Beyerdynamic M 88 Dynamic Moving-Coil Microphone, Hypercardioid

Classic With Depth

The M 88 dynamic moving-coil microphone has a frequency response of 30–20,000 Hz and is characterised by its natural sound, free of tonal colouring. It also delivers a clear signal even at extremely high sound pressures. This predestines it for a range of sound sources – in the studio and live on stage. When using it for a kick drum, sound technicians and drummers value its pronounced proximity effect. In addition, the M 88 is perfect for miking toms, electric guitar amps, bass guitar amps and wind instruments.

Ideal For Vocals

Whether in the studio or live on stage, the M 88 has enjoyed decades of immense popularity as a long-time favourite for vocals. In this aspect, it benefits from its excellent technical characteristics as well as its detailed bass response and smooth treble boost. In addition, the high-quality basic sound is perfect for further processing the signal.

GIVE IT A TRY

Originally developed for recording speech, the M 88 is also an impressive podcast microphone. Thanks to its almost physically perfect directionality, interference is effectively muted. A neodymium magnet makes this microphone highly sensitive, which means it requires very little amplification. This also means it can be used with less powerful interfaces. Its pronounced proximity effect and wide frequency response make it an ideal companion for your next podcast production.

NEAR-PERFECT HYPERCARDIOID

From a technical perspective, the M 88’s hypercardioid polar pattern is close to perfection. This has a number of advantages. This polar pattern prioritises sound coming from the front, while most of the signals from the sides and some from the back are reduced. This ensures excellent channel separation, i.e. the microphone is less susceptible to crosstalk from other nearby sound sources. In addition, the M 88 is less prone to feedback, making it suitable for use in noisy surroundings.

IT’S WHAT’S INSIDE THAT COUNTS

The Hostaphan® diaphragm used in this microphone is a wafer-thin foil that has excellent vibration behaviour thanks to its low mass.

In addition, the M 88 features an integrated hum compensation coil to minimize electromagnetic interference. Another feature that has a significant effect on the sound is the clever labyrinth, an acoustic component that ensures even attenuation. The result is superb directionality and excellent sound.

REVOLUTIONARY CONSTRUCTION WITH TRADITION BEHIND IT

This microphone’s compact dimensions and low weight make it easy to position even in cramped conditions. Thanks to the robust brass housing, this microphone is perfect for work in the studio and live on stage. As requested by many users, the M 88 once again has its three-layer, silver-coloured grille. This creates a perfect visual symbiosis of tradition and future, and enables the microphone to deal better with plosives. This classic microphone now comes safely stored in a sturdy hard case.

Key Features

• 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

Technical Specifications

• Transducer type: Dynamic
• Operating principle: Pressure gradient
• Polar pattern: Hypercardioid
• Frequency response: 30 - 20,000 Hz
• Rear attenuation at 1 kHz: > 23 dB at 120°
• Sensitivity (0 dB = 1 V/Pa): 2.9 mV/Pa (= -51 dBV)
• Magnetic field suppression: > 20 dB at 50 Hz
• Nominal impedance: 200 Ω
• Load impedance: ≥ 1000 Ω
• Diaphragm: Hostaphan®
• Casing: Brass
• Connection: XLR, 3-pin, male
• Dimensions:
  
  • Length: 173 mm
  • Shaft diameter: 25.5 mm
  • Head diameter: 48.5 mm
• Weight: 331 g

What's Included

• Beyerdynamic M 88
• 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.