Beyerdynamic M160

The Beyerdynamic M 160 is a hypercardioid ribbon microphone developed through a series of technological innovations that remain distinctive in the microphone market. Its design employs two hand-stamped pure aluminium ribbons, each measuring approximately 20mm by 2mm, stacked vertically within a magnetic gap. This dual-ribbon configuration allows Beyerdynamic to achieve high sensitivity and directional response in a compact form. The ribbons are corrugated through a unique stamping process that enables them to move pistonically in response to vibration. An acoustic labyrinth connected to the back of the ribbon motor modifies the native figure-8 polar pattern into the microphone's characteristic hypercardioid response, while a plastic waveguide increases sensitivity and improves high-frequency response.

Manufactured entirely in Heilbronn, Germany, the M 160 represents an unusual commitment to in-house production. Beyerdynamic manufactures most sound-relevant components itself, including the steel-mesh basket (four layers for the M 160), the acoustic labyrinth, and the transformer. The production of each microphone requires several hours of skilled manual labour, with specialists undergoing up to one year of training to develop the manual dexterity necessary for ribbon assembly. The company hand-stamps the aluminium ribbons using a guillotine-type device with flat jaws that form a template, then cuts each ribbon individually with a razor blade.

The M 160 has established itself as a studio standard while remaining one of the few ribbon microphones robust enough for use on loud live stages. Its sound character is marked by precise bass response, warm midrange, and silky treble, with minimal tonal colouring. The microphone has been used across decades of recording and live performance, and its long-term consistency—the assurance that an M 160 purchased today will sound identical to one from 1978—distinguishes it in a market where cheaper alternatives often vary significantly between production runs. This consistency derives from Beyerdynamic's maintenance of original manufacturing processes and tooling, even as the company has periodically updated the microphone's visual design.