Sontronics Sigma 2 Ribbon Microphone Sontronics

The Sontronics Sigma 2 is a phantom-powered ribbon mic with a premium-quality custom-wound transformer, radio-frequency interference filter, unique shockmount, and clear, natural sound

After an 11-year foray into the design and production of award-winning mics, the Sigma 2 represents the pinnacle of Sontronics’ ribbon technology since the introduction of the original Sigma-one of the world’s first phantom-powered ribbon mics. Traditionally, phantom power would burn out a ribbon element. However, the Sigma 2 being phantom powered, not only means no fried ribbons with phantom power erroneously applied but also, and more importantly, you don’t have to be as concerned about choosing a preamp. Standard ribbon mics, being very low-sensitivity microphones, require preamps with more than 60dB of very clean gain. However, the Sigma 2 will work and sound great with any preamp regardless of its gain range. While the original Sigma’s affordability and great sound made it a must-have mic for any studio, the Sigma 2 significantly raises the bar on performance while maintaining serious bang for the buck, especially when you factor in not having to buy a special preamp.

Sontronics Sigma 2-Just the Facts:

• Phantom-powered ribbon mic
• Radio frequency interference (RFI) filter
• Clear, natural, detailed sound with fuller mid and low frequencies
• Unique Sontronics shockmount and ABS flight case included
• Lifetime Warranty
• Made in the UK

Sontronics Sigma 2-Behind the Grille

After ongoing R&D with the highest quality components (which resulted in beautifully crafted, multi-award-winning Aria and Mercury tube condensers), Sontronics turn its attention to ribbon microphones, in a concerted effort to bring something new to the party for a long-standing mic technology. After two years of meticulous investigation, significant investment, and tireless testing, a new generation of ribbon microphones was born.

RFI filter

In keeping with the goal of innovation, Sontronics mics are the first and only ribbon mics in the world that incorporate RFI (radio frequency interference) filters to ensure that the input signal capture remains interference-free. The addition of RFI filters let you take the Sigma 2 out of the rarified air of recording studios, and makes it better suited to live use than before.

Clear sound and full mids and lows

Using the same super-sensitive ribbon motor as the original, Sigma 2 offers stunning clarity and definition in the top end without the harshness that condenser mics are susceptible to, but also boasts richer mid and low tones.

High-sensitivity, low noise

The Sontronics Sigma 2, unlike standard ribbons, is an extremely high sensitivity mic with incredibly low self-noise, making it ideal for capturing vocals, speech, solo woodwind, and stringed instruments with an exceptionally detailed, accurate, natural sound. You can also use the Sigma 2 on guitar amps* to tame the high-frequency fizz and add more body but do so carefully. The Sigma 2 is not designed for high-SPL handling but is quite capable of capturing the bloom of an amplifier from a few feet back. (That’s where the sound of an amp lives anyway.)

Ribbon mic placement and handling tips

Sigma 2, as with any ribbon microphone, should be used with care as its ribbon element is very delicate. However, with sensible placement and careful handling, Sigma 2 will give you incredible results time and time again.

*PAD Pro Tech Tip: When handling any ribbon mic, it is a standard studio practice to cup your palm in front of the mic grille protecting the ribbon element from air entering the capsule as you walk across a live room. With some ribbon mics, even closing the case too quickly can dislodge the ribbon from its delicate mounts.

Unique shockmount and ABS flight case

Sigma 2 is supplied with its unique-style shockmount in a sturdy, foam-padded ABS flight case, which will keep your mic safely stored between sessions or when transported from one venue to another.

Sontronics’ lifetime warranty

Like all Sontronics microphones, Sigma 2 is protected by a lifetime warranty, although the ribbon element itself is not, as it is subject to varying levels of wear and tear depending on how it’s used. If your ribbon starts to stretch or become damaged in any way, Sontronics can arrange a replacement via your local Sontronics service center or directly from Sontronics HQ in England.

Sontronics Sigma 2 in use

A pair of Sigma 2 (either spaced separately or in X-Y configuration) can be used for extremely effective overhead and room miking, upright or grand piano, string quartet and other ensembles. Sigma 2 should be used with extreme care on guitar amps so the ribbon element is not overloaded or damaged… or you could try the Sontronics Delta 2, which is built specifically for guitar amps and other high-SPL sources.

Recommended applications:

• Vocals
• Acoustic guitar
• Guitar amps (use with care!)
• Solo strings and woodwind
• Piano
• In pairs for overhead and room miking

What the pros are saying about Sontronics Sigma 2

Sigma captures performances with a special warmth and vibe that only vintage ribbons do. It is the new vintage standard! – Michael “Fish” Herring, artist-producer (Prince, Cristina Aguilera, 2Pac, Mariah Carey)

Sigma 2 takes ribbon microphone technology to a whole new level, combining beautiful, detailed sound with incredible precision engineering and recorded results that sit perfectly in any studio or live mix. – Trevor Coley, founder-designer, Sontronics

Who’s using Sontronics’ Sigma 2

• Flood (U2, Foals, Editors)
• Abbey Road Studios
• Stephen Street (Blur, The Smiths)
• Josh Homme (QOTSA)
• Steve Price, composer
• Andrew Tulloch (Norah Jones, Faithless)
• Will Jackson (Kaiser Chiefs)
• Carey Willetts (Athlete)
• Simon Gogerly (Paloma Faith)
• Andy Gray, composer (TT3D, The Bourne Identity, Big Brother)
• Noko (Apollo 440)
• Julian Lloyd Webber, Cellist
• Alain Johannes (No Doubt, PJ Harvey, QOTSA, Chris Cornell)
• Air Studios
• Olly Knights (Turin Brakes)
• Alain Johannes, Producer
• Pip Williams (Status Quo, Elton
• John, Prague Symphonia)
• Gary Bromham (Natalie Imbruglia, Zucchero)

If you’re looking to add the rich “voice of God,” highly musical sound of ribbon technology to your recordings, but didn’t want to buy an additional “ribbon-friendly preamp,” the Sigma 2 is a must-have for any studio. Contact your PAD Professional for more information, or order yours online today.  

Specifications

• Polar pattern: Figure-eight
• Frequency response: 20Hz – 15kHz
• Sensitivity: 18mV/Pa -33dB ±1.5dB
• (0dB = 1V/Pa @ 1,000Hz)
• Impedance: ≤150 ohm
• Equivalent noise level: 10dB (A-weighted)
• Max SPL (for 0.5% THD @ 1kHz): 125dB
• Power: Phantom power 48V required
• Connector: 3-pin XLR
• Dimensions (approx.): 6-1/2″ x 2″ x 1-1/4″ (164 x 50 x 32mm)
• Weight (approx.): 14.9 oz. (421g) (1.9 lb. / 841g with shockmount)

 Includes

• Shockmount
• Flight case