Stager SR-2N Review
Ribbon Microphone
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 15 of 15 Reviews
Great handmade medium ribbon competes with the Big Boys!
Stager SR-2N Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed by Evan H. on Reverb
When I was starting to build a little mic collection for my home studio, it was recommended on the forums that I get a Chinese ribbon mic as a compliment to the SM57 and AT4033 mics I had. They're about $100 and sound kinda interesting. I wasn't very critical at the time because I couldn't afford to be. Years later I get back into home recording and my ribbon mics had been stored flat and I had to reribbon them. I got into reribboning cheap ribbon mics and upgrading the transformers and ended up with three cheap hotrodded ribbon mics with 1.8u ribbon foil and Lundahl transformers now worth about $200 each but more importantly they had become much more useful since the stock cheap ribbon mics are pretty dull sounding. I pretty excited about my DIY handiwork. I modified a double ribbon, Oktava ML-52-02, a medium ribbon, Nady RSM-4, and an Apex 205 long ribbon. These improvements were impressive but I was also starting to develop more discriminating tastes as my mic collection blossomed. Most of my mics stay fixed on one thing in my home studio. I had some mic choices sorted out but I was still trying to find a really kick ass mic for my Vox AC30 with Weber Alnico Blues. Unlike my Fender Deluxe Reverb, the Vox has an upper midrange bump that is problematic with dynamic mics which often have a bump around the same region. With my Fender Jaguar, the VOX has a fantastic chimey bell like tone and I simply wanted to capture it. I auditioned a lot of mics. A lot of old studio guys would suggest 3 mic setups - 2 dynamic and one room condenser on the AC30 - but I wasn't having that. I just wanted one mic that would capture the amp. Ribbon mics were the clear winners - they were the only ones that captured the bass and treble without messing too much with the midrange where the amp's distinct personality lies. The Vox AC30 has a midrange character that can easily sound boxey. The MD-441 was the best dynamic mic I tried because of its relatively even frequency response, but it was still a little grainy and also really picked up the single coil and amp hum. All three of my hotrodded ribbon mics I tried sounded way closer to what I thought were the favorable aspects of the amp - they smoothed out the harshness, had good bell tone, and a rounded midrange response, all while rolling off right before the amp buzz. At this point I knew that ribbon mics were the way to go - that was obvious. One thing that surprised me was the mics all sounded pretty similar, despite having very different ribbon motors. I picked the ML-52 double ribbon because it had the most high end, but it also was missing some of the bass. If I wanted to get all of the sparkle, I had to let go of some of the body. I took this tradeoff and was 90 percent satisfied with the sound. I realized that I had taken these cheaper ribbon mics as far as possible and the only way to get closer to 100% satisfaction with the guitar tone would be to move up the ladder to the next tier of ribbon mics for guitar cabinets in the under-$1000 new $400-700 used region. This midrange tier of ribbon microphones has some big competition with some old and new classics like the Beyerdynamic m160, AEA R92, Royer R-101, and this hot new upstart the Stager SR-2N. I was researching on the forums and listening to sound samples and I heard a clip of the Stager SR-2N in a video and I thought "that's it!" It had the best qualities of all of my ribbon mics with no compromises. It has a big bottom, a smooth midrange, and the high end detail I was only able to get out of my bright but thin ML-52. I was a bit puzzled how the builder was able to get this sound since a ribbon is just a ribbon, a magnet and a transformer right? Why didn't my home modified cheap ribbons sound this good? I sent him some emails and he keyed me into the attention to detail that is required to get a ribbon mic to this next level. He told me the character of the ribbon mic is strongly affected by the transformer. That explained why all my different looking ribbon mics now sounded similar because I had put the same transformer into all of them. This guy makes his own transformer and that is something I'm not interested in trying at home. The ribbon specs and tension are something takes some guesswork for a hobbyist and is not at a level of accuracy of a factory fresh ribbon microphone from one of the venerated mic companies. Basically this mic has a level of detail that the average DIY hobbyist cannot achieve in his or her workshop. When I plugged in the mic, it had the bass, the chime, and the smooth midrange I had heard in the video. Not only did it sound the best out of all my ribbons, but it sounded the most like the amp, which was the whole point in the first place - to capture the essence of the amp in a flattering way. It is a medium ribbon similar to the Royer mics, and this puts the focus on the midrange which is where you want the guitars to sit in the mix. I put it 8" away and pointing straight at the cone and it sounded very natural there. Being a figure 