{"product_id":"wa-ft-fen-tone-instrument-ribbon-microphone-stereo-pair-warm-audio-tech-pro-audio-gear","title":"WA-FT Fen-tone Instrument Ribbon Microphone – Stereo Pair Warm Audio Tech\/Pro Audio Gear","description":"\u003ch1\u003eWarm Audio Fen-tone Stereo Pair – Instrument Ribbon Microphones with Selectable In-Line Preamps\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClassic ribbon character. Modern gain when you need it. A matched-style stereo pair built for serious recording.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Warm Audio Fen-tone Stereo Pair brings the smooth, dimensional character of ribbon microphones into a versatile two-microphone recording package designed for professional studios, producers, engineers and musicians.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach Fen-tone combines a precision ribbon element, figure-8 polar pattern, custom CineMag USA transformer and selectable operating modes that allow the microphone to work either as a traditional passive ribbon microphone or with an integrated +26 dB in-line preamp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse the pair for stereo drum overheads, guitar cabinets, acoustic instruments, horns, strings, room capture and other sources where rich midrange detail and smooth high frequencies are desired.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor engineers who love ribbon microphones but want greater flexibility when working with modern audio interfaces and preamps, the Fen-tone offers two distinctly useful operating approaches in one microphone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow Does the Warm Audio Fen-tone Work?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA ribbon microphone captures sound differently from many conventional dynamic and condenser microphones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInside each Fen-tone is an extremely thin aluminum ribbon suspended within a magnetic field.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen sound reaches the microphone, air movement causes the ribbon to move. That movement is converted into an electrical signal representing the performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRibbon microphones are prized for their natural transient response, detailed midrange and smooth high-frequency character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Fen-tone adds a modern advantage:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYou choose whether it operates passively or with additional active gain.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTwo Operating Modes: VT and +dB\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach Fen-tone provides two selectable operating modes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eVT Mode – Passive Ribbon Operation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSelect \u003cstrong\u003eVT\u003c\/strong\u003e and the Fen-tone operates as a fully passive ribbon microphone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the traditional approach to ribbon microphone operation and is ideal when pairing the microphone with a high-quality preamp that provides sufficient clean gain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVT mode gives engineers the ability to build the recording chain around the microphone and their preferred external preamplifier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e+dB Mode – Active +26 dB Gain\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSwitch to \u003cstrong\u003e+dB\u003c\/strong\u003e and the Fen-tone engages its integrated JFET in-line preamp, adding approximately \u003cstrong\u003e26 dB of gain\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis can be extremely useful when connecting the microphone directly to an audio interface or microphone preamp that may not provide enough clean gain for a passive ribbon microphone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstead of pushing an interface preamp toward its maximum gain setting, the Fen-tone can provide additional gain before the signal reaches the interface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eImportant Phantom Power Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe two operating modes have different phantom-power requirements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e+dB Mode:\u003c\/strong\u003e Requires 48V phantom power to operate the integrated active preamp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVT Mode:\u003c\/strong\u003e Do NOT engage 48V phantom power.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDo not connect the Fen-tone to a cable carrying phantom power while the microphone is in VT mode.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlways confirm the selected operating mode and phantom-power status before connecting or changing the microphone setup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCustom Japanese Ribbon Element\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the heart of each Fen-tone is a custom-made \u003cstrong\u003e1.8-micron ribbon manufactured from 99.1% aluminum\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe extremely thin ribbon is designed to respond precisely to subtle changes in air movement, helping capture the detail and character that make ribbon microphones distinctive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ribbon is paired with a powerful rare-earth neodymium magnet system to create the magnetic field required for accurate signal generation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCustom CineMag USA Transformer\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach Fen-tone incorporates a \u003cstrong\u003ecustom USA-made CineMag transformer\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe transformer is an important part of the microphone's signal path and contributes to the character and output of the passive ribbon design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor engineers building an analog-oriented recording chain, the combination of the ribbon element, magnetic assembly and transformer provides the foundation of the Fen-tone's tonal character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFigure-8 Polar Pattern\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFen-tone uses a \u003cstrong\u003efigure-8 polar pattern\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat means the microphone captures sound primarily from the front and rear while rejecting a significant amount of sound arriving from the sides.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis creates interesting possibilities for both isolation and room capture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlace the microphone strategically and you can capture the direct instrument along with carefully controlled room ambience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe side rejection can also be useful when positioning multiple instruments or microphones in the same recording environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSame Tonal Character from Front and Rear\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome ribbon microphones can exhibit different tonal characteristics depending on which side of the microphone faces the source.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFen-tone's centrally positioned ribbon is designed to provide consistent sonic performance from either side.