Beyerdynamic M160 Review

The Beyerdynamic M160 is a microphone that occupies a rare and cherished space in the world of audio engineering. Introduced in the 1950s, this double-ribbon dynamic microphone has earned a reputation for its warm, natural sound, exceptional transient response, and distinctive hypercardioid polar pattern. Over the decades, it has been a go-to tool for recording engineers and musicians alike, finding its way onto countless classic albums and modern productions. In this review, we’ll dive deep into what makes the M160 special, how it performs in various applications, and whether it still holds its own in 2025’s competitive audio market.

Design and Build Quality

Beyerdynamic, a German audio manufacturer with a legacy dating back to 1924, is known for crafting durable and meticulously engineered products. The M160 is no exception. At first glance, its sleek, minimalist design stands out. Measuring approximately 156mm in length and weighing 156 grams (without the cable), the M160 is compact and lightweight compared to many modern microphones. Its all-metal housing, finished in a matte black coating, exudes a sense of understated elegance and rugged reliability.

The microphone’s grille is designed to protect its delicate ribbon element while allowing sound to pass through with minimal interference. Unlike condenser microphones that require external phantom power, the M160 is a passive dynamic microphone, relying solely on its ribbon diaphragm to capture sound. This simplicity contributes to its durability, as there are fewer electronic components that could fail over time.

One of the M160’s defining features is its dual-ribbon design. Most ribbon microphones use a single ribbon, but Beyerdynamic opted for two ribbons placed one above the other, separated by a small gap. This configuration enhances the microphone’s sensitivity and contributes to its unique tonal character. The ribbons themselves are made of lightweight aluminum, measuring just 0.002mm thick, making them incredibly responsive to sound waves while also somewhat fragile—a trade-off inherent to ribbon mic technology.

The M160 ships with a basic stand adapter, but Beyerdynamic also offers an optional MKV 8 shock mount for isolating it from vibrations—a worthwhile investment for studio use. Overall, the build quality is exceptional, reflecting Beyerdynamic’s commitment to precision engineering. It’s a microphone built to last decades, as evidenced by the countless vintage units still in use today.

Technical Specifications

To understand the M160’s capabilities, let’s break down its key specifications:

Transducer Type: Dynamic, double-ribbon
Polar Pattern: Hypercardioid
Frequency Response: 40 Hz – 18 kHz
Sensitivity: 1.0 mV/Pa (-60 dBV)
Nominal Impedance: 200 ohms
Connector: XLR-3
Dimensions: 156mm (length) x 23mm (diameter)
Weight: 156g (without cable)

The hypercardioid polar pattern is one of the M160’s standout features. Unlike the more common figure-8 pattern found in most ribbon microphones, the hypercardioid design offers greater directionality and off-axis rejection. This makes it particularly useful in multi-mic setups where bleed from other instruments needs to be minimized.

The frequency response of 40 Hz to 18 kHz is relatively broad for a ribbon microphone, though it lacks the extended high-end sparkle of modern condensers that often reach 20 kHz or beyond. However, this “limitation” is part of the M160’s charm, contributing to its smooth, vintage-inspired sound. The low sensitivity (1.0 mV/Pa) means it requires a preamp with plenty of clean gain—typically 60 dB or more—especially for quiet sources like acoustic instruments or distant miking.

Sound Quality

The Beyerdynamic M160’s sound is often described as warm, rich, and natural, with a smoothness that’s hard to replicate with other microphone types. Ribbon microphones are prized for their ability to capture transients with finesse, and the M160 excels in this regard. Its dual-ribbon design gives it a slightly brighter and more detailed character compared to single-ribbon mics like the Royer R-121 or Coles 4038, while retaining the classic ribbon warmth.

On vocals, the M160 delivers a silky, intimate quality. It softens harsh sibilance and tames aggressive high frequencies, making it an excellent choice for singers with bright or piercing voices. However, its low output and lack of a pronounced proximity effect mean it’s less suited to vocalists who rely on bass boost from close-miking. Pairing it with a high-quality preamp, such as a Neve 1073 or API 512c, brings out its full potential, adding depth and clarity without sacrificing its natural tone.

Where the M160 truly shines is on instruments. It’s a favorite for recording electric guitar amplifiers, where its ability to handle high SPLs (up to around 130 dB) and smooth out brittle highs results in a lush, balanced tone. Positioned a few inches from a guitar cab, it captures the roar of a Marshall stack or the chime of a Fender Twin with equal finesse. The hypercardioid pattern also helps isolate the amp in live studio settings.

