SAMAR Audio & Microphone Design - Frequent Asked Questions

Q. What are the sonic differences between the MF65 and VL37?

A. Both microphones share the same internal parts (which are interchangeable) including grill material, all the metal parts, and transformers. The microphones have the same tuning and the same sonic characteristics. The grill lengths are different but otherwise “Their sound is virtually identical”.

Q. If there are no sonic differences between the MF65 and VL37 why is the VL37 so much less expensive?

A. The differences between the VL37 and MF65 are mainly accessory and warranty based. The MF65 ships with an integral stainless steel shock mount, a presentation box and the system also supports the optional Blumlein adapter. An MF65 purchase also automatically buys a life time parts warranty.

Q. What is the lead-time for AL39?

A. This model is sold out and out of production until further notice.

Q. Do I need to store your microphones vertically?

A. No. Our microphones use a proprietary corrugation method, which is very stable and retains its shape without any special storing precautions.

Q. Do you provide matching pair service?

A. Tight machining tolerances together with a unique mechanism of ribbon adjustment allows us to continuously fine-tune the ribbon.
Our unique proprietary method of ribbon tuning is very different and far more accurate than conventional methods, this allows us to tune every microphone to a very high degree of precision. In addition, we check every microphone against our reference microphone for perfect signal cancellation.
In short, you can buy microphones from different production batches and use them as stereo pairs.

Q. Do your microphones require high impedance (or variable) preamplifier input?

A. No, our microphones have been designed to work with standard modern preamplifier loads. Because of the extremely linear impedance curve, lower impedance amplifier loads do not adversely affect the high or low end control. Our microphones offer remarkably flat frequency response.

Q. What cables work with your microphones best?

A. Peter Walker of Quad was once asked what interconnector he would recommend between the 405 amplifier and the Quad ESL57? He replied “The one that reaches between the two.”
We appreciate this no nonsense approach, however, we are aware that TPR cables from Grimm Audio do offer a distinct sonic difference, ‘opening up’ and greatly complementing our microphone sound.
In general it is fair to say one should not underestimate the importance of cables: inductance, reactance, capacitance and resistance, and micro-phonics, are all cable related factors that greatly impact on the sound of a passive ribbon. Together with the preamplifier these factors represent a very important part of the load.
So good quality cable and connectors please, and yes, we can recommend Grimm TPR cable.

Q. Phantom power.

A. We do not recommend Phantom power as under some conditions it can damage your ribbon.

Q. Use as MS and Blumlein stereo technique?

A. Our ribbons were designed to be completely symmetrical, as such they are particularly suited for use for either MS, or Blumlein configurations.

Q. What applications?

A. The unique frequency response and sonic qualities of Samar Audio Design effectively introduces the use of ribbon microphones to the world of the classical recordist, choirs and orchestras, piano and vocal. Our microphones will also perform excellently in high SPL environments and will perform classic rock, jazz and pop recording duties in front of guitar amplifiers.

Q. International shipping enquiries: Could you please declare lower value, or send your product as a “present”.

A. Sorry this is not possible, we are in this business for the long haul and cannot compromise our position in this manner.