The iconic M Series, which includes the original microphone models that recorded Jimi Hendrix's explosive guitar riffs, or more recently accompanied Dua Lipa’s global ‘Future Nostalgia’ tour, received a design refresh to merge tradition with future. The new range comprises remakes of the famous the M 160 and M 130 ribbon microphones, plus the M 88 and M 201 dynamics, MC 950 and 930 pencil condensers, and not forgetting the unique MM 1 measurement microphone. The "new-look" M Series microphones are set to go on sale in Q4 2023.
"For more than 60 years, Beyerdynamic's created masterpieces like the M 160 in Germany, while musicians, producers, and sound engineers have been doing the same with our products around the world," says beyerdynamic’s Director of Production, Thorsten Bender. "Now, our tradition of excellence in sound and build quality will continue to power the next 60 years of pro-audio creation."
For decades, M Series microphones have married excellent sound quality with precise manufacturing. The microphone's audio qualities have been discovered countless times as audio engineers and musicians adopted those microphones for new applications, sometimes instantly converting them into classics that remained referenced for that particular sound or purpose.
Professionals consistently use them globally for their natural sound, excellent technical properties such as high impulse fidelity, and application-specific product designs. From the earliest stages of development through testing, the Beyerdynamic M Series' quality has traditionally been achieved through detailed production in Germany, accentuated by precision filigree work - sometimes handcrafted by a select group of highly trained craftspeople.
The Beyerdynamic M 130 and M 160 ribbon microphones in particular remained mandatory in recording studios, used as a mid‑side pair and applied to drum overheads, guitar amps and general‑purpose close‑miking. The M 160 double-ribbon hypercardioid microphone is appreciated on its own for guitar amps and drums, while the M 130, also a double-ribbon microphone adds figure-eight pattern - excellent at suppressing sound from the sides - and is ideal for stereo, ambience and instrument recordings.
"Our two ribbon microphones - the M 160 and M 130 - are particularly difficult to produce," explains Bender. "We carefully select specialists who’ve undergone up to a year of training and have outstanding dexterity - which is why only a few employees are currently able to manufacture mics such as the M 160."
Another highly though-after classic since its introduction in 1962, the M 88 moving‑coil dynamic microphone continues to be appreciated as a universal vocal microphone, with its rich sound. The M 88's hypercardioid pickup pattern made it a classic on TV and live production, and the familiar shape will remain forever associated with artists such as Phil Collins, who used it for vocals, although it was also a popular choice for the kick drum, due to its ability to endure high SPL levels. Its emphasis on mid-low end, make it a flexible choice for many creative uses on stage or in the studio.
The traditions associated with all these classic Beyerdynamic microphones will carry on with the newly designed series, adding the benefit of a more streamlined production and build process to enhance everything from logistics to servicing, according to the company.
"Without changing the beloved sound of the various M Series mics, this new design direction will make changes around the product to enhance the overall M Series experience. When a product line is so beloved that it lasts 60 years on the market, it’s critical to balance making nuanced changes with maintaining what makes the products beloved in the first place," adds Bender.
The newly refreshed mics will follow a uniform design language and product name strategy across the series - creating a simplified and visual expression of Beyerdynamic's microphone DNA. Starting later in 2023, all Beyerdynamic online stores, dealers, and retailers will begin to exclusively sell the newly updated M Series mics. Servicing and support will continue for existing M Series models as the transition occurs.
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