Ribbon Mic Question

[Anderton]

Paging Dr. Bryce...intuitively, it would seem to me that ribbon mics should be stored vertically, given the thin ribbon. True or false? I didn't see any info on this in the care and maintenance sections of the mic manuals.

[KenElevenShadows]

I sadly do not own Royers or other ribbon microphones. But I've always heard that you store them vertically (upside down should be fine too) to minimize sagging of the ribbon.

[Jeff Leites]

Rick Perrotta, one of the owners of Royer Labs is a neighbor and acquaintance of mine.  I just sent him an email asking him.  I'll let you know what he says.

[Jeff Leites]

I just heard from Rick Perrotta. Here's his reply:

 

Hi Jeff, Here is the answer for you. It is true for some ribbon microphones; however, this really applies mostly to older microphones such as the RCA 44 that has a very long ribbon and a very shallow corrugations to the ribbon. If those types of microphones are stored horizontally the ribbon can sag. If let in that state for any length of time, the sag become permanent and can lead to a scraping ribbon. This will require that the ribbon be replaced. Even some modern ribbon mics that use the older corrugation method can be affected by a sagging ribbon. I won't mention any names or brands here but its best to check with the individual manufacturer. All Royer microphones can be stored in any position. The reason for this is that Royer developed a proprietary corrugating method that produces a more "elastic" resilience to the corrugated ribbon. It was actually a component of our first patent. So, there you have it. I hope this helps. Rick

[Paul Vnuk Jr.]

I've heard both pieces of advice over the years...that it matters and that it does not.

 

I store my AEA mics vertically as they came in cases that facilitate that, but I store my Royer, Cloud and sE Ribbons in their boxes horizontally in drawers.

[Anderton]

Thanks Jeff and Paul! That's the info I needed. As the proud new owner of an R121, I want to make sure that it goes through life happy.

[Dave Bryce]

 

1 hour ago, Jeff Leites said:

I just heard from Rick Perrotta. Here's his reply:

 

Hi Jeff, Here is the answer for you. It is true for some ribbon microphones; however, this really applies mostly to older microphones such as the RCA 44 that has a very long ribbon and a very shallow corrugations to the ribbon. If those types of microphones are stored horizontally the ribbon can sag. If let in that state for any length of time, the sag become permanent and can lead to a scraping ribbon. This will require that the ribbon be replaced. Even some modern ribbon mics that use the older corrugation method can be affected by a sagging ribbon. I won't mention any names or brands here but its best to check with the individual manufacturer. All Royer microphones can be stored in any position. The reason for this is that Royer developed a proprietary corrugating method that produces a more "elastic" resilience to the corrugated ribbon. It was actually a component of our first patent. So, there you have it. I hope this helps. Rick

 

            .   

 

dB

 

 

[Anderton]

I guess you could call these...Blue Ribbon answers

[Jeff Leites]

Craig - I ran into Rick this morning walking his dogs.  We walk an elderly woman's dog who lives around the corner from him (look who I'm calling elderly 😕).  Anyway, I told him you had an R121 and he was very emphatic in saying you can store it in any position you like.

[Dave Bryce]

11 hours ago, Jeff Leites said:

I ran into Rick this morning walking his dogs. 

 

Maika, Tosca and Champ.  Awesome pups. 😎‘

 

Royer Dogs.

 

dB