How to build and use active ribbon mic

brass body.
wooden top and bottom
2 micron aluminum foil
2 neodimium magnets
iron 5x5 mm
a custom transformer from an old analog modem
some electronic (use phantom power), can be seen in the video
Linux ubuntu studio + Ardour 5
sound card
classical guitar ...

[@thebattlecatsmaster3855]

Love the song! The english auto translation doesn’t do it justice!

[@AlexBurtonMusic]

You're voice... It's really beautiful.

[@antaf56]

Dear Nikola, first, congratulation for the excellent interpretation and for the wonderful song, today I have heard it dozen of times. Really catchy song!!! Also tried to translate from Croatian to Italian, but I am not sure if the translation was good, anyway it was very nice!!! I was looking for information on the ribbon microphone and found your you-tube channel. In few minutes of your video I got much more information than I got looking a lot of other videos on the argument. I was experiencing some test with my home made ribbon microphone and tested the method you suggest to reduce the thickness of the aluminum foil. Starting from a 10 micron kitchen aluminum foil it was relatively simply to reduce it to 3 micron with a sodium hydroxide solution. The only problem is to control the process, but I believe that with a minimum of experience I will reach the optimal time to get less than 3 micron. Also your suggestion on the transformer made me happy. I wound 5 turns of bifilar wire od 0.5 mm around the core of a small 600ohm transformer bought on amazon and it worked fine. The last great suggestion I applied, is the small and simple differential amplifier you proposed. I made it with an old matched transistor IC (MAT01 from the Analog Devices) and also it is working fine. In other word Nikola, in 3 minutes of your video I got a lot of good suggestion and I was delighted by a great song. Thank you Antonio (Rome)

[@iahorana]

where did You find video on reducing thickness of aluminium foil ? i cant fint it .

[@antaf56]

@@iahorana hi, I didn’t watch any video for reducing the aluminium foil thickness. Just use mask and protection glasses and try to put the foil in a solution of water ( 300 /400 cc) and sodium hydroxide ( one spoon). If you leave it for a minute you will see the foil disappear… just make some tests to find the right time and be careful for the toxic gas and the solution temperature..

[@iahorana]

@@antaf56 Thanks a lot , yes , maybe even better to do it outside maybe

[@danielemannocchi2240]

you, your voice and your mics are wonderful!

[@nikolasantro9779]

Hvala. Grazie. Thank you.

[@danielemannocchi2240]

@@nikolasantro9779 prego! ;)

[@Angelo-vb6dg]

I'm in love with the timbre, wish I knew something about electronics in order to replicate this 😥😥

[@nikolasantro9779]

I explained almost everything in the video and in the responses to the comments.

[@bubakhungaricus3969]

This is a really neat build, and the tone of the microphones is as lovely as the song you are singing. May I ask? 1. Did you glue or mechanically fix the 5x5 mm steel frame together? Epoxy? JB Weld? 2. Why did you carve the curved indentations into the sides of the frame? Does that shape the magnetic flux into an advantageous pattern for the ribbon? 3. Was it difficult to tension and fix the ribbon with this motor design? 4. You appear to have made some more ribbon mics. Would you kindly show how you made these and how the designs and builds were different? Thanks! Really cool video, as well as the one you just uploaded with the new ribbon mic.

[@nikolasantro9779]

1. Magnets are so strong and have attend to be in right position so you only need some glue polyurethane or epoxy. 2. Distance between front and back of ribbon around the frame is very important, smaller is better (high frequency) 3. Yes. You need antimagnetic tools. 4. Yes. Soon.

[@arielelicabe3293]

Awesome! What’s the circuit does exactly? The trafo from the modem, i read in the coments how you turn it into a step up, what’s the final ratio with the 6 turns in the primary? Thx for the video, it’s very useful and the bonus track of the song makes it perfect! Cheers!!

[@nikolasantro9779]

Circuit lift up signal and protect mic from phantom power (it can destroy motor).You don't need circuit if sound pressure is high. Ratio for transformer is from 1:40 to 1:100. I use former winding from modem transformer (200ohm). In meanwhile I made new one with better design. I will put some video soon. Transformer from old modem is better because it has MU metal core (soft and shiny). Thanks for coment.

[@badhonebrahim7707]

cool song man, it would be great if you would show us exactly what u put on the pcb u made and make a video tutorial about making the transformer.

[@nikolasantro9779]

I am a musician and an electronics "hobbyist". You can find some descriptions in the video and some details in the previous comments below the video. Greetings from Croatia.

[@xx4248]

I know I have everything but maybe not those two transistors I have to look those up

[@nikolasantro9779]

any ultra low noise transistors are good enough

[@xx4248]

I would have thought a ribbon Mike would need a higher round transformer. Can you direct me to any information about transformers because what I see here is really confusing

[@nikolasantro9779]

Hi, you can find some informations in past coments.

[@matija4256]

Dobar video!

[@nikolasantro9779]

Hvala

[@MatiasDLevy]

This sounds amazing, may I ask where you got the aluminum foil?

