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Renowned BBC-developed studio and broadcast ribbon microphone featuring low mass damped ribbon to control transient response, substantially flat frequency response, and exceptionally low distortion and hum pick-up - includes shock mount mic-to-stand adapter
The Coles 4038 Studio Ribbon Microphone is a British Broadcasting (BBC) design for broadcasting and recording applications. It is used where a clear smooth wide range frequency response, absence of transient distortion and relatively high sensitivity is essential. The 4038 is a proven performer, and is in use around the world by broadcasting networks such as the BBC as well as top engineers and studios on hit recordings.
Frequency response of the 4038 is exceptionally flat from 30 Hz to 15 kHz and throughout this range the shape of the bi-directional (figure of eight) polar response is maintained substantially constant both in the horizontal and vertical planes, giving a natural sonic quality with smooth frequency response.
Each microphone comes in a foam lined rigid plastic carrying case with 4071B three-pin signal to XLR adapter, and a soft cloth protective bag for safe keeping. Also included is the rigid microphone stand adapter for mounting on standard 5/8" mic stands.
Condition | New |
---|---|
Package Contents | 4038 ribbon microphone, 4071B shock mount mic-to-stand adapter, soft cloth protective bag, foam-lined rigid plastic carrying case, and rigid 5/8" mic stand mount |
Length | 7.25 in |
Diameter | 3.25 in |
Unit Weight | 2 lb |
Tube or Solid State | Solid State |
Transducer Type | Ribbon |
Polar Pattern | Bi-Directional / Figure-Eight |
Number of Microphones | Single Microphone |
Phantom Required | No |
Impedance | 300 Ohms |
Frequency Range | 30 Hz - 15 kHz |
Sensitivity | -65 dBV/Pa (0.6 mV) |
Max. SPL | 125 dB |
She’s a classic, and for good reason. For a task at hand I set up a side-by-side test with another highly regarded ribbon that has an even larger price tag. I found the Coles warmer and quieter, and since I use a Cloudlifter on all of my ribbon mics I had no issue with output level. The only negative was really my fault. Eager to compare my two best ribbons I recorded a glockenspiel with both ribbons side by side. Both ribbons had such amazing transient response that the glockenspiel just came out too “ping-y”. No amount of compression could tame the ping on tracks recorded with either ribbon, and I reverted to a nice tube condenser, saving my ribbon comparison for another instrument. Anyway, despite having some wonderful other ribbons, the Coles has a velvety warmth I love.
There’s a reason why this mic is legendary. Only fault with mine is I didn’t buy two, bank account wouldn’t allow it yet.
Beautiful on vocals, drums, and so many things. Love it and I’ll keep it forever
Coles is coles! It’s really nice to have a clean take, natural sound, I have more than 20 years recording and playing different kind of music and I know that the capture of the sound is always a mistery, After of years and years searching I am using that in me personal studio for Trombone recordings and the sound is amazing! 5 stars.
PD : Obviously the preamp is the key! I am very happy with mi AEA (trp2).
Such an amazing microphone. (PERIOD!)
Top rate, warm sounding, can you record anything with this mic. I'm a sax player and this mic brings out an original sounds that I can only get from this mic. 5* for sure.
Classic mic. Sounds incredible
Wellll, I was prepared to be blown away by this mic, and I do really like it, but I don’t love it. I’ve used it as a room mic, overhead, acoustic and electric guitar. It does have a nice rich natural sound, but it hasn’t lived up to its price tag...and all the hype. I also use a Cascade Fat Head II and I’d be hard pressed to say which one I like better. Seriously
The Coles 4038 is my dream microphone for saxophones. I first chose it after doing extensive A/B blind tests at Sear Sound in NYC with engineer Jon Rosenberg. I kept preferring it for saxophones without having tried it before. I've used it ever since, in a variety of studios for soprano, alto, and baritone saxophones (with minimal if any position changes -- it picks up the whole instrument evenly very well in each case). Now I get to use it for home recording. Vintage King staff were helpful and communicative while I waited for the manufacturer to catch up with orders during the pandemic.
EXCELLENT
Bill was fantastic and a great help in getting the Coles to me in record time. Loving the mic!
Why are you reading the reviews? Just buy them! If you are here then you already know, and if you already know, then there should be no hesitation. Just do it! There will be no regrets.
My favorite microphone! Warm sound in the mid lows and beautiful color.
trying to get that perfect mono drum overhead sound, kind a like the al green vibe - starting out with a natuarl sounding slingerland kit tuned real nice, low fat snare, wallet sittin on the head to kill the ring. Put my 4038 right over the drummers head pointing at the snare, as close as I can get without him nailing it with a stick. Sounds rich, full and super lifelike. Im cutting some lo mids and adding a bit of 12k with a 550a running thru a 512c pre. Punchy, big, natural. Blend in some kick, snare and hat to get the perfect balance. Damn nice!
Super dark, vibey, textural, and fat sounding mic. You can't get that sound any other way! Looks and feels like a heavy duty skillet and you just can't argue that these sound anything less than completely badass on rock records. Drum overheads, guitar cabs, drum room mics are typically where they end up. The only downside is that the mount is a little bit clumsy to navigate, but that's a small price to pay for the sound of this classic mic.
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