A classic sound, designed for modern digital recording and priced for everyone, the Samson VR88 velocity microphone is a perfect blend of vintage audio technology and modern production techniques. If you're looking for a way to reintroduce a little vintage magic to your digital recordings, or need an alternative to the typical dynamic and condenser microphone options, the Samson VR88 is a mic you simply can't ignore.

A Modern Day Ribbon Mic Revolution
At the dawn of the recording industry and through its golden age, ribbon microphones were the most popular and best regarded studio mics around. They had a detail, warmth, and flat response that flattered just about any source. Now in the age of the digital revolution, engineers are rediscovering the benefits that a smooth, natural, "un-hyped" top end can have for sometimes harsh-sounding digital recordings. While many modern examples cost around $1,000 (with vintage examples costing many times more), Samson has created a classic-sounding, pro-performance ribbon mic any musician can afford. The Samson VR88 sounds great with a wide variety of sources, but it absolutely shines on electric and acoustic guitar, horns, strings, piano, and backup and lead vocals.

High Volume Handling
While Ribbon mics tend to be little more delicate than dynamic or condenser microphones, the VR88 Velocity is still a robust studio tool. This mic was built to withstand sound pressure levels (SPLs) up to 138 dB. For comparison, a power circular saw at… read more 3 feet away produces an SPL of 110 dB, and the OSHA pain threshold level is 125 dB. This means that the VR88 can more than handle fortissimo piano, high-gain guitar amplifiers, bass drums, or symphony orchestras.

Perfect For Classic Stereo Recording
Like all ribbon microphones, the Samson VR88 Velocity has a figure-eight pickup pattern, meaning a focused, non-bass-hyping response that's mirrored front and back (but not on the sides). This pattern has many uses--including introducing natural room ambience into studio recordings--but it's integral to a technique known as Blumlein recording. With a decent room, the Blumline technique produces some of the most natural-sounding and spacious stereo recordings possible. Or course, you need a pair of ribbon mics to do it, but at the zZounds price for the VR88, how could you not get a pair? Just stack the microphone capsules one on top of the other, as close as possible, but perpendicular, forming a 90-degree angle. Orient this configuration so that your sound source bisects that angle, pointing right between the two capsules. Stereo recording has never been easier, sounded better, or been more affordable!

It's the coveted sound of timeless music, re-imagined for today's digital recording needs and priced within anyone's reach. Get your Samson VR88 Velocity Ribbon microphone from zZounds today and expand your recording vocabulary. read less