[@nikolasantro9779]

My brother found somewhere a large roll of damaged foil which they threw in the trash. 5 micron foil is used for wrapping chocolate and others in combination with paper.

[@theremim]

I'm glad you're helping me. I'll build the circuit for phanton power. From what I understand from your explanation, the primary of the modem transformer already has 200 ohms, and it is covered by the secondary one that you removed. Note that the outer layers are of the secondary of the trafo that needs to be removed. Is that it?! ... When I give it to you, please answer me. Once again I am grateful. Obs: I noticed you sing. Do you have any copyrighted work so we can broadcast on the radio where I work?

[@nikolasantro9779]

Yes, you're right. I left the primary winding of the transformer, which is now secondary. Above that, I rolled 6 turns, which is now the primary winding. The Ribbon transformer can be purchased but is expensive. I've tested this and it's ok. I play trombone (Weril from Brazil) in a etno band called "Cinkuši". You can contact Nataša Radušić for CD. email [e-mail] kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKfCc4Vtfsl1j5o kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5izZWqaZr6dqbM

[@theremim]

Thank you so much. His 02 songs are being transmitted by the radio VOLT that is in the city of Araxá - Brazil. To hear us: www.radiovolt.com.br My email: [e-mail]

[@bortnik_bortnik]

Очень здорово! Спасибо!

[@nikolasantro9779]

Добро пожаловать.

[@costet534]

Hello i want to ask some. 1.Do i still need to make the circuit if i dont use phantom power? 2. And can you tell me thr detail how you make the transformer like how many turns did you did and what did you use for the core

[@nikolasantro9779]

Hi Ache. I explained it in other comments and in video. Without circuit you don't need phantom power. Mu metal from old modem transformer is core and I use one of old winding as secondary winding. Ratio for transformer is from 1 to 40-100. Primary 4-5, secondary 160-400.

[@olaabrahamsson9441]

Very nice video and performance, thanks :-) I'm going to build a ribbon microphone to my son. Your video helps a lot. You said you get back about the aluminum thickness how you get it to 2 micron. Sincerly Ola A. Sweden

[@nikolasantro9779]

Hi Ola. I'm glad you like the video and I'm glad I helped you. I have a lot of aluminum foil 5 microns thick and I thinned it by dipping it in alkali. That's dangerous! You have to work outside. I first let the alkali corrode the foil to the end and measured the time and then halved the time +/-. I measured the foil by folding it several times until I got 512 layers, squeezed it, measured it and divided it with 512.

[@olaabrahamsson9441]

@@nikolasantro9779 Thank you very much for your feedback :-) Very good idea and nice solution for final results. What acid do you use? I like challenges so this will be fun. The son has seen your video that he likes. Hope my result is successful :-) Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. With friendly greetings Ola A. Sweden

[@nikolasantro9779]

@@olaabrahamsson9441 NaOH. It is not acid. It is alkali. You have to be careful because explosive gas is created. Marry Christmas to you too.

[@olaabrahamsson9441]

@@nikolasantro9779 Thanks so much!

[@numanderindere3739]

Successful microphone making, congratulations. Can we run the 48v phantom with this electronic circuit?

[@nikolasantro9779]

Yes. You can use it only with 48V phantom power.

[@nikolasantro9779]

2:22 in video.

[@nikolasantro9779]

It can operate without electronic and without phantom power. There is enough signal for sensitive preamp like Focusrite Scarlett soundcard.

[@theremim]

I read the comments again and saw that you used a modem tansforter. Probably I should have one somewhere. The few turns placed externally on the transformer (5) are connected directly to the Ribbon?

[@nikolasantro9779]

I have carefully removed the secondary winding. The primary has 200 ohms. That's good. Then I wind 6 turns 3x0.4 without being dissamble transformer core. This is now the primary coil that goes to the ribbon and the former primary is now secondary. The electronic scheme is in the video. Pause and Sketch. Now it can use "fantom power" to operate. That's it. I'm glad to be able to help you as much as I can. I'm in a hurry now, so I'll write the next time how I reduced the aluminum foil to 2 microns. Sorry for my bad english. (google translate)

[@nikolasantro9779]

Eu removi cuidadosamente o enrolamento secundário. O primário tem 200 ohms. Isso é bom Então eu enrolo 6 voltas 3x0.4 sem ser núcleo de transformador dissamble. Esta é agora a bobina primária que vai para a faixa de opções e a primeira primária é agora secundária. O esquema eletrônico está no vídeo. Pausa e trituração. Agora ele pode usar "fantom power" para operar. É isso. Fico feliz em poder ajudá-lo o máximo que puder. Estou com pressa agora, então escreverei na próxima vez que reduzi o papel alumínio para 2 mícrons.

[@MatiasDLevy]

@@nikolasantro9779 What do you mean by "reduced"? Was the aluminum foil thicker before? How thick?

[@nikolasantro9779]

@@MatiasDLevy I have a lot of aluminum foil 5 microns thick (about 20 km). Such foil is used in the industry for combining with paper. In some previous comments, I explained how alkali can make a foil thinner. The ideal thickness is about 2 microns. If you need, I can send you a few feet of foil in the letter.

