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Reviews For: Cascade Fathead II Ribbon Microphone

Category: Microphones for ham radio

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Review Summary For : Cascade Fathead II Ribbon Microphone
Reviews: 1MSRP: $219.00
Description:
The Fathead II is one in a complete line of US assembled high-quality ribbon microphones. For those using audio chains with a preamp this microphone comes in a well cushioned case with a shockmount.
Type: Ribbon (velocity) Microphone
Ribbon type & Dimensions: 99% Pure aluminum, 2.5 micron, 1 3/4" (L) X 3/16" (W)
Polar pattern: Figure 8 Symmetrical
Sensitivity: -56 db +/- 2 dB (0 dB=1V/Pa)
Frequency response: 30 to -18,000 Hz (+/- 3dB)
Output Impedance: <=200 Ohms
Recommended load impedance: >1000 Ohms
Max.SPL (1% THD @1000 Hz): 165 dB
Connector: 3-Pin male XLR
Size: Diameter: 3? (O.D. grill), overall length 7 3/4"?, 1 3/4" (O.D. body)
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.cascademicrophones.com/cascade_FAT_HEAD_II.html
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0015
KG6YV Rating: 2009-07-10
Excellent articulate but warm audio for a reasonable price. Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
This high quality ribbon microphone looks like a 21st century son of the D-104 "on steroids".

For those who have audio chains including a mic preamp the Cascade Fathead II is a real steal. It is a very well built ribbon microphone which provides all the best features of a ribbon at a very reasonable price.
Ribbon mics usually offer very rounded warm audio with a very natural and articulate high end. Their audio is very transparent and neutral without the "artificial" high-end typically found with large condensers.

The Fathead is my second ribbon. Before ribbons I tried large condensers (Shure KSM32, Marshal V63M and Marshal XL990). While the condensers are OK they were noticably "sterile" especially in the high end.

I currently use the FatheadII on my Yaesu FT-2000 and FT-1000D. I also tried a Nady RSM-2 which was a good ribbon but it lacked the nice articulation in comparison tests with other hams on 75M.
My FT-2000 is set for 3.6khz BW and I don't use the FT-2000 EQ at all. The FT-1000D has Inrad 2.8khz filters. For both radios I use a Behringer preamp, Behringer 1502 EQ and T-1952 Tube Composer compressor/limiter/gate.
In on-air tests with various roundtable groups I continue to get reports of "very clear, balanced and natural" audio. Most of the people listening have heard the other mics mentioned here in this review on the FT-2000 over the last year and they give the Fathead II the top score, no contest.

I get similar reports on the FT-1000D albeit with a slightly narrower BW.
BTW, I put all the other microphones up for sale....