Beyerdynamic M 160 Dynamic Double-Ribbon Microphone, Hypercardioid

Softens Harsh Sounds

The M 160 is ideal for miking electric guitar amps. This is due not only to its hypercardioid polar pattern, which is unique among ribbon microphones, but also to its special sound character. The M 160 delivers a warm but nevertheless natural sound. In addition, the M 160 easily masters the high sound pressures of a guitar amp and provides a signal that is perfect for processing.

​​​​​​​Ideal for Drums

Whether as overhead, for the hi-hat or as a room microphone, the M 160 is an excellent choice for miking a drumkit. In particular, sharp sounds such as cymbals are reproduced in a well-balanced way. In addition, the low mass of the two wafer-thin double-ribbons ensures high impulse fidelity. Sounds with a strong attack are precisely reproduced thanks to the microphone’s quick transient response.

A DOUBLE-RIBBON MICROPHONE FOR EVERY APPLICATION

The M 160 is an exceptionally versatile member of the ribbon microphone family. Its high-definition sound and wide frequency response of 40–18,000 Hz take effect when miking not only drums and amps, but also acoustic guitars, brass instruments and strings. In combination with a wind shield, the M 160 is a great choice for those who wish to give their voice a warm, vintage sound. Together with the dynamic double-ribbon M 130, which has a figure-eight polar pattern, the M 160 can also be used for M/S recording.

A VERY SPECIAL PATTERN

The M 160 is the only doubl-ribbon microphone with a hypercardioid polar pattern on the market. This polar pattern prioritises sound coming from the front, while most of the signals from the sides and some from the back are reduced. Rear attenuation is 25 dB at 110° and 250°.

This ensures excellent channel separation. Thanks to this technical refinement, the warm sound of a ribbon can be used in completely new situations.

USE-OPTIMISED RIBBON

Thanks to its compact dimensions and low weight, the M 160 is impressively easy to position in any situation. It is also uniquely robust for a ribbon microphone. It is thus one of the few of its kind used on loud live stages, even though it has been established as a studio standard. This classic microphone now comes safely stored in a sturdy hard case.

INDIVIDUAL MEASUREMENT CURVE

Because each one is intricately handmade, each M 160 is unique. We even go one step further and individually measure each and every microphone. A print-out of the measurement curve is included with your purchased M 160.

NAMM TEC AWARDS TECHNOLOGY HALL OF FAME

This dynamic double-ribbon microphone has received an honour reserved for very few audio products. Thanks to its advancement of audio technology, the M 160 was inducted into the elite circle of the “NAMM TEC Awards Technology Hall of Fame” in 2019.

Key Features

• Unique double ribbon-microphone
• Ideal for use with guitar amps and drums
• Double-ribbon with hypercardioid polar pattern
• Extraordinary sound character
• Handmade in Germany

Technical Specifications

• Transducer type: Dynamic
• Operating principle: Pressure gradient
• Frequency response: 40 - 18,000 Hz
• Polar pattern: Hypercardioid
• Rear attenuation at 1 kHz: > 25 dB at 110°
• Sensitivity (0 dB = 1 V/Pa): 1.0 mV/Pa (= -60 dBV)
• Nominal impedance: 200 Ω
• Load impedance: ≥ 1000 Ω
• Diaphragm: Pure aluminium
• Case/finish: Brass
• Connector: XLR, 3-pin, male
• Dimensions:
  
  • Length: 164 mm
    Shaft diameter: 23 mm
    Head diameter: 38 mm
• Weight: 192 g

What's Included

• Beyerdynamic M 160
• Microphone Clamp MA-CL 25
• Mic case

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the reasons for the facelift?

The M Series microphones are an important part of our microphone history and have been synonymous with outstanding product quality for decades. With the facelift, we are leading the microphones into the future. Since the products have been produced for almost 70 years, it is important that production processes are regularly checked and adjusted. In addition, the design was adapted to comply with our current corporate design. All these measures enable us to have stable microphone production in the years to come.

• What changes were made to the microphones?

First and foremost, the printing on the mics was changed. This way, our classic microphones speak the current design language of beyerdynamic. In addition, the heritage band recognizes the important fact that these mics are made in Germany. The new look combines tradition with future and expresses our microphone DNA. Sound-relevant components such as membranes or transformers have not been changed. The microphone grille of the M 88 is an exception (see the following points).

• Does the sound of the microphones change?

As a company, it is important to us that the known and beloved acoustic properties of the M Series microphones stay unchanged – that is why the microphone transducers and other sound-absorbing parts will be produced in the same way they have always been. Only the grille of the M 88 is an exception. As requested by many of our customers, the microphone grille will be available again in its original three-layered and fine-meshed form with the facelift.

• What influence does the new head grille of the M 88 have on the mic sound?

Thanks to the now three-layer fabric, plosive sounds are dampened in a better way than in the previous version. The changed material of the microphone grille results in subtle changes in sound without changing the outstanding basic sound of the microphone.

• Does the facelift serve to replace manual labor with machines?

No. We still manufacture in filigree handwork in Germany. What has changed are simply production processes to facilitate the work of our qualified personnel. In addition, we have replaced some glue connections with screw connections to provide better serviceability.

• How were the names of the products changed?

The names only change for the M 88 and the M 201, which will lose the suffix “TG”. For all other microphones, there is no change.

• Why are the products no longer named "TG" at the end? Does this affect the construction?

Eliminating the suffix ”TG“ for the M 88 and the M 201 is a way to clearly separate our M and TG product lines and move back to a consistent naming. Nothing has changed in terms of the robust construction of the microphones. The TG Series are touring gear and made for live performances. While ideal for studio use, the M Series microphones are still suitable for use in demanding live situations.

• Will service continue for the current models?

The service for the current models will continue for the next years.