X1 R

The X1 R is a passive ribbon microphone built for work that would make a vintage ribbon nervous. Its ribbon element sits between top-grade neodymium magnets in an all-metal housing rated for 135 dB max SPL, so you can put it in front of a driven guitar cab or over a live drum kit and leave it there.

The sound is classic ribbon with a gentle high-frequency lift, using the same HF extension technology found in the VR1 and VR2. That lift keeps cymbals and brass from sounding closed off, while the natural ribbon midrange softens harsh upper mids that condensers tend to expose on distorted amps.

The figure-8 pattern hears front and back equally and rejects sound arriving from the sides, giving you a practical way to reduce bleed on a busy stage or in a tight tracking room. Sensitivity is 1.8 mV/Pa (-55 dBV) into 200 Ohms, so it wants a preamp with clean gain in reserve. It draws no power and is phantom-protected against accidental 48V.

Common uses include guitar cabs, overhead drums, brass, woodwind, strings, commercial broadcast, and voice-over, along with vocals and room capture. It connects through a gold-plated XLR connector and includes a swivel mic clip and mic stand thread adapter. At 510 g it is a solid piece of metal, which is the point: this is a ribbon you can pack in a case and take on the road.