beyerdynamic M 160 Double-Ribbon Microphone (Hypercardioid)

The beyerdynamic M 160 is one of the most distinctive ribbon microphones ever created. Introduced in 1957, this legendary microphone has remained virtually unchanged for more than six decades thanks to its unique double-ribbon hypercardioid design and unmistakably smooth tonal character. From the explosive guitar tones of Jimi Hendrix to the massive drum sound of John Bonham on “When the Levee Breaks,” the M 160 has played a role in shaping some of the most iconic recordings in rock history.

Today’s M 160 retains the same warm, natural sound that made it famous, while incorporating subtle modern refinements in construction and design. Known for its ability to tame harsh sources without losing detail, the M 160 has become a studio favorite for recording drums and guitar cabinets. At the same time, its balanced frequency response and smooth high end make it equally effective on vocals, brass instruments, acoustic guitars, strings, and other delicate sources.

Precision Handbuilt in Germany

Every M 160 microphone is handcrafted in Germany using carefully selected components and meticulous manufacturing techniques. The microphone features two ultra-thin pure aluminum ribbons, precisely hand-stamped and positioned with extreme accuracy. Combined with a custom transformer and robust internal construction, this design produces a rich, detailed sound with excellent warmth and clarity. Each microphone also includes its own individual frequency response documentation, reflecting the careful quality control that goes into every unit.

Unique Double-Ribbon Motor Design

Unlike conventional ribbon microphones that use a single ribbon element, the M 160 employs a dual-ribbon motor system. This design increases sensitivity while maintaining exceptional transient response. The extremely low-mass ribbons respond instantly to fast transients, allowing the microphone to capture high-energy sources such as snare drums, hi-hats, and percussive instruments with remarkable precision.

The resulting sound signature combines a solid low end, articulate midrange, and silky high frequencies, making the M 160 suitable for everything from delicate acoustic recordings to powerful amplified instruments.

Hypercardioid Ribbon Pattern

Most ribbon microphones use a figure-eight polar pattern, but the M 160 stands apart with its hypercardioid pickup pattern. This directional pattern focuses on the sound source directly in front of the microphone while rejecting off-axis noise. The result is improved isolation and greater control when recording in busy studio environments or live performance settings.

The focused pickup pattern makes the M 160 particularly effective for close-miking guitar cabinets, drums, acoustic instruments, and vocals. When paired with the figure-eight beyerdynamic M 130, it also forms an ideal setup for mid-side stereo recording, offering excellent stereo imaging and flexibility during mixing.

Smooth Character That Tames Harsh Sources

One of the defining characteristics of the M 160 is its ability to soften aggressive or overly bright sound sources. The microphone captures the sharp transients of cymbals and percussion while avoiding the harshness often associated with condenser microphones. Its gentle presence boost around 4 kHz helps instruments and vocals sit naturally in a mix without sounding brittle or exaggerated.

This balance of warmth, detail, and control makes the M 160 a trusted choice for engineers seeking recordings that are powerful, smooth, and musically balanced.

Key Features

• Legendary double-ribbon microphone design introduced in 1957
• Unique hypercardioid polar pattern for focused sound capture
• Two ultra-thin low-mass aluminum ribbons for fast transient response
• Warm, natural tone that helps soften harsh sources
• Excellent performance on drums, guitar cabinets, brass, strings, and vocals
• Precise bass response with detailed mids and silky highs
• High SPL handling for loud instruments and amplifiers
• Ideal for mid-side recording when paired with the beyerdynamic M 130
• Handcrafted in Germany using premium components