recordinghacks

beyerdynamic M380

Bidirectional Dynamic Microphone

• Resistant to feedback
• High SPL
• Insensitive to structure-borne noise
• Hum compensation
• Zinc diecast housing

The M380 is especially qualified for the pick-up of instruments which create a high sound pressure so that transmission free from distortion is difficult. For this reason and because of its frequency response reaching 15 Hz, the M380 is suited for the pick-up of bass drums. The suspended system is insensitive to structure-borne noise and has a windscreen. Its bidirectional polar pattern avoids acoustic feedback. A zinc diecast housing guarantees the mechanical stability of the M380 which is necessary for stage performance. The mic is equipped with an effective hum compensation in order to avoid interference of magnetic fields which can be caused by stage equipment.

The moving-coil transducer in the M380 is essentially a speaker driver from a particular model of Beyerdynamic headphone, possibly the DT770/990. The driver was wrapped with a humbucking coil. There was no output transformer.

The M380 is suited to kick drum, double bass, tuba, trombone, sousaphone, and bass guitar cabinets.

The microphone exhibits a strong proximity effect. At 1m, the response is -10dB at 20 Hz. At 2cm, the response is +14dB at 20 Hz.

The M380 utilizes the beyerdynamic MKV8 stand adapter. The mic was available in at least two colors: bronze and black.

Steve Albini lists the M380 as one of his favorite mics for bass cab and kick drum.

The beyerdynamic M380 is also known as: M380N(C), M380NC, M380N, 380, M-380.

Specifications

Frequency Response - BidirectionalClick Graph to Compare!

Pickup Patterns	Pads & Filters
Bidirectional (5 mV/Pa; 15 - 20,000 Hz)

Coil Diameter	Impedance	SPL/Noise
n/a	600 Ohms (Low)	Max SPL: 140 dB

Weight	Length	Max Diameter	Interface(s)
370g (13.05oz)	160mm (6.30'')	66mm (2.60'')	3-pin XLR male (1)

Power Specifications

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