Kerwax K-23R Ribbon Mic

The Kerwax K-23R Ribbon Microphone is a hand-crafted electrodynamic pressure gradient microphone featuring a bi-directional figure-8 polar pattern, low distortion, flat frequency response from 30 Hz to 15 kHz, and exceptional transient accuracy, designed to deliver a warm, natural tone across demanding studio applications.

Design and Acoustic Principle

Kerwax engineers the K-23R around a classic ribbon microphone architecture while refining performance through modern materials and precision assembly. The electrodynamic pressure gradient design captures sound with a natural sense of depth and realism, while the figure-8 polar pattern ensures symmetrical front and rear pickup with strong side rejection. This configuration allows precise room capture and effective control of off-axis sources, making it highly suitable for complex recording environments.

Ribbon and Component Quality

The microphone incorporates a 2.5-micron aluminium ribbon measuring 5.1 cm by 5 mm, which enhances sensitivity to transient detail while maintaining durability. Neodymium magnets provide a strong and stable magnetic field, ensuring accurate signal conversion and improved efficiency. A custom transformer shapes the output stage, preserving tonal integrity while optimising impedance matching for professional preamps.

Sound Character and Performance

The K-23R delivers a low-distortion signal with a flat frequency response that retains the full character of the source. Engineers achieve a warm and natural tonal balance without exaggerated highs or artificial coloration. The ribbon element responds quickly to transient material, allowing detailed capture of percussive sources such as drum overheads while maintaining smoothness on electric guitar cabinets and brass instruments. The microphone handles sound pressure levels above 135 dB, ensuring reliable performance in high-volume environments.

Technical Specifications and Connectivity

The microphone offers a sensitivity of -46 dBV relative to 1 V/Pa and an output impedance of 300 ohms, enabling compatibility with a wide range of high-quality preamps. It uses a standard 3-pin XLR output with pin 2 hot, ensuring seamless integration into professional studio setups. The unit measures 200 mm by 30 mm and weighs 250 g, providing a balanced form factor that supports stable positioning.

Build Quality and Practical Use

Kerwax manufactures the K-23R entirely by hand in France using locally sourced, high-grade components. The black-coated finish provides durability and a refined aesthetic. The included swivel mount allows straightforward positioning, enabling precise placement for overheads, cabinets, or room capture. Users must avoid applying phantom power and prevent direct air blasts into the ribbon to maintain longevity and performance.

Applications

The microphone excels in capturing drum overheads with clarity and cohesion, electric guitar cabinets with depth and smoothness, brass and horn sections with natural presence, and room ambience with spatial accuracy. Its figure-8 pattern also enables advanced recording techniques such as mid-side configurations and creative room capture.

Why Choose Kerwax K-23R

• Delivers a natural, musical tone that enhances rather than colours recordings
• Captures transients with precision, ideal for dynamic and percussive sources
• Handles high sound pressure levels without distortion in demanding sessions
• Provides versatile placement options through its figure-8 polar pattern
• Integrates easily into professional setups with standard impedance and XLR output
• Offers hand-crafted build quality with premium components for long-term reliability

• Electrodynamic pressure gradient ribbon microphone
• Bi-directional figure-8 polar pattern
• 2.5-micron aluminium ribbon element
• Neodymium magnet system
• Custom output transformer
• Frequency response of 30 Hz to 15 kHz ±3 dB
• Sensitivity of -46 dBV re. 1 V/Pa
• Output impedance of 300 ohms
• Maximum SPL greater than 135 dB
• Male 3-pin XLR output with pin 2 hot
• No phantom power requirement
• Black coated finish
• Dimensions of 200 mm by 30 mm
• Weight of 250 g
• Supplied with swivel mount
• Hand-crafted in France using locally sourced components

This item, like everything we supply, comes with the complete support of our expert team. Our excellent technicians have been specifying, building and supporting studios for over twenty years. If you have any problems with installation, setup or everyday use, they’re never more than a click away, and always happy to help.

You can contact them here.