SAMAR Audio Design AL95 – Passive Figure-8 Ribbon Microphone

OVERVIEW

The SAMAR Audio Design AL95 is a handcrafted passive ribbon microphone designed to deliver high-end recording performance with exceptional natural tone, smooth frequency response and impressive clarity. Developed by SAMAR Audio Design founder Dr. Mark Fouxman, the AL95 combines innovative ribbon technology, precision engineering and premium components to provide professional results for studios, engineers, artists and home recording enthusiasts.

At the heart of the AL95 is a piston corrugated ribbon element, engineered to outperform traditional zig-zag ribbon designs with lower noise, deeper and more controlled bass response, higher output and excellent SPL handling. The robust ribbon construction provides improved durability, while the custom in-house-made amorphous-core toroidal transformer – derived from SAMAR’s flagship ribbon microphone technology – ensures low distortion, low noise and a naturally transparent sonic character.

Featuring a symmetrical figure-8 polar pattern, the AL95 is perfectly suited for a wide range of recording applications, including vocals, guitars, brass, strings, drums, room microphones and advanced stereo techniques such as Blumlein and Mid-Side recording. Handcrafted and meticulously assembled in the USA, the AL95 delivers uncompromising ribbon microphone performance with exceptional value and long-term reliability.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Premium Passive Ribbon Performance

The AL95 delivers the classic warmth and realism associated with ribbon microphones while providing the extended frequency response, clarity and reliability required for modern professional recording.

Advanced Piston Corrugated Ribbon Technology

The innovative piston-style ribbon design provides lower noise, fuller bass response, increased output, reduced resonance and higher SPL handling compared to conventional ribbon elements.

Custom Amorphous-Core Toroidal Transformer

The in-house designed transformer, developed from SAMAR’s flagship microphone technology, provides excellent signal integrity with low distortion, low noise and a naturally transparent sound.

Perfect for Blumlein and Mid-Side Recording

The symmetrical figure-8 polar pattern makes the AL95 an excellent choice for advanced stereo recording techniques, offering precise imaging and realistic spatial capture.

Handcrafted High-End Microphone Design

Every AL95 is meticulously assembled at SAMAR Audio Design’s Salt Lake City facility, combining precision machining, innovative engineering and premium components.

Professional Performance at Exceptional Value

The AL95 delivers uncompromising ribbon microphone quality in a more accessible format, making it suitable for professional studios, project studios and recording enthusiasts alike.

FEATURES

• Passive figure-8 ribbon microphone design for natural, realistic sound capture.
• Piston corrugated ribbon element delivers improved performance compared to traditional ribbon designs.
• Lower noise and distortion for clean, detailed recordings.
• Deep, controlled low-frequency response with smooth extended highs.
• High SPL handling suitable for demanding recording sources.
• Robust ribbon construction provides increased durability compared to conventional ribbon microphones.
• Custom amorphous-core toroidal transformer developed specifically for the AL95.
• Transformer optimisation provides low distortion, low noise and neutral sonic performance.
• Symmetrical figure-8 polar pattern enables Blumlein and Mid-Side stereo techniques.
• Wide range of applications including vocals, guitars, brass, strings, drums, room microphones and ensembles.
• Compact uni-body construction reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining premium performance.
• Handcrafted and meticulously assembled in the USA.
• Supplied with US-made injection-moulded carrying case.
• Includes anti-vibration shock-proof microphone clip.
• 1-year parts and ribbon replacement warranty (limited to two services).
• 15-day satisfaction guarantee.

TECHNICAL SPECS

General

Type: Passive ribbon microphone

Polar Pattern: Figure-8

Design: Dual matched ribbon motors in a single microphone body

Applications:

• Studio recording
• Live recording
• Vocals
• Instruments
• Room capture
• Stereo recording

Manufacture: Handcrafted in the USA

Ribbon System

Ribbon Type: Piston corrugated ribbon

Ribbon Dimensions: 1.5″ × 0.250″ × 4µm

Ribbon Design Advantages:

• Lower noise performance
• Fuller and more controlled bass response
• Higher output level
• Lower resonance characteristics
• High SPL handling capability
• Increased mechanical durability

Performance

Frequency Response: 20Hz-25KHz (and beyond):

Polar Response:

Sensitivity: 1.6mV/Pa

Frequency Characteristics:

• Smooth extended frequency response
• Deep, controlled low end
• Natural high-frequency extension
• Low distortion performance
• Neutral sonic character

Output Impedance: 250 Ohms

Transformer

Type: Custom amorphous-core toroidal transformer

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

Features:

• Reduced distortion
• Low noise operation
• Transparent signal transfer
• Optimised tonal balance

Physical

Dimensions:

• Diameter/Width — 25.4mm (1″)
• Height/Length — 141.7mm (5.58″)

Weight: 182g (6.4oz)

Construction: Precision-machined uni-body design

Included Accessories:

• Injection-moulded carrying case
• Anti-vibration shock-proof microphone clip

Country of Origin: USA

Recommended Applications

• Vocals
• Voice recording
• Acoustic guitar
• Electric guitar
• Brass instruments
• Strings
• Piano
• Drum overheads
• Room microphones
• Orchestra
• Choir
• Jazz ensembles
• Blumlein stereo recording
• Mid-Side stereo recording

Warranty

Manufacturer’s Warranty – Parts & Ribbon Replacement: 1 Year (Limited to two services)

Satisfaction Guarantee: 15 Days