Beyerdynamic M 88 Dynamic Moving-Coil Microphone (Hypercardioid)

About: Beyerdynamic M 88 Dynamic Moving-Coil Microphone (Hypercardioid)

Due to its outstanding technical properties, the M 88 is still considered the reference in the field of dynamic moving- coil microphones – more than 60 years after its release. Flexible in use, the microphone classic from beyerdynamic is particularly popular for miking kick drums and vocals. The wide frequency response, the outstanding bass reproduction, the high sensitivity and the almost perfect hypercardioid polar pattern are what makes the M 88 special. The M 88 has been manufactured at the company‘s site in Heilbronn, Germany, for decades – traditionally by hand.

Features

• Flexible use
• Wide, balanced frequency response for natural sound reproduction
• Good bass response
• Well-defined hypercardioid polar pattern
• Hum-bucking coil for eliminating background noise
• Microphone grille made of 3-layer stainless steel mesh
• Handcrafted in Germany

Classic with Depth

The M 88 dynamic moving-coil microphone has a frequency response of 30–20,000 Hz and is characterised by its natural sound, free of tonal colouring. It also delivers a clear signal even at extremely high sound pressures. This predestines it for a range of sound sources – in the studio and live on stage. When using it for a kick drum, sound technicians and drummers value its pronounced proximity effect. In addition, the M 88 is perfect for miking toms, electric guitar amps, bass guitar amps and wind instruments.

When miking the kick drum, the WS 59 wind shield is recommended.

Ideal for Vocals

Whether in the studio or live on stage, the M 88 has enjoyed decades of immense popularity as a long-time favourite for vocals. In this aspect, it benefits from its excellent technical characteristics as well as its detailed bass response and smooth treble boost. In addition, the high-quality basic sound is perfect for further processing the signal.

Give it a Try

Originally developed for recording speech, the M 88 is also an impressive podcast microphone. Thanks to its almost physically perfect directionality, interference is effectively muted. A neodymium magnet makes this microphone highly sensitive, which means it requires very little amplification. This also means it can be used with less powerful interfaces. Its pronounced proximity effect and wide frequency response make it an ideal companion for your next podcast production.

Near-Perfect Hypercardioid

From a technical perspective, the M 88’s hypercardioid polar pattern is close to perfection. This has a number of advantages. This polar pattern prioritises sound coming from the front, while most of the signals from the sides and some from the back are reduced. This ensures excellent channel separation, i.e. the microphone is less susceptible to crosstalk from other nearby sound sources. In addition, the M 88 is less prone to feedback, making it suitable for use in noisy surroundings.

Quality Made in Germany

As with all microphones in the M series, the M 88 is handmade at the company headquarters in Heilbronn, Germany. From the diaphragm and the dynamic transducer to the microphone grille – acoustically relevant components are intricately made in-house rather than being bought in. This method, which is unusual in the industry, allows us to maintain control over the entire production process.

It's What's Inside that Counts

The Hostaphan® diaphragm used in this microphone is a wafer-thin foil that has excellent vibration behaviour thanks to its low mass. In addition, the M 88 features an integrated hum compensation coil to minimize electromagnetic interference. Another feature that has a significant effect on the sound is the clever labyrinth, an acoustic component that ensures even attenuation. The result is superb directionality and excellent sound.

Revolutionary Contraction with Tradition Behind it

This microphone’s compact dimensions and low weight make it easy to position even in cramped conditions. Thanks to the robust brass housing, this microphone is perfect for work in the studio and live on stage. As requested by many users, the M 88 once again has its three-layer, silver-coloured grille. This creates a perfect visual symbiosis of tradition and future, and enables the microphone to deal better with plosives. This classic microphone now comes safely stored in a sturdy hard case.

Durable Materials

Our microphones are designed for daily use in professional conditions, which is why only durable materials are used in their construction. If the microphone nevertheless gets damaged, our service policy means that we can replace almost every part.  

Specifications

• Transducer type - Dynamic
• Operating principle - Pressure gradient
• Polar pattern - Hypercardioid
• Frequency response - 30 - 20,000 Hz
• Rear attenuation at 1 kHz - > 23 dB at 120°
• Sensitivity (0 dB = 1 V/Pa) - 2.9 mV/Pa (= -51 dBV)
• Magnetic field suppression - > 20 dB at 50 Hz 
• Nominal impedance - 200 Ω
• Load impedance - ≥ 1000 Ω
• Diaphragm - Hostaphan
• Casing - Brass 
• Connection - XLR, 3-pin, male
• Dimensions
  • Length - 6.81 in (173 mm)
  • Shaft diameter - 1 in (25.5 mm)
  • Head diameter - 1.91 in (48.5 mm)
• Weight - 0.73 lb (331 g)

What's in the Box

• M 99 Microphone
• MA-CL 25 Microphone clamp with 3/8" internal thread, with internal diameter of 25 mm. 
• Microphone Case