SAMAR Audio Design VL37 – Premium Figure-8 Ribbon Microphone

OVERVIEW

The SAMAR Audio Design VL37 is a handcrafted ribbon microphone designed for engineers and musicians seeking exceptional natural tone, modern clarity, and uncompromising performance. Built using the same design philosophy and component quality that made SAMAR’s flagship MF65 ribbon microphone highly regarded among professional engineers, the VL37 delivers a unique combination of vintage ribbon character and high-resolution accuracy.

At the heart of the VL37 is a sophisticated ribbon motor featuring a low-mass ribbon element, an innovative shortest front-to-back ribbon path design and a proprietary corrugation process for improved consistency and reliability. Combined with an in-house-made amorphous-core toroidal transformer, the VL37 provides extremely low noise, low distortion and a balanced, ruler-flat frequency response extending from deep bass through the highest audible frequencies.

With its symmetrical figure-8 polar pattern, high SPL handling and built-in pop filter, the VL37 is suitable for an extensive range of recording applications including vocals, acoustic and electric guitars, piano, strings, brass, drums, speaker cabinets, orchestras, choirs and room microphones. Handcrafted in the USA and supplied with a wooden storage box and shockproof anti-vibration clip, the VL37 delivers premium ribbon microphone performance with exceptional reliability.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Vintage Character with Modern High-Resolution Performance

The VL37 combines the natural warmth and smoothness associated with classic ribbon microphones with the extended frequency response and accuracy required for modern recording.

Exceptional Frequency Response and Detail

Featuring a ruler-flat frequency response down to 20Hz and extended top-end response beyond 25kHz, the VL37 captures sources with impressive realism and clarity.

Advanced Ribbon Motor Design

The innovative motor structure uses an ultra-short front-to-back ribbon path, improving sensitivity, consistency and overall sonic performance.

Custom Amorphous-Core Toroidal Transformer

The in-house-made transformer delivers extremely low noise, low distortion and a transparent signal path while maintaining the natural character of the ribbon element.

Precision-Tuned Low-Mass Ribbon Element

The VL37 features a carefully engineered ribbon with fine-tuning adjustment to ensure consistent performance from microphone to microphone.

Built for Professional Studio and Live Applications

With high SPL handling, a symmetrical figure-8 pattern and robust construction, the VL37 excels across vocals, instruments, ensembles and room recording applications.

FEATURES

• Premium handcrafted ribbon microphone design developed for professional studio and live applications.
• Figure-8 symmetrical polar pattern provides balanced front and rear pickup for versatile recording techniques.
• Vintage-inspired tonal character with modern accuracy for natural, detailed recordings.
• Ruler-flat frequency response down to 20Hz (-0.43dB) for exceptional low-frequency extension.
• Extended high-frequency response beyond 25kHz for detailed and open recordings.
• Low-mass ribbon element provides excellent transient response and musical detail.
• Unique fine-tuning adjustment system ensures consistency between individual microphones.
• Proprietary ribbon corrugation process maintains ribbon integrity without requiring special handling.
• Advanced ribbon motor design features one of the shortest front-to-back paths found in ribbon microphones.
• Custom in-house amorphous-core toroidal transformer delivers low noise, low distortion and excellent transparency.
• High SPL handling capability suitable for demanding recording sources.
• Built-in pop filter helps protect the ribbon element during vocal and close-miking applications.
• Stainless steel body construction provides durability and professional reliability.
• Suitable for vocals, guitars, piano, drums, brass, strings, orchestras, choirs, speaker cabinets and room microphones.
• Handcrafted in the USA with meticulous attention to detail.
• Supplied with US-made wooden storage box and anti-vibration shockproof clip.
• 5-year parts warranty and 2-year ribbon replacement warranty.
• 15-day satisfaction guarantee.

TECHNICAL SPECS

General

Type: Passive ribbon microphone

Polar Pattern: Figure-8 (bidirectional)

Design: Dual matched ribbon motors in a single microphone body

Applications:

• Studio recording
• Live sound
• Vocals
• Instruments
• Room recording
• Broadcast applications

Manufacture: Handcrafted in the USA

Ribbon System

Ribbon Type: Low-mass ribbon element with proprietary corrugation process

Ribbon Dimensions: 2″ × 0.250″ × 1.5µm

Ribbon Design Advantages:

• Fine-tuned for unit-to-unit consistency
• Improved ribbon integrity
• Excellent transient response
• High SPL capability
• Smooth natural tonal response

Performance

Frequency Response: 20Hz-25KHz (and beyond):

• Balanced ruler-flat response down to 20Hz (-0.43dB)
• Extended high-frequency response beyond 25kHz

Sensitivity: 2mV/Pa

Frequency Characteristics:

• Low noise
• Low distortion
• Natural transient response
• Vintage-inspired warmth
• Modern high-resolution detail

Output Impedance: 250 Ohms

Transformer

Type: Custom in-house-made amorphous-core toroidal transformer

Design Heritage: Derived from SAMAR Audio Design flagship ribbon microphone transformer technology

Features:

• Extremely low noise
• Low distortion
• Transparent signal transfer
• Maintains natural ribbon microphone character

Physical

Dimensions:

• Diameter/Width — 33.02mm (1.3″)
• Height/Length — 163.06mm (5.58″)

Weight: 230g (8.2oz)

Construction: Stainless steel

Included Accessories:

• US-made wooden storage box
• Anti-vibration shockproof microphone clip

Country of Origin: USA

Recommended Applications

• Vocals
• Acoustic guitar
• Electric guitar
• Piano
• Violin and strings
• Brass instruments
• Drum overheads
• Percussion
• Speaker cabinets
• Orchestra
• Choir
• Room microphones
• Broadcast recording
• Classical music applications

Warranty

Manufacturer’s Warranty:

• Parts — 5 Years
• Ribbon Replacement — 2 Years

Satisfaction Guarantee: 15 Days