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat can make stereo positioning and experimental microphone placement considerably easier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eStereo Recording Possibilities\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHaving two Fen-tone microphones opens an entirely different range of recording techniques.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse the pair for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDrum overheads\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStereo room capture\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcoustic guitar\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePiano\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePercussion\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStrings\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHorn sections\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGuitar cabinets\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEnsemble recording\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmbient recording\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA stereo pair allows engineers to capture not only the source itself but also its width, position and relationship to the room.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eExcellent for Electric Guitar Cabinets\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRibbon microphones are a studio favorite for electric guitar cabinets because their smooth upper-frequency response can help capture aggressive amplifiers without emphasizing harshness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePosition a Fen-tone near a guitar speaker for rich midrange detail and controlled highs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith two microphones, engineers can experiment with stereo guitar rigs, multiple cabinets or different microphone positions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe pair can also be combined with other microphone types to build layered guitar tones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSmooth Drum Overheads\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCymbals can quickly become overly bright or aggressive when recorded with certain microphones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Fen-tone's ribbon architecture makes the pair particularly compelling for \u003cstrong\u003edrum overhead applications\u003c\/strong\u003e, where smooth high frequencies and substantial midrange information can create a fuller drum image.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe figure-8 pattern also introduces creative opportunities for controlling the balance between direct kit sound and room ambience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCapture Horns Without Excessive Harshness\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrass and horn instruments can produce substantial high-frequency energy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRibbon microphones have long been valued for capturing these instruments with body and detail while maintaining a smooth upper-frequency character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA Fen-tone pair can be particularly useful for horn sections, stereo ensembles and individual brass or woodwind recording.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAcoustic Guitar \u0026amp; String Instruments\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Fen-tone can also capture acoustic guitars and string instruments with a rich, natural character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse one microphone for a focused mono recording or position the stereo pair to capture a wider image of the instrument and room.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor acoustic productions, the ability to move between passive and active operation gives engineers additional flexibility when selecting the rest of the recording chain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHigh-SPL Capability\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFen-tone is designed to handle high sound-pressure levels, making it appropriate for loud sources such as:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGuitar amplifiers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDrum kits\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrass instruments\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePercussion\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOther high-output instruments\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat versatility makes the pair useful as more than a specialty studio microphone set.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCompact Pencil-Style Design\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Fen-tone uses a compact, low-profile body design that makes positioning easier around crowded recording setups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is particularly useful around drum kits, guitar cabinets and multi-microphone sessions where large microphone bodies can make placement difficult.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts rugged metal construction is designed for regular studio use while retaining a distinctive vintage-inspired appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features \u0026amp; Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stereo pair of instrument ribbon microphones\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMicrophone Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ribbon\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuantity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2 microphones\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePolar Pattern:\u003c\/strong\u003e Figure-8\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOperating Modes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Passive VT \/ Active +dB\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eActive Gain:\u003c\/strong\u003e +26 dB\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eActive Preamp Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Integrated JFET in-line preamp\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePhantom Power in +dB Mode:\u003c\/strong\u003e 48V required\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePhantom Power in VT Mode:\u003c\/strong\u003e Do not use\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRibbon Material:\u003c\/strong\u003e 99.1% aluminum\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRibbon Thickness:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.8 microns\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRibbon Origin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Custom-made in Japan\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMagnet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rare-earth neodymium\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransformer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Custom CineMag USA transformer\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFront\/Rear Pickup:\u003c\/strong\u003e Consistent tonal performance from both sides\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHigh-SPL Applications:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConstruction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rugged metal body\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrimary Applications:\u003c\/strong\u003e Electric guitar cabinets, drum overheads, horns, acoustic guitar, strings, room recording, percussion and stereo instrument capture\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho Is the Warm Audio Fen-tone Stereo Pair For?