beyerdynamic M 160 Double Ribbon Microphone User Manual

: June 13, 2024
: beyerdynamic

beyerdynamic M 160 Double Ribbon Microphone

Product Information

The M 160 is a dynamic double-ribbon microphone manufactured by beyerdynamic. It features a hypercardioid polar pattern, providing high impulse fidelity and a warm and silky sound. The microphone is handcrafted in Germany and is designed for professional audio recording applications.

Technical Specifications:

Diaphragm: Pure aluminium
Case/finish: Brass
Connector: XLR, 3-pin, male

Features:

Dynamic double-ribbon microphone
Hypercardioid polar pattern
Warm and silky sound
High impulse fidelity and good transient response
Handcrafted in Germany

Box Contents:

1 M 160 microphone
1 MA-CL 25 microphone clamp
Storage case
Individual measurement chart
M Series Guide info sheet
Technical specifications on the M series

Product Usage Instructions

Safety Instructions:

Read the user manual and safety instructions carefully before using the product.
Do not use the product if it is damaged.
Lay cables in a way that prevents tripping hazards and potential damage to the device.
Repairs should only be carried out by authorized specialists.
Do not attempt to open the microphone yourself.
Avoid exposing the product to rain, snow, liquids, or moisture.
Use the device only under the specified conditions in the technical specifications.
Only use accessories and spare parts approved by the manufacturer.
Reduce volume on connected playback devices to prevent hearing damage, acoustic feedback, and damage to loudspeakers.

Installation and Operation:

To connect the M 160 microphone:

Ensure the microphone is not damaged before proceeding.
Use a suitable microphone cable to connect the M 160 to any microphone input.
Caution: Lay cables carefully to avoid trip hazards and potential damage to the microphone.

Follow these instructions for safe and proper usage of your M 160 dynamic double-ribbon microphone.

You have chosen the M 130 dynamic double-ribbon microphone from beyerdynamic.

Thank you for your confidence in our M series.
In this user manual you will find important information on the use of your product.
Please take sufficient time to read them.

ENJOY THE SOUND!
Your beyerdynamic Microphone Team

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Read this user manual and the safety instructions carefully before using the product.
Do not use the product if it is damaged.
Lay cables in such a way that no one can trip over the cables and that the device cannot be damaged.
Repairs may only be carried out by authorised specialists. Never open the microphone yourself. For devices that have been opened by the customer the warranty will invalidate.
Do not expose the product to rain, snow,liquids or moisture.
Use the device only under the conditions specified in the technical specifications.
Only use accessories and spare parts approved by the manufacturer.
Reduce the volume on the connected playback devices to prevent hearing damage, acoustic feedback and damage to the loudspeakers.

Intended use

Do not use the product in any way other than as described in this product manual. beyerdynamic accepts no liability for improper use of the product or its accessories.

Liability

beyerdynamic GmbH & Co. KG accepts no liability for damage to the product or injury to persons due to careless, improper or incorrect use, that is not in accordance with the purpose stated by the manufacturer.

BOX CONTENTS

1 χ M 130 microphone
1 χ MA-CL 25 microphone clamp
Storage case
Individual measurement chart
“M Series Guide” info sheet
Technical specifications on the M series

FEATURES

Dynamic double-ribbon microphone
Hypercardioid polar pattern
Warm and silky sound
High impulse fidelity and good transient response
Handcrafted in Germany

APPLICATION

The M 160 impresses with its flexible application options. In addition to drum and amp miking, the wide frequency response and fine-detailing sound also comes into effect on acoustic guitars, brass instruments and string instruments.
A special feature of the M 160 is its polar pattern. Due to its hypercardioid polar pattern, which is unusual for ribbon microphones, the M 160 is less susceptible to ambient noise, as it reduces background noise by 25 dB at 110° and also picks up less sound from behind. This makes it ideal primarily for the studio, but also on stage. Together with the M 130 double-ribbon microphone (polar pattern: figure-eight), the M 160 can be used for M/S miking.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Transducer type. Dynamic
Operating principle. Pressure gradient
Frequency response. 40 – 18,000 Hz
Polar pattern. Hypercardioid
Rear attenuation at 1 kHz. > 25 dB at 110°
Sensitivity (0 dB = 1 V/Pa). 1.0 mV/Pa (= -60 dBV)
Nominal impedance . 200 Ω
Load impedance. ≥ 1000 Ω
Diaphragm. Pure aluminium
Case/finish. Brass
Connector . XLR, 3-pin, male
Dimensions:
- Length. 165 mm
- Shaft diameter. 23 mm
- Head diameter. 38 mm
Weight. 192 g

FREQUENCY RESPONSE & POLAR PATTERN

This polar pattern and frequency response curve correspond to a typical production sample for this microphone.

beyerdynamic M 160 Double Ribbon Microphone-fig1

INSTALLATION AND OPERATION

Connection

The M 160 is equipped with a 3-pin XLR connector.You can connect it to any microphone input using a suitable microphone cable.
Caution: Carelessly laid cables are a trip hazard.People can be injured and the microphone can be damaged.

Operation

The two orange dots on the ring around the microphone grille designate the longitudinal axis of the two ribbons. When setting up the microphone on tripods, make sure that this axis runs vertically.
Position the microphone so that monitor speakers and other sound sources radiate laterally from behind (angle approx. 110°) onto the microphone. In this way, due to the noise cancellation of 25 dB at 110°, lateral sound reflections and disturbing ambient noise are effectively suppressed.
The M 160 is supplied with the MA-CL 25 microphone clamp for tripods with 3/8″ thread. For tripods with a 5/8″ thread, you can unscrew the threaded insert.
Caution: A tripod with an insecure stand can fall over and damage a microphone mounted on it. Make sure the tripod stands stable.

MAINTENANCE

Use a soft cloth moistened with water to clean the microphone shaft and grille.
Make sure that no water enters the microphone.
Do not use cleaning agents containing solvents.

DISPOSAL

This symbol on the product, in the operating instructions or on the packaging means that electrical and electronic devices must be disposed of separately from household waste at the end of their life cycle.
Always dispose of used equipment in accordance with applicable regulations.
Dealers for electronic equipment are generally obliged to take back waste electrical/electronic equipment free of charge. This obligation also applies to sales via remote communication.
For further information, please contact the local authorities or the dealer from whom the product was purchased.

TROUBLESHOOTING AND SERVICE

Should you have technical problems when using the microphone or should you need more instructions, please visit our FAQ website at https://support.beyerdynamic.com
In case of service, please contact authorised service personnel. Never open the microphone yourself, as this could invalidate all warranty claims. Please visit our website https://www.beyerdynamic.com for service and replacement parts.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Should you have technical problems when using the microphone or should you need more instructions, please visit our FAQ website at https://support.beyerdynamic.com
In case of service, please contact authorised service personnel. Never open the microphone yourself, as this could invalidate all warranty claims. Please visit our website https://www.beyerdynamic.com for service and replacement parts.

WARRANTY

beyerdynamic offers a limited warranty of 2 years on the purchased beyerdynamic product. The exact warranty conditions can be found on our website at https://www.beyerdynamic.com/service/warranty