Mac, thanks for the clarification. My ribbon mic at home is pretty much 'set and forget' so it can be done. I worked up to the optimum input level very slowly and carefully, and adjust only the preamp output for specific instruments. In the studios, they regularly bring out an old 1950s RCA ribbon mic for me, and we love it.

Scott, good call. That Fat Head mic is well-known on the trumpet forums as the least expensive ribbon mic to get a 'warm' sound. Next up in price is a Beyerdynamic at around $700, then the two Royers at over $1100. All require lots of gain in the preamp.

BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.