SAMAR Audio Design AL39 – Passive Figure-8 Ribbon Microphone

OVERVIEW

The SAMAR Audio Design AL39 is a handcrafted passive figure-8 ribbon microphone designed to deliver the warmth of classic ribbon microphones with the accuracy, detail and extended bandwidth demanded by modern high-resolution recording. While its vintage-inspired appearance recalls classic studio microphones, the AL39 is built around an entirely original ribbon design featuring innovative short-path geometry, providing exceptional transient response, remarkable clarity and an extended frequency response beyond 25kHz. The result is a versatile microphone that captures performances with outstanding realism and musicality.

At the heart of the AL39 is a precision-engineered low-mass ribbon element featuring proprietary corrugation technology and a unique fine-tuning adjustment that ensures exceptional consistency from one microphone to the next. Its custom-matched low-noise toroidal transformer contributes to the microphone’s balanced tonal character, delivering smooth lows, detailed mids and an open, natural high end with exceptionally low distortion. A robust stainless steel body, precision CNC manufacturing and meticulous hand assembly ensure long-term reliability while maintaining the highest standards of performance.

Designed for professional studios, broadcast facilities and live sound applications, the AL39 features an adjustable hard-mount swivel that makes it equally suitable for single-microphone use or stereo techniques including X-Y and Mid-Side (M-S). Whether recording vocals, choirs, orchestras, piano, brass, strings, acoustic or electric guitars, percussion, drum overheads or room ambience, the AL39 consistently delivers the detailed, natural ribbon sound that discerning engineers demand.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Modern Ribbon Performance

The AL39 combines innovative ribbon technology with a modern design philosophy, delivering exceptional detail, low distortion and an extended frequency response beyond 25kHz.

Innovative Short-Path Ribbon Geometry

Its proprietary short-path ribbon motor design improves transient response, frequency extension and overall sonic accuracy for today’s high-resolution recording applications.

Custom Toroidal Transformer

A specially matched low-noise toroidal transformer provides a balanced tonal character with excellent clarity, natural warmth and remarkably low distortion.

Built for Stereo Recording

The integrated adjustable hard-mount swivel allows the AL39 to be used individually or as part of professional X-Y and Mid-Side (M-S) stereo microphone configurations.

Handcrafted American Quality

Every AL39 is precision manufactured, assembled and tested by hand in the USA using premium materials to ensure exceptional reliability and consistency.

Outstanding Recording Versatility

From vocals and orchestras to guitars, piano, drum overheads and broadcast production, the AL39 performs exceptionally across an extensive range of recording applications.

FEATURES

• Passive figure-8 ribbon microphone designed for professional studio, broadcast and live sound applications.
• Innovative short-path ribbon geometry delivers exceptional transient response and extended high-frequency performance.
• Extended frequency response reaching 20Hz to beyond 25kHz.
• Low-mass ribbon element provides detailed, natural sound with excellent dynamics.
• Unique ribbon fine-tuning adjustment ensures exceptional consistency between microphones.
• Proprietary ribbon corrugation process improves ribbon integrity while eliminating the need for specialised handling.
• Custom-matched low-noise toroidal transformer delivers transparent signal transfer and balanced tonal character.
• Precision-machined stainless steel body manufactured using advanced CNC machining.
• Adjustable hard-mount swivel supports flexible microphone positioning.
• Ideal for individual microphone use or X-Y and Mid-Side (M-S) stereo configurations.
• Natural figure-8 polar pattern captures sound accurately from the front and rear while providing excellent side rejection.
• Excellent for vocals, choirs, orchestras, piano, brass, woodwinds, strings, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, drum overheads, percussion, room microphones, broadcast, film and television production.
• Entirely manufactured, assembled and tested in the USA using in-house produced components.
• Designed for years of dependable professional performance.

TECHNICAL SPECS

General

Type: Passive ribbon microphone

Operating Principle: Ribbon velocity microphone

Polar Pattern: Figure-8 (Bidirectional)

Applications:

• Studio recording
• Broadcasting
• Live sound
• Orchestral recording
• Film and television production

Manufacture: Handcrafted in the USA

Ribbon System

Ribbon Type: Low-mass ribbon element

Ribbon Dimensions: 2″ × 0.250″ × 1.5µm

Ribbon Design Advantages:

• Innovative short-path ribbon geometry
• Proprietary ribbon corrugation process
• Precision ribbon fine-tuning adjustment
• Excellent transient response
• High consistency between units

Performance

Frequency Response: 20Hz–25kHz and beyond

Sensitivity: 1.8mV/Pa

Frequency Response Characteristics:

• Extended high-frequency response
• Low distortion
• Natural tonal balance
• Excellent transient accuracy
• Wide dynamic range

Output Impedance: 250 Ohms

Transformer

Type: Custom-matched low-noise toroidal transformer

Design Heritage: Derived from SAMAR Audio Design flagship ribbon microphone transformer technology

Features:

• Low distortion
• Low noise
• Balanced frequency response
• Natural sonic character

Physical

Dimensions:

Diameter/Width — 50.80mm (2″)

Height/Length — 213.10mm (8.39″)

Weight: 560g (19.75oz)

Construction: Precision CNC-machined stainless steel

Mounting: Integrated adjustable hard-mount swivel

Included Accessories: US-made wooden storage box

Country of Origin: USA

Recommended Applications

• Lead vocals
• Backing vocals
• Choir
• Voice-over
• Broadcast
• Film and TV post-production
• Location recording
• Orchestra
• Piano
• Brass
• Woodwinds
• Strings
• Acoustic guitar
• Electric guitar
• Drum overheads
• Percussion
• Room microphones
• Live sound
• X-Y stereo recording
• Mid-Side (M-S) recording