Well, "best" is always an opinion, but I will try to explain: Every transformer I offer is a world-class, audiophile component - not the $6 Chinese knockoffs found in low-end imports. They all sound great, and each one has its own characteristics:
A normal microphone preamp should suffice for most applications. For recording quiet things, you'll need more gain, so a dedicated low-noise, high-impedance Ribbon Mic Preamp is be best.
Check out my Austin Mic Pre (AMP) Kit. An ultra-low-noise, high gain microphone preamplifier kit designed exclusively for Ribbon Microphones.
YES!! I will hand-assemble and ship you a completed microphone in a wooden cigar box case for an extra $200USD.
(Note: Add $300 for an assembled True Blumlein™ stereo ribbon microphone.)
Please Contact Me for more information.
Yes. I have DIY Ribbon Mic Kits HERE. They start at $235 with FREE shipping to any USA address. (CA residents add 8% Sales Tax)
Sorry, no. However, if you read my tutorial, you can probably repair it yourself!
Probably not, but feel free to ask anyway. Usually they're already out, being lent to my friends or being used in my studio. I only have a few.
Naturally, I recommend my Austin Mic Pre (AMP) Kit. An ultra-low-noise, high gain microphone preamplifier kit designed exclusively for Ribbon Microphones. However, any low-noise, high-gain, high-impedance preamplifier designed for ribbon mics - like the Grace M101, AEA TRP, or True P-Solo Ribbon - will help your Austin mic sound its best.
NONE! AUSTIN Ribbon Mics are completely passive. Phantom Power may fry the element of these and most ribbon microphones. To be safe, do not use Phantom Power!
Sometimes. Any time you can feel a breeze from whatever you're recording (voice, bass, clapping, kick drum) then YES. If it's loud like a guitar amp, that's fine, but a blast of wind from a "Popped P" vocal can damage the delicate ribbon.
YES. Custom powder coat colors and textures are available starting at $35, and you can get as many custom-colored mics as you like for that $35. (2-stage colors are $70) I use professional powder from NIC Industries. It takes about 3 weeks for a custom color, and my local machine shop will powder coat your mic with any NIC color you pick. Occasionally I will have raw Brass bodies (un-coated) available at no extra charge. Please contact me for more information.