SAMAR Audio Design AL959 – Stereo Ribbon Microphone with Dual Figure-8 Ribbon Capsules
OVERVIEW
The SAMAR Audio Design AL959 is a handcrafted stereo ribbon microphone that transforms the acclaimed AL95 “piston” ribbon design into a single, precision-matched stereo recording solution. While traditional stereo techniques such as Blumlein or Mid-Side can require two separate microphones, the AL959 places both ribbon motors in the closest possible proximity, delivering exceptional phase coherence between channels – even at higher frequencies. Its single-body design also simplifies setup, making it an ideal choice for studio, live and location recording environments.
At the heart of the AL959 are dual piston-style corrugated ribbon motors, engineered to deliver lower noise, deeper and more controlled bass response, higher output and improved SPL handling compared to conventional ribbon designs. These are paired with custom hand-wound amorphous-core toroidal transformers derived from SAMAR’s flagship ribbon microphone technology, providing extremely low distortion, neutral tonality and outstanding transparency. The symmetrical figure-8 design makes the AL959 perfectly suited for Blumlein and Mid-Side stereo techniques.
Designed by SAMAR Audio Design founder Dr. Mark Fouxman and handcrafted in Salt Lake City, Utah, the AL959 delivers high-end ribbon microphone performance in a compact and accessible format. Its smooth extended frequency response and natural stereo depth make it an exceptional choice for orchestras, choirs, jazz ensembles, pop and rock recordings, drum overheads, piano, guitar and stereo room applications where realistic imaging and detailed low-end capture are essential.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Precision-Matched Stereo Ribbon Design
The AL959 combines two closely positioned ribbon motors in a single microphone body, providing exceptional phase alignment and consistent stereo imaging compared to using separate microphones.
Advanced Piston Ribbon Technology
The innovative piston-style ribbon corrugation delivers lower noise, improved bass response, higher output and greater SPL handling than traditional ribbon designs, while offering increased durability.
Custom Amorphous-Core Toroidal Transformers
Derived from SAMAR’s flagship ribbon microphone designs, the custom hand-wound transformers provide low distortion, natural tonality and exceptional signal integrity.
Perfect for Blumlein and Mid-Side Recording
The symmetrical figure-8 polar pattern and matched stereo ribbon motors make the AL959 an outstanding choice for advanced stereo recording techniques.
Compact Stereo Solution for Studio and Live Applications
With its lightweight single-body design and simplified cabling, the AL959 provides professional stereo recording performance with fast and efficient setup.
Handcrafted High-End Ribbon Performance
Built entirely in-house at SAMAR Audio Design’s Salt Lake City facility, the AL959 delivers premium ribbon microphone performance with exceptional value and reliability.
FEATURES
- Stereo ribbon microphone design with two matched ribbon motors housed in a single compact body.
- Dual figure-8 polar pattern enables Blumlein and Mid-Side stereo recording techniques.
- Piston corrugated ribbon design provides improved bass response, lower noise, higher output and enhanced durability compared to conventional ribbon designs.
- Custom hand-wound amorphous-core toroidal transformers derived from SAMAR’s flagship ribbon microphone technology.
- Excellent phase coherence due to the extremely close positioning of both ribbon motors.
- Smooth, extended frequency response with natural low-end depth and detailed high-frequency reproduction.
- Low distortion performance for transparent and realistic recordings.
- High SPL handling suitable for demanding sources including drums, brass and amplified instruments.
- Compact and lightweight construction ideal for studio, live and location recording.
- Uni-body design reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining professional performance.
- Excellent stereo imaging for orchestral, choir, ensemble and room recording applications.
- Supplied with injection-moulded carrying case, microphone clip and 5-pin XLR to dual 3-pin XLR Y splitter.
- Handcrafted and assembled in the USA.
- 1-year parts and ribbon replacement warranty (limited to two services).
- 15-day satisfaction guarantee.
TECHNICAL SPECS
General
Type: Stereo ribbon microphone
Polar Pattern: Figure-8
Design: Dual matched ribbon motors in a single microphone body
Applications:
- Studio recording
- Live performance
- Location recording
- Stereo capture
Manufacture: Handcrafted in the USA
Ribbon System
Ribbon Type: Piston corrugated ribbon
Ribbon Dimensions: 1.5″ × 0.250″ × 4µm
Ribbon Design Advantages:
- Lower noise compared to conventional ribbon designs
- Deeper and more controlled bass response
- Higher output level
- Lower resonance modes
- High SPL handling
- Increased durability
Performance
Frequency Response: 20Hz-25KHz (and beyond):

Polar Response:

Sensitivity: 1.6mV/Pa
Frequency Characteristics:
- Smooth extended frequency response
- Natural tonal balance
- Deep, controlled low end
- Detailed high-frequency reproduction
- Low distortion
- Excellent stereo phase accuracy
Output Impedance: 250 Ohms
Transformer
Type: Custom hand-wound amorphous-core toroidal transformers
Design Heritage: Based on SAMAR Audio Design flagship ribbon microphone transformer technology
Features:
- Low distortion
- Low noise
- Neutral sonic character
- Optimised stereo performance
Physical
Dimensions:
- Diameter/Width — 25.4mm (1″)
- Height/Length — 241mm (3.75″)
Weight: 232g (8.2oz)
Connector: 5-pin XLR microphone output
Included Accessories:
- Injection-moulded carrying case
- Microphone clip
- 5-pin XLR to dual 3-pin XLR Y splitter
Country of Origin: USA
Recommended Applications
- Stereo orchestral recording
- Choir recording
- Jazz ensembles
- Pop and rock productions
- Drum overheads
- Piano
- Acoustic guitar
- Stereo room microphones
- Small group recordings
- Classical music recording
- Live performance capture
- Location recording
Warranty
Manufacturer’s Warranty – Parts & Ribbon Replacement: 1 Year (Limited to two services)
Satisfaction Guarantee: 15 Days








