Warm Audio Fen-tone Stereo Pair – Instrument Ribbon Microphones with Selectable In-Line Preamps

Classic ribbon character. Modern gain when you need it. A matched-style stereo pair built for serious recording.

The 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.

Each 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.

Use 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.

For 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.

How Does the Warm Audio Fen-tone Work?

A ribbon microphone captures sound differently from many conventional dynamic and condenser microphones.

Inside each Fen-tone is an extremely thin aluminum ribbon suspended within a magnetic field.

When sound reaches the microphone, air movement causes the ribbon to move. That movement is converted into an electrical signal representing the performance.

Ribbon microphones are prized for their natural transient response, detailed midrange and smooth high-frequency character.

The Fen-tone adds a modern advantage:

You choose whether it operates passively or with additional active gain.

Two Operating Modes: VT and +dB

Each Fen-tone provides two selectable operating modes.

VT Mode – Passive Ribbon Operation

Select VT and the Fen-tone operates as a fully passive ribbon microphone.

This 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.

VT mode gives engineers the ability to build the recording chain around the microphone and their preferred external preamplifier.

+dB Mode – Active +26 dB Gain

Switch to +dB and the Fen-tone engages its integrated JFET in-line preamp, adding approximately 26 dB of gain.

This 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.

Instead of pushing an interface preamp toward its maximum gain setting, the Fen-tone can provide additional gain before the signal reaches the interface.

Important Phantom Power Information

The two operating modes have different phantom-power requirements.

+dB Mode: Requires 48V phantom power to operate the integrated active preamp.

VT Mode: Do NOT engage 48V phantom power.

Do not connect the Fen-tone to a cable carrying phantom power while the microphone is in VT mode.

Always confirm the selected operating mode and phantom-power status before connecting or changing the microphone setup.

Custom Japanese Ribbon Element

At the heart of each Fen-tone is a custom-made 1.8-micron ribbon manufactured from 99.1% aluminum.

The 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.

The ribbon is paired with a powerful rare-earth neodymium magnet system to create the magnetic field required for accurate signal generation.

Custom CineMag USA Transformer

Each Fen-tone incorporates a custom USA-made CineMag transformer.

The transformer is an important part of the microphone's signal path and contributes to the character and output of the passive ribbon design.

For 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.

Figure-8 Polar Pattern

Fen-tone uses a figure-8 polar pattern.

That means the microphone captures sound primarily from the front and rear while rejecting a significant amount of sound arriving from the sides.

This creates interesting possibilities for both isolation and room capture.

Place the microphone strategically and you can capture the direct instrument along with carefully controlled room ambience.

The side rejection can also be useful when positioning multiple instruments or microphones in the same recording environment.

Same Tonal Character from Front and Rear

Some ribbon microphones can exhibit different tonal characteristics depending on which side of the microphone faces the source.

Fen-tone's centrally positioned ribbon is designed to provide consistent sonic performance from either side.

That can make stereo positioning and experimental microphone placement considerably easier.

Stereo Recording Possibilities

Having two Fen-tone microphones opens an entirely different range of recording techniques.

Use the pair for:

• Drum overheads

• Stereo room capture

• Acoustic guitar

• Piano

• Percussion

• Strings

• Horn sections

• Guitar cabinets

• Ensemble recording

• Ambient recording

A stereo pair allows engineers to capture not only the source itself but also its width, position and relationship to the room.

Excellent for Electric Guitar Cabinets

Ribbon microphones are a studio favorite for electric guitar cabinets because their smooth upper-frequency response can help capture aggressive amplifiers without emphasizing harshness.

Position a Fen-tone near a guitar speaker for rich midrange detail and controlled highs.

With two microphones, engineers can experiment with stereo guitar rigs, multiple cabinets or different microphone positions.

The pair can also be combined with other microphone types to build layered guitar tones.

Smooth Drum Overheads

Cymbals can quickly become overly bright or aggressive when recorded with certain microphones.

The Fen-tone's ribbon architecture makes the pair particularly compelling for drum overhead applications, where smooth high frequencies and substantial midrange information can create a fuller drum image.

The figure-8 pattern also introduces creative opportunities for controlling the balance between direct kit sound and room ambience.

Capture Horns Without Excessive Harshness

Brass and horn instruments can produce substantial high-frequency energy.

Ribbon microphones have long been valued for capturing these instruments with body and detail while maintaining a smooth upper-frequency character.

A Fen-tone pair can be particularly useful for horn sections, stereo ensembles and individual brass or woodwind recording.

Acoustic Guitar & String Instruments

The Fen-tone can also capture acoustic guitars and string instruments with a rich, natural character.