8 ribbon mic, you could get a lot of bottom putting it closer and you could easily point it away from the center of the cone for a very simple yet effective brightness control. The mic has a strong magnet and strong output. To use my ML-52-02 with my preferred preamp, the Great River MP500-NV, I needed to max out the preamp at 70db gain. Preamps get noisy at maximum gain and the signal still wasn't that hot. I had to get a cloudlifter which is around $100 used to be able to set the preamp at 50 which sounds a lot better. I was able to get comparable signal from the Stager without the cloudlifter. That output is worth $100 right there. If you calculate that you need to have about $200+ into a cheap ribbon mic to make it sound good, plus a $100+ for a cloudlifter, to get a sound that is still inferior to the Stager - just get the Stager and be done with it! The mic came in a laser etched wood box made of what looks like luan wood. The mic sits snugly in black foam with a mic clip made specifically for the mic. I am very pleased with the quality and sound for the price. This mic has a sophistication that cannot be had for less money. I recommend this mic for anyone looking for an awesome guitar cabinet mic with a budget of $600. The builder is very responsive to questions and very good at his craft. You can buy directly from this small U.S. microphone maker right here on Reverb.com ... More
THE ribbon for drums and guitars
Stager SR-2N Rev 2 Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed by Andrew J. on Reverb
I got the 1st version of the SR-2N in 2016 and recently got the revision (in 2018). I've been careful about storing and bagging my 1st, so it's still in great shape. I love the ball joint on it when I need to get off axis or creative about fitting it in spaces where I want to utilize its figure-8 pattern to pick up or reject sources that aren't aligned with one another. It. sounds. so. good. I tested my original with this revision side by side (as close as I could get them - the magnets are VERY strong - using a UA Apollo with 610-B pres plugins, no EQ or compression) and the revision definitely has higher output (about 10 db more in my test). The revision sounds as "thick and warm" as the first, with my EQ analyzer showing it picking up acoustic guitar mostly around 100-200 Hz with heavy high end roll off. Sounds like a ribbon! But not a $600 one, that's for sure. It's like other high-end ribbons - dark but accepts EQing very nicely. And when you use it on the right source, you don't need to do anything at all. Does great on cymbals/overhead and as a distant room mic. If you're looking for a certain feel for acoustic guitars, a little bit of EQ to lift the high end will take you far. I got a second one because I was tired of using a single SR-2N as a drum center mic with tube mics flanking it left and right. I just wanted the whole kit to sound like that center mic, so of course I needed another. I do miss the ball joint mount from the first version, but completely understand the change. The wired Mogami cable on it was in the way when I needed to unthread or thread the mic onto a stand, sometimes I'd eventually unscrew the mount off the mic unintentionally...all that's fixed in the revision. I'm sure removing the cabling saves money and time, and whatever gets more of these mics into production, and more models into the world, I am here for it. I've seen pics and read reviews that the revision includes a clip, but mine included a shockmount! I gasped. It looks stately in the stand and elevates my studio that much more when I have artists in, and I can Blumlein it with the first version on its ballmount with ease. If I had two of this second version, though, I'd absolutely get that Blumlein mount. Matt is a really nice guy in the interactions I've had with him, and he has answered any questions, even before I ever bought one, and even offered a couple suggestions after seeing some of my Stager-in-action pics on Instagram. I once read someone say, maybe it in was the TapeOp review, to get these before the price goes up. Not shortly after or maybe just before that review, they did! I can't blame him. These sound more expensive than they are, and deserve a higher price tag. Just please wait until I get the SR-3. :) I'd put these against any AEA save the R44, as you're getting into a different class (addressed in the SR-1A and SR-3). Some of my favorite producers use these, major artists use them live and in the studio (so they're versatile and still deliver whether on stage or in a studio). And if the reviews from verified users or sound clips available online don't convince you, then I don't know what to tell you. They're boutique ribbon mics for crying out loud! At this price! I can barely handle it! ... More
Crafted to perfection
Stager Microphones SR-2N mkIII Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed by Thomas D. on Reverb
I have had the opportunity to use the SR-2N as well as the SR3 in my studio (Skylab Studio - Joshua Tree, CA) and these mics do not disappoint. Stager offers warm classic ribbon sound with smooth highs and a highly articulated image. The lows and mid frequencies are well defined. There is no harshness - only clarity and warmth. The SR-2N is a must have.
