Studio ribbon microphones don’t always offer much flexibility—but the Pinnacle Microphones Fat Top II active/passive ribbon microphone is designed to adapt to different recording setups without sacrificing the core character of a ribbon design. Built as a matched stereo set, each microphone uses a short aluminum ribbon and symmetrical figure-8 polar pattern to deliver a focused, full-bodied response suited for close and mid-distance applications. An active/passive switch allows you to choose between traditional ribbon operation or a higher-output active mode with up to 20dB of additional gain, while the integrated Lundahl LL2913 transformer improves signal definition and extends frequency response. This combination makes the pair well suited for guitar cabinets, piano, brass, percussion and stereo recording techniques such as room capture and ensemble tracking.

Short Ribbon Design for Focused, Full-Bodied Response

The Fat Top II uses a shorter ribbon design to produce a more concentrated response compared to longer ribbon microphones. This results in a tighter low-end character and controlled high frequencies, making it well suited for applications where placement precision and source focus are important. The symmetrical figure-8 polar pattern captures sound evenly from the front and rear while maintaining a strong side null, helping reduce bleed in multi-source environments. Together, these elements allow the microphones to deliver consistent tonal balance while retaining the natural response associated with ribbon designs.

Active/Passive Operation With Lundahl Transformer

Each microphone includes a selectable active/passive mode, offering flexibility across different recording setups. In active mode, the ribbon is isolated from the preamp and consistently loaded for stable performance, providing up to 20dB of additional gain and requiring phantom power. In passive mode, the microphones operate as traditional ribbon designs. The integrated Lundahl LL2913 transformer improves signal definition while extending low- and high-frequency response. Suitable for stereo techniques such as Blumlein and room capture, this matched pair of Fat Top II ribbon microphones provides a controlled, adaptable ribbon solution for studio recording.