Mic Pro UK

Coles 4038 Studio Ribbon Microphone

Coles 4038 Studio Ribbon Microphone

Retailing in the region of £1,069.00

Coles 4038 Studio Ribbon Microphone is New by Coles . Get it superfast with our delivery roadie service to any door in the UK Read More for product details.

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Description

The Coles 4038 Studio Ribbon Microphone is New Delivered to all areas of the UK using our roadie delivery service.

The 4038 is a design that has remained largely unchanged since its first appearance in 1953. Its flat frequency response and reliability cemented its reputation as a cornerstone of the ribbon microphone category.

It was designed in 1953 in conjunction with the BBC, who desired a strong, affordable and compact microphone rather than the cumbersome hardware that they were used to. The 4038 boasts a bi-directional (figure of 8) polar pattern, with an incredibly flat frequency response (30-15000Hz).

This mic is still used today by broadcasting companies due to its resilience and exceptional clarity. Still favoured by the BBC, you’ll be amazed at this mic’s capacity for voice and audio that requires a zero-tolerance approach to turbulence and distortion!

Here’s what Coles Electroacoustics have to say about the 4038

The 4038 Studio Ribbon Microphone is of British Broadcasting design (BBC) and used for broadcasting and recording such sounds where a clear smooth wide range frequency response, absent of transient distortion and relatively high sensitivity is essential.

The 4038 has a proven reliable performance capability, being since its introduction, used by broadcasting networks throughout the world such as the BBC.

The frequency response of the 4038 is exceptionally flat from 30 to 15,000 c/s and throughout this range the shape of the bi-directional (figure of eight) polar response is maintained substantially constant both in the horizontal and vertical planes, giving a natural smooth sonic quality textured response to sound signal being picked up.

Studio microphones have now achieved a remarkable fidelity of reproduction. If the microphone is not close to perfection, there is no point in having expensive systems to take the sound the rest of the way to the audience’s ears. In the world of sound, the BBC has always been the leader, and is still regarded as the ‘setter of standards’.

Specifications

  • Figure of 8 characteristic
  • Frequency range: 30 Hz – 15 kHz
  • Sensitivity: -65 dB (W.R.T. IV / Pa)
  • Max. SPL: 125 dB
  • Output impedance: 300 Ohm
  • Dimensions: 197 x 83 x 61 mm
  • Weight: 1.08 kg
  • Optional stand mounts (4071B or 4072) are not included!

Additional information

Weight 2 lbs

Brand

Coles

Coles is a British manufacturer best known for its classic ribbon microphones, particularly models that have become staples in professional studios and broadcast environments. The brand has a long history in UK broadcasting and is closely associated with traditional, high-quality engineering.

Coles ribbon microphones are valued for their smooth, natural sound and ability to handle high sound levels, making them popular for drum overheads, brass, guitar cabinets and orchestral recording. They are often chosen when a warm, detailed and timeless microphone character is desired.

Category

Microphones

Microphones are essential tools for capturing sound in recording, broadcast, and live performance. Different microphone types are designed for different sources, environments, and uses, from studio vocals and instruments to live sound and field recording. Choosing the right microphone depends on factors such as sound source, room acoustics, sensitivity, and the character you want to capture.

Ribbon Microphones

Ribbon microphones are valued for their smooth, natural sound and warm tonal character. They are often used on vocals, brass, guitar amps, and room recordings, where a softer high end and rich midrange are desirable. Ribbon microphones are more delicate than other types and typically require careful handling, but they are prized in studio environments for their classic sound and depth.

Tags

Ribbon

Ribbon microphones are prized for their smooth, natural sound and warm tonal character. They are especially valued in studio recording for capturing sources without harshness, making them ideal for vocals, guitar amplifiers, brass, strings and drum overheads where detail and depth are needed without exaggerated high frequencies.

Using a thin metal ribbon suspended in a magnetic field, ribbon microphones respond quickly to transients and deliver a rich, balanced midrange. They are often chosen when a classic, vintage-style sound is desired, and they work particularly well in controlled studio environments where their sensitivity and tonal subtlety can be fully appreciated.

Studio

Studio microphones are designed for high-quality recording where detail, accuracy and tonal balance are essential. They are used in professional and home studios to capture vocals and instruments with clarity, depth and a wide frequency response.

Commonly condenser or ribbon designs, studio mics are valued for their sensitivity and ability to pick up subtle nuances. They are ideal for vocals, acoustic instruments, drum overheads and detailed sound sources, making them a core part of any recording setup where sound quality is the priority.

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