beyerdynamic M 130 Dynamic Double-Ribbon Microphone (figure-eight)

M 130
Double-Ribbon Microphone

• Dynamic moving-coil microphone for kick drums, vocals and more
• Wide frequency response with detailed bass response
• Powerful output thanks to high sensitivity
• Excellent directionality
• Handmade in Germany

Similar to the M 160, the M 130 dynamic double-ribbon microphone is exceptional in terms of production and sound. This classic microphone has been intricately hand-made at the company headquarters in Heilbronn, Germany, since 1957. Thanks to the globally unique double-ribbon system and naturally intricate sound recording, the M 130 continues to set standards to this day.

Ribbon Sound

Depending on its positioning and spatial situation, the dynamic double-ribbon M 130 can be used to record drums, electric guitar amps, pianos, acoustic guitars, orchestras, choirs or room ambience. Thanks to its broad and balanced frequency response of 40–18.000 Hz, the M 130 offers impressive natural, authentic sound. Its high impulse fidelity is achieved thanks to the low mass of the two pure aluminium ribbons. The M 130, which has a figure-eight polar pattern, is also the perfect choice when sound from the sides needs to be blocked when recording.

A microphone with Ambience

The figure-eight polar pattern of the M 130 makes it ideal for stereo recording. For example, two M 130 can be used to create a Blumlein pair for superb-sounding room ambience recording.

The M 130 can be used with another hypercardioid or supercardioid microphone such as the dynamic double-ribbon M 160 or the MC 950 true-condenser microphone for M/S recording. The combination of two double-ribbon microphones with a hypercardioid or figure-eight polar pattern is unique on the market and offered only by beyerdynamic.

A Closer Look: The Figure-Eight Polar Pattern

Microphones with a figure-eight polar pattern record signals equally well from the front and back of the microphone. This means that they demonstrate superb off-axis behaviour and block out signals from the sides (at 90° and 270°). Compared to double-ribbon microphones that imitate a figure of eight by using two capsules, real figure-eight capsules such as that of the M 130 have exceptionally high sound and frequency stability.

A Compact Sound Sensation

With a length of 12.8 centimetres and weight of 150 grams, the M 130 can undoubtably be called compact and lightweight. This makes it quick and easy to position in any situation. Used predominantly in the studio, the M 130 is extraordinarily robust for a ribbon microphone. This classic microphone now comes safely stored in a sturdy hard case.

Handmade in Germany since 1957

The M 130 and M 160 set new standards for microphones “Made in Germany”. During the production process, two hand-stamped wafer-thin pure aluminium ribbons (0.003 mm thick) are inserted into a magnet gap that is only a few millimetres wide. The space between the two ribbons is just 0.5 mm. Because this job requires extreme dexterity, there are currently only a few employees able to build this microphone.

In addition, sound-relevant components such as the triple-layered microphone grille are handmade. All of this is reflected in its excellent quality. Every microphone is a masterpiece thanks to exacting precision “Made in Germany”.