Warm Audio Fen-Tone – Instrument Ribbon Microphone with Selectable In-Line Preamp (Stereo Pair)

OVERVIEW

Premium Components • Elite Build Quality • Superior Sound

The Warm Audio Fen-tone Stereo Pair faithfully recreates the sound and aesthetic of legendary compact ribbon microphones while introducing modern enhancements for today’s recording workflows. Designed to capture the warm, natural ribbon tones favoured on countless classic recordings, the Fen-Tone delivers tight low-end response, detailed mids, and smooth high frequencies without harshness – making it an exceptional choice for electric guitar cabinets, drum overheads, horns, acoustic instruments, and stereo room applications.

Each microphone features a custom-crafted 99.1% pure aluminum ribbon manufactured in Japan and suspended within a powerful rare-earth Neodymium magnet assembly for improved efficiency, detail, and long-term reliability. Paired with custom USA-made CineMag transformers, the Fen-tone set captures the lush harmonic depth and natural transient response ribbon microphones are renowned for while maintaining compatibility with modern studio preamps and recording setups.

The Fen-tone also includes a selectable dual-mode design, allowing users to switch between fully passive “Vintage” operation and an active mode featuring a built-in 26dB Warm Lifter JFET preamp. This added flexibility makes the microphones equally suited to professional studios, portable rigs, and audio interfaces with lower-gain preamps. Compact, durable, and meticulously hand-tested in Austin, Texas, the Fen-Tone Stereo Pair delivers classic ribbon character with modern reliability and versatility.

 

Sleek Design

A sleek, popular low-profile design makes mic placement easy for guitars, horns, strings, overheads, and more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vintage/Active Mode Switch

Use VT/+dB to switch between “vintage” mode (VT), where the mic is fully passive, or “active” mode (+dB), which adds a 26dB in-line Warm Lifter JFET preamp. Use the +dB setting when plugging directly into interfaces or underpowered mixer preamps. +dB does require phantom power.

Note: DO NOT engage 48V Phantom Power when using Fen-tone in VT mode, and DO NOT connect Fen-tone to Phantom Power or plug a cable connected to Phantom Power into the mic while in VT mode. ONLY have 48V Phantom Power on in +dB mode.

 

 

 

 

 

Figure-8 Polar Pattern

The Fen-tone operates in figure-8 mode. The figure-8 polar pattern captures audio from directly in front of and behind the mic. This is great for off-axis rejection on the side, and tasteful capture of room reflections with strategic mic placement. Unlike some ribbons, Fen-tone has no “bright” or “dark” side due to central ribbon placement. This makes it easy to get consistent sonic performance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I found myself using less EQ and lighter compression on my guitar tracks while mixing, as the overall sound captured by the mic was close to finished quality. – Guitar World

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

The Ideal Studio Instrument Microphone

Fen-tone™ faithfully recreates the iconic ribbon microphone designs of the 1950s, but with added modern components and features to deliver the most popular ribbon tones for instruments. Inspired by the compact, pencil-style ribbon mics loved by studios and home recordists, Fen-tone captures tight lows, lush mids, and smooth highs without harshness. Its figure-8 polar pattern and ability to handle high SPLs capture the most sought-after tones for electric guitar cabs, drum overheads, and more. With premium components like a custom Japanese ribbon, Neodymium magnet, and custom CineMag USA transformer, plus a selectable 26 dB in-line preamp, the Fen-tone ensures pristine sound even with low-gain preamps.

Celebrated Tone, Premium Components, Vintage Backstory

With a boutique-quality build and design, Fen-tone™ is crafted to honour the look and feel of the vintage ribbon microphones of the 1950s, and the sound profile of the most sought-after ribbon of the 2000s. The ribbon inside Fen-tone is 99.1% aluminum, 1.8 microns thick, and custom-crafted in Japan for exceptional accuracy and performance. Paired with the ribbon is a rare-earth Neodymium magnet, designed to create a powerful magnetic field that captures intricate midrange detail with precision. The ribbon and magnet are complemented by a USA-made CineMag transformer, delivering iconic ribbon tones with modern reliability. Compact and durable, the Fen-tone is built with rugged metalwork, making it a reliable choice for demanding studio sessions.

Applications

Electric Guitar – Detailed Guitar Cabs:

Hear the midrange detail and rich warmth of electric guitar cabs.

Drum Overheads – Smooth Overheads:

Never-harsh drum overheads with smooth top end and snappy transients.

Horns – Blooming Horns:

Hear gentle saturation and compression without unwanted sibilance.

Acoustic Guitar – Classic Acoustic Guitar:

Woody ‘outlaw’ tones with smooth highs and rich lows.

FEATURES

• Matched stereo pair of compact ribbon microphones
• Vintage-inspired pencil-style ribbon microphone design
• Selectable passive “Vintage” mode and active +26dB preamp mode
• Built-in Warm Lifter JFET preamp for additional clean gain
• Figure-8 polar pattern for natural room ambience and side rejection
• Custom-crafted 99.1% pure aluminum ribbons made in Japan
• Centrally positioned ribbon design eliminates “bright” and “dark” sides
• Custom USA-made CineMag transformers
• Powerful rare-earth Neodymium magnets for enhanced efficiency and detail
• Smooth highs, lush mids, and controlled low-end response
• Excellent for guitar cabinets, drum overheads, horns, acoustic guitar, and room recording
• Compact low-profile design for easy microphone placement
• High SPL handling for demanding recording applications
• Durable all-metal construction for studio reliability
• Hand-tested and inspected in Austin, Texas
• Five-year manufacturer warranty

POLAR PATTERN

TECHNICAL SPECS

Product Type: Instrument Ribbon Microphone with Selectable In-Line 26dB Preamp (Stereo Pair)

Switch: Selectable Dual Mode

• VT “Vintage” Mode
• Active Mode with 26dB In-Line Warm Lifter Preamp (Phantom Power Required)

Polar Pattern: Figure-8

Internal Components:

• 1 x Custom CineMag USA Transformer (per mic)
• Powerful Rare-Earth Neodymium Magnet
• 99.1% Aluminum, 1.8-Micron thick Ribbon

Max SPL: 148dB (1 kHz ≤ 1% T.H.D)

Frequency Response: 30 Hz – 15 kHz (+/- 3db)

Output Impedance:

• 300 Ohms (Passive)
• 150 Ohms (Active)

Material:

Included Accessories:

• 2 x Mic Clips
• 2 x Protective Mic Socks
• Heavy-Duty Flight Case

Dimensions:

• Height/Length — 17cm (6.7”)
• Diameter — 3.81cm (1.5”)

Weight (Per Mic): 300g (0.67 lbs)

Warranty: 5-Years

DOWNLOADS & SUPPORT

• User Manual
• Product Registration