Ribbon Microphone Transformer Upgrades

You can improve the sound of most ribbon microphones by replacing the internal transformer with a Lundahl LL2912, LL2913, or LL2914. These transformers are designed specifically for ribbon microphone use and will generally improve both the bass and treble frequency extension, as well as the sonic clarity. Several ribbon microphone sellers and upgraders use these tranformers in their premium versions.

The LL2912 is an unshielded transformer that can be used to upgrade microphones with narrow bodies (like the B&O mics), where the bodies incorporate magnetic shielding.

The LL2913 and LL2914 are shielded PC board mount transformers similar to the LL2912 for use where shielding is necessary or PC board mounting is a mechanical advantage.

The LL2913 is internally identical to the LL2912, which uses a cobalt amorphous core, while the LL2914 uses a more traditional mu-metal (permalloy) core, which results in a more vintage tone.

Small PC boards for mounting and simplifying the wiring of the LL2913 and the LL2914 are also available. See the pictures below. See the datasheets for the dimensions to determine which transformer will fit in your microphone.

LL2912, LL2913       $68
LL2914       $64
PC board for LL2913 or LL2914       $3

This summer a new tube mic preamp kit will debut here. It will have enough gain and low enough noise for ribbon mics and be versatile enough for any other mic. Stay tuned!

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