The Linear Edition

The new NOS Audio Panther Linear Edition Active Ribbon Mic features matched Linear Systems LSK170 JFET transistors. The result is lower noise, higher output, and a smooth sound reminiscent of the world's most coveted ribbon mics.

The NOS Audio Panther active ribbon microphone mates a passive ribbon element and transformer with a discrete active circuit.  The result is a classic ribbon sound that sounds great with ANY microphone preamp.

Most passive ribbon microphones become loaded down when used with microphone preamps that aren't specifically meant for ribbon microphones.  The result is a loss in high frequencies and output that sounds blanketed.  The very best passive ribbon microphones use extremely high-end transformers to combat this effect but that raises their prices exponentially.

The Panther's active circuit provides the best of both worlds.  The transistor circuit has been tuned to make the transformer always see a proper load, no matter what microphone preamp is being used.  At the same time, the circuit provides a boost in output and a lower noise floor.  The result is a microphone that perform and sounds like the very best passive ribbon microphones at a significantly lower price.

Features

Active phantom powered discrete circuit for high output and low impedance
Passive transformer before active circuitry to retain the classic ribbon sound
135dB SPL Handling
High (35dB) Sensitivity
No distortion up to maximum SPL rating
Low self noise
Figure-8 pickup pattern with equal sensitivity from the front or back