ReValver Microphones
C 4038
Inspired by Coles® 4038
Model of: Coles 4038 (BBC historical ribbon mic)
type:
- ribbon
- natural polar figure: figure-8
SOUND CHARACTER
- low full and deep
- medium very natural
- high very soft (never harsh)
- answer warm and vintage
in practice: zero digital zero harsh “analog record” sound
TIMBRIC PERSONALITY
it's a mic:
- very hot
- very smooth
- very musical
- not very bright
perfect for: rock vintage blues lead recording
rockbluesrecording
Controls
Axis Interaction
behavior different from the dynamic ones
- ON-axis → more defined
- OFF-axis → softer
here: OFF = very vintage ON = more usable
Gain (dB)
- volume only
- no timbral impact
Mic Distance (inch)
- Distance 0–1”: very dark
- Distance 1–3”: full
- Distance 2–4”: ideal
- Distance >4”: natural
Low (dB)
bass already abundant
use:
- 0 → natural
- 1 → control
- rarely boost
High (dB)
KEY PARAMETER
use:
- +2 / +4 → almost always necessary
- 0 → very dark
Delay (ms)
useful for: room simulation depth
Ambience (Y/N)
recommended ON
Amb Level (dB)
- low → natural
- medium → study
Amb Size (ms)
- 40–80 → ideal
Pro Tips
QUICK SUMMARY
- type: ribbon
- character: warm / dark
- strength: musicality
- limit: lack of brilliance
ON DARK CAB (PPC, Orange)
risk: → too dark
solution:
- high boost
- greater distance
ON MODERN CABs (VHIII, 6505)
PERFECT makes everything more musical
ON VINTAGE CAB
EXCELLENT disco sound
ON HI-FI CAB (TVX, SW Giant)
very useful “analogizes” the sound
PRO
real vintage sound zero harsh very musical perfect for recording
AGAINST
less defined dark requires EQ on the highs
Setup Examples
ROCK VINTAGE (TOP)
Dist2–4”
AxisOFF
Low0
High+3
AmbHon
- disco sound
BLUES / CLEAN WARM
Dist3–5”
AxisOFF
High+2
AmbHon
SMOOTH LEAD
Dist2–3”
AxisOFF
High+2
AmbHon
MODERN FIX (for harsh cabs)
Dist2–3”
AxisON
High+3
- it softens everything