Coles Electroacoustics
Coles 4038
Ribbon, figure-8 (BBC design), passive
Approximate Some readings for this mic are uncertain; see the graphs.
- Type
- Ribbon
- Pattern
- Figure-8
- Sensitivity
- −65 dBV/Pa
- Among 28 ribbons: more output than 0%
- Among 311 mics: more output than 2%
- Max SPL
- 125 dB SPL
- Among 29 ribbons: takes louder sound than 0%
- Among 343 mics: takes louder sound than 8%
- Rated range
- 30 – 15k Hz
- Released
- 1961
vs 24 side-address ribbons
More output than 0% of 24 side-address ribbons.
Each stripe is one side-address ribbon with a published sensitivity, and each bar counts them; further right means more output. This mic is in blue.
vs 28 side-address ribbons
Takes louder sound than 0% of 28 side-address ribbons.
Each stripe is one side-address ribbon with a published max SPL, and each bar counts them; further right means it takes louder sound. This mic is in blue.
Instruments sources recommend it for most
4 of 6; all under Recommended for.
Proximity effect: the bass it gains up close
From the spec sheet, p. 1. Approximate
Untitled graph under "Frequency response 30 Hz to 15,000 Hz"; 0 dB = "-85db ref 1volt/dyne/cm² at 30Ω". "All microphones factory tested in free field conditions." Distance and smoothing not stated.
Approximate: reading error up to about 1 dB.
That unit is from the Multi-Angle, Multi-Distance Microphone Impulse Response Dataset (CC BY 4.0), measured at 1.25 m and set to 0 dB at 1 kHz, from 136 Hz up. Not the manufacturer's curve.
Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.
Polar pattern
From the stc leaflet rh, p. 4. Approximate
Fig. 2 "Horizontal" (sketch beside it: 0° front, 90° and 270° to the sides, 180° rear). Rings every 4 dB, "dB relative to 0° response"; frequency range per line as labelled; measuring conditions not stated.
Approximate: reading error up to about 1 dB; some frequencies are identified by reasoning, not by the legend: 50 Hz, 5k Hz, 10k Hz.
In practice
All specs
| From the spec sheet | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensitivity | −65 dBV/Pa"-65 dB W.R.T. 1V/Pa". The 1961 STC leaflet gives -85 dB re 1 V per microbar (the same) for the 30 ohm 4038-A. | p. 1 |
| Max SPL | 125 dB SPLless than 1% distortion; frequency not stated. AEA: the 1% third-harmonic point is 165 dB SPL at 1 kHz, 125 dB at 110 Hz and 110 dB at 55 Hz. | |
| Output impedance | 300 ohmThe 1961 4038-A was 30 ohm nominal. | |
| Rated frequency range | 30 Hz to 15 kHzThe AEA sheet says 30 to 20,000 Hz. | |
| Connector | 4069 3-pin jack plug (Western Electric type)"Pin 1 positive - Pin 2 negative - Pin 3 screen"; AEA: "Western Electric type 4069". | |
| Weight | 1080 g"2 lb. 6 oz. (1.08 Kg)". | |
| Dimensions | 197 × 83 × 61 mm | |
| Supplied accessories | 4070 floor stand plug adaptor; 4071 mic to stand adaptor with XLR; 4069 to XLR; soft cloth bag; foam-lined case | |
| Hum rejection | Hum-neutralising wiring and a shielded toroidal transformer: 30 to 40 dB reduction of stray magnetic fields | |
| Body | Heavy-gauge perforated brass backed by monel mesh; hinge tilts 90°; black stove enamel | |
| From the Recording Hacks page | ||
| Released | 1961 | |
| From the stc leaflet rh | ||
| Origin | BBC design; the 1961 leaflet is from Standard Telephones and Cables, made "by agreement with the British Broadcasting Corporation" | p. 2 |
Documents
- 4038 Studio Ribbon Microphone
- Coles 4038 Studio Ribbon MicrophoneAudio Engineering Associates data sheet
- 4038 Ribbon MicrophoneStandard Telephones and Cables, C/PA22 Ed. 3/2
- Multi-Angle, Multi-Distance Microphone Impulse Response DatasetJuan Carlos Franco Hernández, Bogdan Bacila, Tim Brookes, Enzo De Sena, University of Surrey
- Coles Electroacoustics 4038 | RecordingHacks.com
Copies kept by Mic Archive (manufacturers move and drop their documents). Each is © Coles Electroacoustics, unchanged, with its original address.
Recommended for
By recording guides, engineers and mic makers, for this mic or an earlier version of it.