Use one microphone for a focused mono recording or position the stereo pair to capture a wider image of the instrument and room.

For acoustic productions, the ability to move between passive and active operation gives engineers additional flexibility when selecting the rest of the recording chain.

High-SPL Capability

Fen-tone is designed to handle high sound-pressure levels, making it appropriate for loud sources such as:

• Guitar amplifiers

• Drum kits

• Brass instruments

• Percussion

• Other high-output instruments

That versatility makes the pair useful as more than a specialty studio microphone set.

Compact Pencil-Style Design

The Fen-tone uses a compact, low-profile body design that makes positioning easier around crowded recording setups.

This is particularly useful around drum kits, guitar cabinets and multi-microphone sessions where large microphone bodies can make placement difficult.

Its rugged metal construction is designed for regular studio use while retaining a distinctive vintage-inspired appearance.

Key Features & Specifications

Product Type: Stereo pair of instrument ribbon microphones
Microphone Type: Ribbon
Quantity: 2 microphones
Polar Pattern: Figure-8
Operating Modes: Passive VT / Active +dB
Active Gain: +26 dB
Active Preamp Type: Integrated JFET in-line preamp
Phantom Power in +dB Mode: 48V required
Phantom Power in VT Mode: Do not use
Ribbon Material: 99.1% aluminum
Ribbon Thickness: 1.8 microns
Ribbon Origin: Custom-made in Japan
Magnet: Rare-earth neodymium
Transformer: Custom CineMag USA transformer
Front/Rear Pickup: Consistent tonal performance from both sides
High-SPL Applications: Yes
Construction: Rugged metal body
Primary Applications: Electric guitar cabinets, drum overheads, horns, acoustic guitar, strings, room recording, percussion and stereo instrument capture

Who Is the Warm Audio Fen-tone Stereo Pair For?

Recording Studios — Add a versatile pair of ribbon microphones for instruments, stereo recording and room capture.

Mixing & Recording Engineers — Choose between passive ribbon operation and active +26 dB gain depending on the recording chain.

Guitarists — Capture amplifiers with rich mids and smooth upper frequencies.

Drummers & Drum Engineers — Use the pair as smooth stereo overheads or creative room microphones.

Horn & Brass Players — Capture detailed performances without emphasizing excessive high-frequency harshness.

Acoustic Musicians — Record acoustic guitars, strings and other instruments with natural ribbon character.

Producers — Add a contrasting microphone type to condenser and dynamic microphone collections.

Home Studios — Use +dB mode when additional clean gain is useful with compatible audio-interface preamps.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Warm Audio Fen-tone Stereo Pair?
It 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.

What is the difference between VT and +dB mode?
VT operates the Fen-tone as a passive ribbon microphone. +dB activates the integrated JFET preamp and adds approximately 26 dB of gain.

Does the Fen-tone require phantom power?
Only in +dB active mode. The +26 dB preamp requires 48V phantom power.

Can I use phantom power in VT mode?
No. Do not engage phantom power or connect the microphone to a phantom-powered cable while Fen-tone is operating in VT passive mode.

Why would I use +dB mode?
The 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.

Why would I use VT mode?
Passive operation allows engineers to pair the microphone with a preferred external microphone preamp and use the Fen-tone as a traditional passive ribbon microphone.

What does figure-8 mean?
A figure-8 microphone captures sound primarily from the front and rear while providing strong rejection from the sides.

Are Fen-tone microphones good for guitar amps?
Yes. Electric guitar cabinets are one of the primary applications for the Fen-tone.

Can I use this pair as drum overheads?
Yes. The stereo pair can be used for drum overhead recording, providing the smooth high-frequency response and rich midrange associated with ribbon microphones.

Can I record acoustic guitar with Fen-tone?
Yes. Acoustic guitar is another intended application, and having two microphones provides additional stereo-recording possibilities.

Why buy the stereo pair instead of one Fen-tone?
Two microphones allow stereo recording techniques, stereo drum overheads, dual-cabinet recording, ensemble capture and other applications that aren't possible with a single microphone.

Two Ribbon Microphones. Two Operating Modes. A World of Recording Possibilities.

The Warm Audio Fen-tone Stereo Pair combines two precision ribbon microphones, figure-8 pickup patterns, custom Japanese ribbon elements, CineMag USA transformers and selectable passive or +26 dB active operation in one professional recording package.

Record a guitar cabinet.

Capture stereo drum overheads.

Give horns room to breathe.

Record acoustic instruments.

Capture the room.

Or build an entirely new stereo microphone technique.

For 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.

Need help building your microphone recording chain?
Backline 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.

Warm 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.