The multi-award-winning M 160 dynamic double-ribbon microphone is exceptional in its sound and manufacturing: intricate handmade craftsmanship meets unique technical features. Affectionately known as a “gem”, the M 160 has enriched hit after hit with a sound character that has very little tonal colouring. A precise bass response, warm mids and silkily elegant trebles merge together to form a very unique sound. Those who are familiar with this microphone will know: there is no alternative to the M 160.
Softens harsh sounds
The M 160 is ideal for miking electric guitar amps. This is due not only to its hypercardioid polar pattern, which is unique among ribbon microphones, but also to its special sound character. The M 160 delivers a warm but nevertheless natural sound. In addition, the M 160 easily masters the high sound pressures of a guitar amp and provides a signal that is perfect for processing.
IDEAL FOR DRUMS
Whether as overhead, for the hi-hat or as a room microphone, the M 160 is an excellent choice for miking a drumkit. In particular, sharp sounds such as cymbals are reproduced in a well-balanced way. In addition, the low mass of the two wafer-thin double-ribbons ensures high impulse fidelity. Sounds with a strong attack are precisely reproduced thanks to the microphone’s quick transient response.
A Double-Ribbon Microphone for every application
The M 160 is an exceptionally versatile member of the ribbon microphone family. Its high-definition sound and wide frequency response of 40–18,000 Hz take effect when miking not only drums and amps, but also acoustic guitars, brass instruments and strings. In combination with a wind shield, the M 160 is a great choice for those who wish to give their voice a warm, vintage sound. Together with the dynamic double-ribbon M 130, which has a figure-eight polar pattern, the M 160 can also be used for M/S recording.
A very special pattern
The M 160 is the only doubl-ribbon microphone with a hypercardioid polar pattern on the market. This polar pattern prioritises sound coming from the front, while most of the signals from the sides and some from the back are reduced. Rear attenuation is 25 dB at 110° and 250°.
This ensures excellent channel separation. Thanks to this technical refinement, the warm sound of a ribbon can be used in completely new situations.
A Double-Ribbon Microphone for every application
The M 160 is an exceptionally versatile member of the ribbon microphone family. Its high-definition sound and wide frequency response of 40–18,000 Hz take effect when miking not only drums and amps, but also acoustic guitars, brass instruments and strings. In combination with a wind shield, the M 160 is a great choice for those who wish to give their voice a warm, vintage sound. Together with the dynamic double-ribbon M 130, which has a figure-eight polar pattern, the M 160 can also be used for M/S recording.
A Very special pattern
The M 160 is the only doubl-ribbon microphone with a hypercardioid polar pattern on the market. This polar pattern prioritises sound coming from the front, while most of the signals from the sides and some from the back are reduced. Rear attenuation is 25 dB at 110° and 250°.
This ensures excellent channel separation. Thanks to this technical refinement, the warm sound of a ribbon can be used in completely new situations.
Quality Made in Germany
The M 160 is the embodiment of top-quality craftsmanship. From the exact width of two hand-stamped pure aluminium ribbons, to placing them in the magnet gap with millimetre precision, through to testing the vibration behaviour. Manufacturing various components in-house, such as the microphone grille or the transformer, gives us permanent control over compliance with our high quality standards.
This is reflected in our choice of specialists. The production of an M 160 requires particular dexterity. In the end, all of this hard work becomes apparent in the microphone’s outstanding sound quality. Every microphone is a masterpiece thanks to exacting precision “Made in Germany”.
Use-Optimised Ribbon
Thanks to its compact dimensions and low weight, the M 160 is impressively easy to position in any situation. It is also uniquely robust for a ribbon microphone. It is thus one of the few of its kind used on loud live stages, even though it has been established as a studio standard. This classic microphone now comes safely stored in a sturdy hard case.
Individual Measurement Curve
Because each one is intricately handmade, each M 160 is unique. We even go one step further and individually measure each and every microphone. A print-out of the measurement curve is included with your purchased M 160.
Durable Materials
Our microphones are designed for daily use in professional conditions, which is why only durable materials are used in their construction. If the microphone nevertheless gets damaged, our service policy means that we can replace almost every part.
NAMM TEC AWARDS
TECHNOLOGY HALL OF FAME
This dynamic double-ribbon microphone has received an honour reserved for very few audio products. Thanks to its advancement of audio technology, the M 160 was inducted into the elite circle of the “NAMM TEC Awards Technology Hall of Fame” in 2019.
SOUND SAMPLES
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The M Series microphones are an important part of our microphone history and have been synonymous with outstanding product quality for decades. With the facelift, we are leading the microphones into the future. Since the products have been produced for almost 70 years, it is important that production processes are regularly checked and adjusted. In addition, the design was adapted to comply with our current corporate design. All these measures enable us to have stable microphone production in the years to come.
First and foremost, the printing on the mics was changed. This way, our classic microphones speak the current design language of beyerdynamic. In addition, the heritage band recognizes the important fact that these mics are made in Germany. The new look combines tradition with future and expresses our microphone DNA. Sound-relevant components such as membranes or transformers have not been changed. The microphone grille of the M 88 is an exception (see the following points).
As a company, it is important to us that the known and beloved acoustic properties of the M Series microphones stay unchanged – that is why the microphone transducers and other sound-absorbing parts will be produced in the same way they have always been. Only the grille of the M 88 is an exception. As requested by many of our customers, the microphone grille will be available again in its original three-layered and fine-meshed form with the facelift.
Thanks to the now three-layer fabric, plosive sounds are dampened in a better way than in the previous version. The changed material of the microphone grille results in subtle changes in sound without changing the outstanding basic sound of the microphone.
No. We still manufacture in filigree handwork in Germany. What has changed are simply production processes to facilitate the work of our qualified personnel. In addition, we have replaced some glue connections with screw connections to provide better serviceability.
The names only change for the M 88 and the M 201, which will lose the suffix “TG”. For all other microphones, there is no change.
Eliminating the suffix ”TG“ for the M 88 and the M 201 is a way to clearly separate our M and TG product lines and move back to a consistent naming. Nothing has changed in terms of the robust construction of the microphones. The TG Series are touring gear and made for live performances. While ideal for studio use, the M Series microphones are still suitable for use in demanding live situations.
The service for the current models will continue for the next years.