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecording Studios\u003c\/strong\u003e — Add a versatile pair of ribbon microphones for instruments, stereo recording and room capture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMixing \u0026amp; Recording Engineers\u003c\/strong\u003e — Choose between passive ribbon operation and active +26 dB gain depending on the recording chain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGuitarists\u003c\/strong\u003e — Capture amplifiers with rich mids and smooth upper frequencies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDrummers \u0026amp; Drum Engineers\u003c\/strong\u003e — Use the pair as smooth stereo overheads or creative room microphones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHorn \u0026amp; Brass Players\u003c\/strong\u003e — Capture detailed performances without emphasizing excessive high-frequency harshness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcoustic Musicians\u003c\/strong\u003e — Record acoustic guitars, strings and other instruments with natural ribbon character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducers\u003c\/strong\u003e — Add a contrasting microphone type to condenser and dynamic microphone collections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHome Studios\u003c\/strong\u003e — Use +dB mode when additional clean gain is useful with compatible audio-interface preamps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the Warm Audio Fen-tone Stereo Pair?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is a two-microphone package of Fen-tone ribbon instrument microphones, each featuring passive and active operating modes, a figure-8 polar pattern, custom ribbon element and CineMag transformer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the difference between VT and +dB mode?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVT operates the Fen-tone as a passive ribbon microphone. +dB activates the integrated JFET preamp and adds approximately 26 dB of gain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the Fen-tone require phantom power?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOnly in +dB active mode. The +26 dB preamp requires 48V phantom power.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I use phantom power in VT mode?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. Do not engage phantom power or connect the microphone to a phantom-powered cable while Fen-tone is operating in VT passive mode.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy would I use +dB mode?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe active mode can provide useful additional gain when recording through audio interfaces or preamps that may not provide enough clean gain for a passive ribbon microphone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy would I use VT mode?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePassive operation allows engineers to pair the microphone with a preferred external microphone preamp and use the Fen-tone as a traditional passive ribbon microphone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does figure-8 mean?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA figure-8 microphone captures sound primarily from the front and rear while providing strong rejection from the sides.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre Fen-tone microphones good for guitar amps?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Electric guitar cabinets are one of the primary applications for the Fen-tone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I use this pair as drum overheads?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. The stereo pair can be used for drum overhead recording, providing the smooth high-frequency response and rich midrange associated with ribbon microphones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I record acoustic guitar with Fen-tone?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Acoustic guitar is another intended application, and having two microphones provides additional stereo-recording possibilities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy buy the stereo pair instead of one Fen-tone?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTwo microphones allow stereo recording techniques, stereo drum overheads, dual-cabinet recording, ensemble capture and other applications that aren't possible with a single microphone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTwo Ribbon Microphones. Two Operating Modes. A World of Recording Possibilities.\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Warm Audio Fen-tone Stereo Pair combines \u003cstrong\u003etwo precision ribbon microphones, figure-8 pickup patterns, custom Japanese ribbon elements, CineMag USA transformers and selectable passive or +26 dB active operation\u003c\/strong\u003e in one professional recording package.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecord a guitar cabinet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCapture stereo drum overheads.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGive horns room to breathe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecord acoustic instruments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCapture the room.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOr build an entirely new stereo microphone technique.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor engineers who want classic ribbon character without being locked into a single gain structure, the Fen-tone Stereo Pair brings vintage-inspired ribbon recording and modern studio flexibility together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNeed help building your microphone recording chain?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBackline Music Gear can help identify compatible microphone preamps, audio interfaces, mic stands, premium XLR cables, stereo bars and other recording equipment based on your studio and recording applications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWarm Audio, Fen-tone, CineMag and related names are trademarks or property of their respective owners. Product and trademark names are used solely for accurate product identification. Specifications, included accessories and product configurations are subject to manufacturer changes. Always follow the manufacturer's phantom-power instructions when operating ribbon microphones.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Backline Music Gear","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52664157536388,"sku":null,"price":1199.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1017\/4054\/4132\/files\/PreviousCloserLookNextWA-FTFen-toneInstrumentRibbonMicrophone_StereoPairWarmAudioTech_ProAudioGear_BacklineMusicGear.jpg?v=1787120581","url":"https:\/\/backlinemusicgear.com\/products\/wa-ft-fen-tone-instrument-ribbon-microphone-stereo-pair-warm-audio-tech-pro-audio-gear","provider":"Backline Music Gear","version":"1.0","type":"link"}