Pinnacle Microphones Fat Top II Active/Passive Ribbon Microphone - Black

When modern recordings feel too sharp, too clinical or too unforgiving, the right microphone can restore the warmth and musicality that listeners naturally connect with. The Pinnacle Microphones Fat Top II active/passive was designed for engineers who want the rich, rounded character of a premium ribbon microphone combined with the flexibility and output advantages of an integrated active circuit. Featuring a precision aluminum ribbon element, upgraded Lundahl LL2913 transformer and switchable active/passive operation, it delivers the smooth transient response, natural warmth and extended frequency performance that make ribbon microphones a favorite for critical recording applications. Whether capturing vocals, guitar cabinets, piano, brass or percussion, the Fat Top II active/passive brings depth, dimension and analog character to recordings while providing the flexibility to work with virtually any microphone preamp setup.

Classic Ribbon Warmth With Active or Passive Operation

The Fat Top II active/passive gives engineers two useful operating modes in one ribbon microphone. In passive mode, it delivers the familiar ribbon microphone sound characterized by smooth highs, natural transient response and rich tonal balance. Switch to active mode and the microphone's onboard circuitry isolates the ribbon from the microphone preamp while providing up to 20dB of additional gain. This ensures the ribbon element is always loaded optimally, improving consistency across different preamps and making the microphone easier to integrate into a wide variety of recording environments. Phantom power is required for active operation but remains completely safe for the ribbon element.

Upgraded Lundahl Transformer Performance

At the core of the microphone is a premium Lundahl LL2913 transformer, enhancing the performance of the ribbon design with improved frequency extension, greater detail retrieval and improved definition. The result is a microphone that retains the warmth and musicality ribbon microphones are known for while delivering additional clarity and definition across the frequency spectrum. Bright instruments become smoother and more controlled, while vocals and acoustic sources maintain their natural character and presence without sounding harsh or overly processed.

Built for Demanding Studio Applications

With a maximum SPL rating of 135dB, the Fat Top II active/passive is capable of handling everything from loud guitar amplifiers and brass instruments to percussion and piano with ease. Its symmetrical figure-8 polar pattern provides excellent source isolation and supports advanced recording techniques, including Blumlein stereo configurations when paired with a second ribbon microphone. Supplied with a shockmount, leatherette carrying pouch and aluminum flight case, the Fat Top II active/passive arrives ready for professional studio use. For engineers seeking ribbon microphone warmth with added flexibility, premium transformer performance and active gain capability, it offers a versatile solution for both modern and traditional recording workflows.