Killer stereo ribbon mic on par with my AEA ribbons.
Stager Microphones Stereo SR-2N Ribbon Microphone (Matched Pair)
Reviewed by Will The Weirdo on Guitar Center
As a multi-platinum pro I feel confident saying the Stager SN-2R is a fantastic stereo ribbon mic that sounds as good as my AEA ribbons, perfect for all acoustic instruments and one mic recordings. You'll want line boosters for many sources, I suggest Cathedral Pipes Durham mkII's for $65 each, they are dead quiet boosters and on par with Cloudlifters and Royer dBoosters for almost 1/3 of the price. Save yourself some serious cash and go Stager ribbons with Durham's.
Ribbon flavor without ribbon hassles
Stager SR-2N Rev 2 Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed by Michael C. on Reverb
This is a very solid and satisfying ribbon mic with plenty of output and great null rejection, and enough SPL handling to become a studio workhorse. The highs are there, but very smooth and controllable. I’ve owned the Nuvo N22 and a Joly/OctavaMods ML 52-02 in the past. I prefer this mic on all sources. I LOVE it in male vocals.
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Stager SR-2N Rev 2 Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed by Luc K. on Reverb
From what I have experienced so far, in my short time owning the SR-2N, is that it sounds marvelous in front of an amp for recording guitars. In addition, I have only used the pair of SR-2N’s as drum overheads once, and I noticed I had to add a lot of top end back in when mixing(still sounds great). I will experiment again with them as overheads. I can’t give a confident opinion of them as overheads because of my limited use with them. Love these mics
gives you the sound you hear
Stager SR-2N Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed by Ben A. on Reverb
a wonderful full tone on guitar amp. used in conjunction with my apogee element. didn't have to use too much gain to get a fully realized tone. look forward to putting it on other sound sources and buy another one!
After buying one, I want another.
Stager SR-2N Rev 2 Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed by Steven P. on Reverb
I had been looking for a decent ribbon mic (at a reasonable price) for a couple years. My hope was to not spend a ton as it would be mainly used as a specialty mic on just a few things. When I started checking out Stager, the reviews were great & the demos sounded intriguing. After buying one, I want another. Enough said.
Beautiful Ribbon Mic
Stager SR-2N Rev 2 Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed by Eric G. on Reverb
Blew me away on drums and percussion. Very smooth, rich, plenty of gain and no noise whatsoever. Sweet box. The mic clip feels a bit cheaper than I expected, but other than that, 10/10. Good work Stager!
Love it
Stager SR-2N Rev 2 Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed by Jocelyn R. on Reverb
We have been recording strings and some background vocals for our album with this mic. Very happy with the results. Also the gold version looks gorgeous in videos so that is a plus.
Awesome!
Stager SR-2N Rev 2 Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed by Bryan H. on Reverb
Unique sound deep and rich bass crispy velvet highs. Lots of character. Perfect for your studio as a corner stone go to unique sound
Stager SR-2N Rev 2 Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed by Roberto S. on Reverb
What an incredible mic. Looks fantastic, sounds even more fantastic, built like a tank. Definitely my go to guitar amp mic + love it for percussion and out in front of a drum kit.
Smooth mic
Stager Microphones SR-2N Neodymium Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed by Dr J on Guitar Center
Setting lead tracks for my Choral section.
Stager SR-2N Rev 2 Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed by Mark H. on Reverb
Loving my Stager so far!
Great ribbon
Stager SR-2N Rev 2 Ribbon Microphone
Reviewed by Mickey S. on Reverb
Lots of mojo! Not less good then my 2 times the price rx84
