The Fostex Model M11RP cardioid printed ribbon microphone
According to Fostex Professional Products Director Rick Cannata, “The Fostex M11RP microphone is truly a different breed than any other microphone currently available. Fostex was awarded 20 international patents on this unique transducer technology. These special edition microphones are hand-built and available in limited quantities.”
Ten black versions of the M11RP were hand-built as a test bed in 2003. This is one of them, with a serial number of 605067. They are no longer made, and are now sought by collectors.
“No phantom power is required and there is no on-board circuitry to create noise,” Mr. Cannata said. “These microphones have the durability of a dynamic element, the clarity of a condenser capsule and the warmth of a ribbon design.” Extremely low distortion is rated at less than 0.2 per cent at 130 dB.
Immediate advantages over normal ribbon technology are strength and durability. Ribbon microphones are noted for the fragility of their elements, thereby negating their use for outside applications or high sound pressure level microphone placements. The M11 microphone can endure close percussion or loud amplifier microphone placements without danger to the capsule.
An additional beneļ¬t of the Fostex Printed Ribbon technology is the clarity of a high-quality condenser mic without the need for phantom power. This fact results in an extremely low noise floor due to the elimination of the condenser’s electronic circuitry which would normally be required.
In the Fostex design, the M11 microphone has a large, low-mass printed ribbon diaphragm, which offers very fast response time, compared with typical heavy dynamic mic capsules. “The resulting smooth upper high end attributed to this ribbon technology can warm up any digital production while maintaining pristine clarity and presence,” Cannata said.
The M11 is delivered its own hard leatherette case. Each microphone has a built-in swivel microphone stand holder with adapters and a high-quality, low-noise cable.
