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Extinct Audio Black Ops

Bidirectional Ribbon Microphone

The Black Ops ribbon microphone from Extinct Audio is a modified version of their flagship BM9, intended for close-mic applications. The models can be distinguished by the black logo and grille of the Black Ops. This model was designed after a few touring bands requested a more rugged version to stand up to stage use.

It is a passive design and, like most ribbon mics, features a bidirectional polar pattern.

The ribbon is increased in thickness from 1.8 microns (the BM9) to 2.5 microns to accommodate the increased plosive nature of loud or close-mic’d sources. In addition, Extinct Audio manufactures the transformer for the Black Ops with a higher iron content in the laminations as well as “reduced inductance to compensate for the bass proximity effect”, intended to provide a flatter, more-detailed low-end response. As with all Extinct Audio mics, the ribbons and transformers are made in-house.

Sound on Sound, June 2019

I took no special pains to protect the review specimen, and it handled everything I could throw at it. The BM9 Black Ops makes a great close mic not only on guitar amps but also on bass amps, where I’d probably hesitate to place anything too delicate. It’s also an excellent vocal mic, particularly for those singers who always seem to sound thin, harsh or sibilant on capacitor mics. There is still enough proximity effect to bring a welcome heft to sources that need it, but not so much that close-miking things makes them sound boomy or unbalanced.

The Black Ops ships with a custom wooden box and a hard mount. The Fenrir vibration mount is available at an extra cost. Extinct Audio also makes a coupler which replaces the domed caps on two microphones, allowing them to be locked together for Blumlein or other stereo configurations.

There is a one-year warranty on the ribbon and a lifetime warranty to the original owner on all mechanical parts.

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Specifications

Pickup Patterns	Pads & Filters
Bidirectional (30-15,000 Hz)

Ribbon Construction	Impedance	SPL/Noise
Gauge: 2.5 microns	250 Ohms (Low)	Max SPL: 135 dB

Weight	Length	Max Diameter	Interface(s)
355g (12.52oz)	250mm (9.84'')	n/a	3-pin XLR male (1)

Power Specifications

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