Ribbon microphones hold a special place in the history of broadcasting. Known for their smooth, natural sound, they became an industry favorite during radio’s golden age and continue to influence audio production today.
The ribbon microphone was first developed in the 1920s and 1930s. RCA engineer Harry F. Olson is often credited with pioneering the design, which used a thin strip of corrugated aluminum suspended in a magnetic field. This ribbon moved with sound waves, generating a voltage that captured audio with remarkable fidelity.
By the 1930s and 1940s, ribbon microphones—especially models like the RCA 44 and RCA 77—became the standard in radio studios. Broadcasters valued them for their warm, smooth tone, which flattered voices and created an intimate, “in the room” sound. Their figure-8 polar pattern also made them versatile, capturing both announcers and audiences in live studio settings.
Despite their popularity, ribbon microphones were fragile. The thin ribbon element could be easily damaged by strong air blasts or mishandling, and their low output required robust preamplifiers. By the 1960s, as broadcasting shifted to television and more durable condenser and dynamic microphones emerged, ribbons saw a decline in everyday use.
In recent decades, ribbon microphones have enjoyed a revival. Advances in materials and design have made them sturdier and more reliable. Broadcasters, podcasters, and recording engineers once again prize ribbons for their smooth frequency response and natural sound—qualities that remain unmatched for speech and certain instruments.
From the early days of radio drama to modern studios, ribbon microphones have shaped the way we hear voices. They remind us that broadcasting is not only about information, but also about the art of sound itself.