Acoustic guitars, violins, and other stringed instruments benefit from the M160’s detailed yet forgiving response. It picks up the subtle nuances of fingerpicking or bowing without exaggerating string noise or room reflections. For drum overheads, the M160 is a secret weapon in the hands of engineers seeking a vintage vibe. Its smooth top-end roll-off complements the brightness of cymbals, while the tight polar pattern reduces bleed from the rest of the kit.

One caveat: the M160 is not the best choice for capturing deep low-end frequencies. Its 40 Hz bottom end means it won’t fully reproduce the sub-bass of a kick drum or bass guitar. In these cases, it’s often paired with a dynamic mic like a Shure SM57 or a condenser to fill out the spectrum.

Applications in Modern Recording

In 2025, the recording landscape is dominated by digital audio workstations (DAWs), plugin emulations, and affordable condenser microphones. So where does a vintage-inspired ribbon mic like the M160 fit in? The answer lies in its ability to offer something digital tools can’t fully replicate: an organic, analog character.

For home studio owners, the M160 is a luxury purchase, retailing at around $699 USD (as of early 2025). Its low output demands a robust preamp, which could push the total investment closer to $1,500 when paired with something like a Universal Audio Solo/610 or Cloudlifter CL-1. However, for professionals and serious hobbyists, it’s a worthy addition to the mic locker, especially for those working in genres like rock, folk, jazz, or classical.

The M160’s hypercardioid pattern makes it particularly valuable in untreated rooms or live tracking scenarios. Its rejection of off-axis sound minimizes unwanted ambiance, allowing engineers to achieve cleaner recordings without extensive acoustic treatment. This versatility has kept it relevant in an era where portability and adaptability are prized.

It’s also worth noting the M160’s historical pedigree. Famously used on John Bonham’s drum kit in Led Zeppelin’s “When the Levee Breaks” (paired with an M130 for stereo imaging), the M160 has a storied past that adds to its allure. Modern artists and producers continue to turn to it for that elusive “vintage magic,” whether tracking indie rock guitars or orchestral strings.

Comparisons with Other Microphones

To put the M160 in context, let’s compare it to a few notable competitors:

Royer R-121: Another modern ribbon mic, the R-121 offers a figure-8 pattern and a slightly darker, thicker sound. It’s more forgiving on overly bright sources but lacks the M160’s directionality, making it less ideal for tight isolation.
Coles 4038: A BBC-designed classic, the 4038 is a figure-8 ribbon with a lush, full-bodied tone. It’s a favorite for drum overheads and brass, but its larger size and bidirectional pickup make it less versatile than the M160.
Shure SM57: The ubiquitous dynamic mic is a fraction of the M160’s price and excels on loud sources like snares and amps. However, it lacks the M160’s refinement and smoothness, offering a more aggressive, mid-forward sound.
AEA R84: A modern take on vintage ribbons, the R84 has a bigger, boomier low end and a figure-8 pattern. It’s great for vocals and bass-heavy instruments but doesn’t match the M160’s transient detail or off-axis rejection.

The M160 stands out for its hypercardioid pattern and balanced tone, carving a niche between the warmth of traditional ribbons and the focus of dynamic mics.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Warm, natural sound with excellent transient response
Hypercardioid pattern for superior off-axis rejection
Durable build quality
Versatile for instruments and certain vocal applications
Timeless design with a rich legacy

Cons:

Low sensitivity requires a high-gain preamp
Limited low-end response
Fragile ribbon element (common to all ribbon mics)
Premium price point

Conclusion

In summary, the Beyerdynamic M160 remains a standout microphone in a crowded field. Its combination of vintage charm, modern utility, and impeccable craftsmanship ensures it’s more than just a nostalgia piece—it’s a practical tool for today’s recording engineers. While it’s not the most budget-friendly option, its unique sound and versatility justify the investment for those who value quality over convenience.

Whether you’re capturing the growl of a guitar amp, the shimmer of acoustic strings, or the ambiance of a drum kit, the M160 delivers a character that’s both distinctive and timeless. It’s not a mic for every situation, but in the right hands, it’s a creative powerhouse that can elevate recordings to new heights. For audio professionals and enthusiasts seeking a ribbon mic with personality and precision, the Beyerdynamic M160 is a classic that continues to prove its worth.