[@MatiasDLevy]

@@nikolasantro9779 That would be so helpful, how may I contact you?

[@HelamanGile]

should you use a tube amplifier instead of a normal amplifier

[@nikolasantro9779]

Yes, but than i have to change the transformer.... Ribbon with tube is not good option. Condenser mic with tube is good option.

[@Felipemaframusic]

What are these capacitors? Tantalum? Electrolytic? 16 or 46v, I did not understand. Thank you :)

[@nikolasantro9779]

100uF 16V tantalum electrolytic or just any electrolityc from 50 to 100uF. In video 2:22

[@ciekaweurzadzenia]

Hello Friend, 1. Have you changed the values ​​of the elements in the schematic since then? 2. Is this microphone powered by + 48V phantom? 3. I read that you used a modem transformer. I know how many coils to have. I do not understand what material the core of the transformer? Should it be ferrite or iron layers, or maybe full iron? What are the dimensions? I'm trying to echo your good idea. Thank you for your response.

[@nikolasantro9779]

1. No, I didn't. 2. Yes, it is + 48V phantom powered 3. I used a transformer from an old modem with a mu-metal core. It has a high percentage of nickel instead of iron. It shines and has no distortion.

[@ciekaweurzadzenia]

@@nikolasantro9779 Thanks for the clarification. Please write to what should the 6 transformer turns be connected? Aluminum foil or electric hob?

[@nikolasantro9779]

@@ciekaweurzadzenia To foil membrane.

[@ciekaweurzadzenia]

@@nikolasantro9779 1. Did you use the same modem transformers in both mics? 2. What are the reasons for the different levels of recording microphone signals?

[@nikolasantro9779]

@@ciekaweurzadzenia1. yes. 2. Because of position. Both of mic have the same level.

[@Not-Only-Reaper-Tutorials]

how many Ampère this circuit uses? What about noise?

[@nikolasantro9779]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ohm%27s_law (48V / 500 OHM = 0,096 A) It is very quiet and it has a strong signal. I am very satisfied, as well as the producers who tested it. Due to the simple construction, all ribbon microphones should sound the same, if properly assembled. www.beis.de/Elektronik/LNPreAmp/LNPreAmp.html -This one looks nicer. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2HHeIWBgb2krJo

[@dslamnig]

@@nikolasantro9779 96mA would be a bit hard on the phantom supply - the (new) standard is 10mA max, the old standard was 2mA max. However, phantom supplies have a standard 6.8k resistor in series on each line, so even if both lines were shorted to ground the total current would be 14mA. With your emitter resistors added I'd say the circuit would use about 12mA max _if both transistors were saturating at the same time_, which of course never happens. So I'd say you're safely under the 10mA limit. Also, BF459 seems a bit of an overkill here (300V), I'd say BC456 (80V) would work fine. Since this is a differential amplifier, maybe matching transistors would be a good idea (?) And thermally coupling them (sticking them together with a bit of thermal paste inbetween). All that being said, the mikes are a miracle ;) Have you done any frequency response testing? The only thing I have to go on is your mature voice and guitar through YT compression, _just maybe_ it sounds a bit flat at high freq (above 5kHz?). But maybe it's just my mature ears ;)

[@nikolasantro9779]

@@dslamnig I just tested the Lewitt LCT 440pure and the voltage dropped to 36V. It dropped to 30V on my mic. I don't need to bother with data, I tested the microphone on various devices and it works great on all of them. I used the bf459 transistor because some have tested it, and it is better than many with low noise. We are all happy! Thank you for warning me. Hvala ti što si me upozorio!

[@artghoust4856]

Привет. Сколько витков мотал, первичка вторична толщина?

[@nikolasantro9779]

groupdiy.com/index.php?topic=18574.0 recordinghacks.com/2009/12/31/diy-ribbon-transformer-upgrade/ www.lundahltransformers.com/wp-content/uploads/datasheets/1927A.pdf www.bumblebeepro.com/ribbon-microphone/ribbon-mic-transformer-guide/ pfsonics.com/product/shinhom-t25-ribbon-microphone-output-transformer/ Я использовал трансформатор от старого аналогового модема. На одну обмотку 200 Ом намотал параллельно 5 обмоток 3х0,3. Это видно на картинке в видео. (переводчик Google) Pozdrav iz Hrvatske!

[@Angelo-vb6dg]

Which song is that by the way?

[@nikolasantro9779]

I composed that song according to an old folk tale.

[@Angelo-vb6dg]

@@nikolasantro9779 That's great. I love it and the mic too.

[@rafirafal]

I can't believe this is a real recording? How to make a transformer? How many turns of the main wire?

[@nikolasantro9779]

You can find the answers in the comments below.

[@rafirafal]

@@nikolasantro9779 can the steel frame be soldered to the gas burner? does it have to be self-adhesive insulation?

[@nikolasantro9779]

@@rafirafal Magnets are so strong and have attend to be in right position so you only need some glue polyurethane or epoxy. The best solution is to make a one-piece frame with a milling cutter. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKqxYZt6p5hoZ9k

[@brazilianjiu-jitsu9627]

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