recordinghacks

Cascade Microphones 731R

Bidirectional Ribbon Microphone

Cascade’s 731R is a vintage-style repackaging of the dual-ribbon motor found in the DR-2 or any of a variety of dual-ribbon lookalikes, e.g. the Apex 215. It is believed to be a repackaged/rebadged ShuaiYin SYR50.

The ribbons are centered front-to-back, providing a uniform figure-of-8 response. This makes the 731R appropriate for use in Blumlein arrays or as the “side” channel in a mid-side setup.

Tape Op, 2012
I enjoyed the smoothness I got when using the 731R for vocals. It was especially interesting using it to record lead and backing vocals simultaneously to one track - the “old timey” way. After experimenting with distance to change the relative volume of the singers, we got a great take.

Where the 731R really showed its stuff, however, was on brass and strings. I was tasked with creating a trumpet stack for the new Kingsbury Manx record. After trying out some of the usual suspects, I settled on the 731R, positioned above and looking down at the bell. Mechanical noise was kept in check, and as with cymbals, brassy harshness was tamed.

The Cascade Microphones 731R is also known as: 731, 731-R.

The mic was released in 2007.

Specifications

Frequency Response - BidirectionalClick Graph to Compare!

Pickup Patterns	Pads & Filters
Bidirectional (1.4 mV/Pa; 30 - 15,000 Hz)

Ribbon Construction	Impedance	SPL/Noise
Dual 2.5 micron, 99% Pure aluminum ribbons	200 Ohms (Low)	Max SPL: 165 dB Self-noise: 17.0 dB(A)

Weight	Length	Max Diameter	Interface(s)
n/a	n/a	n/a	3-pin XLR male (1)

Power Specifications

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