News)" wrote in message
...
In article ,

The STC 4038 ribbon - probably *the* classic mic of all time - is
excellent on sax. Of course they have to be in good condition. And
it's much more expensive to make a good ribbon mike than a
condenser.

Dunno what happened to them all - the BBC had thousands. IIRC, TV
Centre Tech Op Stores had an inventory of some 300 when I worked
there. I *think* you can still buy them new - or certainly could a few
years ago. Made by Coles.


Yes. still available, about UKP 700 each, or sold in boxed pairs.

http://www.coleselectroacoustics.com/micstudio.shtml

As I said a good ribbon costs a great deal to make. ;-)

Remember years ago being involved in a live versus recorded demo at the
BBC. The speaker being used was a modified LSU 10 which started out having
a Parmeko 15" dual concentric but had been modified by BBC designs
department (and tested in their anechoic chamber) to take a Tannoy. Driven
by a Quad II valve amp.
We had a selection of instruments and a couple of jobbing musicians that
could make a fair fist of playing them. And an example of all the mics the
BBC used. Things like U77, C12, C414, C28, KM54, etc. As well as the
entire STC range.
The most natural combination that fooled everyone (blind test) - ie 50%
got it right - was an alto sax miked up with a 4038. On every other
combination of mic and instrument at least three quarters of the company
knew which was which.

--
*Preserve wildlife - Go pickle a squirrel*

Dave Plowman London SW
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