Ribbon Microphone
‘Cariño Mío’ is a contemporary interpretation of a classic, passive ribbon microphone. It is designed with simplicity, modularity, and long-term repairability in mind, without compromising on sound quality.
The microphone has a single central assembly, CNC machined from aluminium that houses the ribbon motor, transformer and output XLR. The ridges annd grooves on the monolithic nylon body provide both functional alignment of the assembly, and easy alignent of the ribbon center for stereo microphone alignment.
The removable hood is designed to tight tolerances and slides onto the body, being secured by steel ball bearing spring catches. The Aluminium mesh screen A high performance Saati fabric is bonded to the Aluminium mesh screen for dirt and dust protection in addition a certain amount of plosive/wind protection, whilst prioritizing acoustic transparency.
The ribbon motor and clamping system were rapidly iterated upon, using CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software and 3D printing to allow convergencence on correct vent design and final geometry.
Developing the geometry alongside componant options ensured that the design could be steered, at an early stage, towards the intended sonic character of the microphone
A basic, custom corrugator was used to test different ribbon qualities, thicknesses and lengths alongside various magnets, transformers and motor designs.
Whilst not an ideal solution for a final implemention and tuning, it allowed for componant matching and worked well to produce functional prototypes for listening tests.
Ultimately a 1.8 micron aluminium foil ribbon and a pair of N42 Neodymium magnets were chosen to pair with a Lundahl transformer
The final ribbon implementation was professionally installed and tuned by Stewart Tavener (Xaudia/Extinct Audio), a world renowned ribbon microphone expert with a wealth of experience, it was an honour to have Stewart work on the microphone.
The monolith style design and rear exiting XLR allows for freestanding or easy rigging of the microphone using a spring loaded phone holder or general speed clamp.
The modular and simple design ethos allows the microphone to make use of the side rails for various accessories to be created, such as a cradle or shock mount.
The microphone lends itself as much to a DIY project as it does a high-end finished product when assembled with care.
There are plans to produce a small batch of fully assembled and finished microphones as well as a DIY kit with provided STL files for 3D printing to allow for experimentation.
The final body and hood is 3D printed using high quality Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) from PA12 Nylon, with a shot peen polished finish. The process and material was chosen for durability and toughness but also for this combination's ability to closely match the intended CAD model, which is crucial due to the design's tight tolerances.
The single piece motor assembly is CNC machined from aluminium. Since the transformer, XLR, magnets and all wiring mounts directly to the motor mount, CNC aluminium was the obvious choice for rigidity, longevity and aesthetics. A full 3D printed assembly was also tested and is perfectly suitable as a lower cost option
The outer body has a professionally sprayed Nextel® Suede finish. This is a beautiful, tactile finish that provides a premium, matte feel with slight texture
Acoustic guitar M/S (Schoeps MK41 / Cariño Mío)
Cariño Mío has a classic large-format ribbon warmth, offering a sense of scale and density while remaining clear and usable across a wide range of sources. The design has been intentionally tuned for improved efficiency, clarity, and flexibility in modern recording contexts.
Vocal, 30cm from capsule (front)
Vocal, 30cm from capsule (back)
Acoustic guitar
Electric guitar
