COLES / 4038

The historical masterpiece COLES 4038 born in 1953. A valuable and historic ribbon microphone that has been consistently produced to date without any changes in internal specifications since its birth. It features a natural and gentle sound.

The Coles 4038 Ribbon Microphone is a PGS type ribbon microphone that was commercialized by STC (Standard Telephones and Cables) in the United Kingdom in 1953 under the design of the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation). STC was founded in 1883 as a subsidiary of Western Electric in the United States and had a factory in Antwerp, Belgium. This is also due to the fact that Western Electric standards are used for some parts of the microphone.
The STCP GS1 was designed by the BBC and developed by STC to meet the demand for a higher performance and cheaper microphone as a successor to the ribbon microphone called TYPE A that had been used until then in 1953. The PGS1 (later renamed 4038) had excellent sound collection capabilities and flat frequency response, and had the highest fidelity and overwhelming sound quality of any previous ribbon microphone. STC will transfer 4038 production to Coles in the 1970s.

It has a wide and flat frequency response, and features a natural and gentle sound.
Especially useful for recording strings, horns, drum overhead, narration, vocals, acoustic guitar, etc.
Frequently used in Beatles and Led Zeppelin recording sessions, it is the strongest ribbon microphone praised by the god of alternative rock, Stephen Albini.

Handling precautions
The Coles 4038 is a microphone with a very thin aluminum alloy foil stretched between powerful magnets. The thickness of this foil is 0.6μ, which is only 1/3 of the thickness of ribbon microphones such as RCA. Ribbon microphones are strong against the sound pressure itself, but they are extremely vulnerable to direct contact with the air flow that accompanies the sound pressure, and especially the Colles 4038 must be used and stored with the utmost care. .. The following are precautions for use.

1: Set the microphone and check if the air flow hits the sound collecting surface directly. If it hits, use a wind screen etc. to prevent it from hitting directly with air.
If one wind screen isn't enough, you may use two. Please pay close attention to the "blow" when recording narration and vocals.

2: Make sure that the microphone setting angle is such that the sound collecting surface is no more horizontal than 45 degrees to the ground.
If you tilt it more horizontally, the ribbon may twist if you hear a loud noise, which is not recommended by the manufacturer.
There are pictures that are set horizontally in magazines, etc., but we do not recommend it because there is a high possibility that the ribbon will be damaged. In case of failure, it will not be covered by the warranty.

3: The ribbon part of the ribbon microphone does not break naturally due to its structure.
In all cases, ribbon damage is due to external impact, improper use, or long-term misstorage.
Due to the extremely strong magnets used, monitors, displays, audio equipment, credit cards and other magnetic equipment will malfunction, so be sure to keep them at least 50 cm away when storing. Also, store the ribbon so that it is perpendicular to the ground. The ribbon may bend if stored in a laid state.
In addition, we recommend hand carry, avoiding shipping by Takkyubin as much as possible.

4: Ribbon microphones do not require phantom power.
The ribbon may fly if the phantom power is on when the microphone is plugged in, or if the phantom electricity remains in the circuit even when not in use.
Make sure that the mic preamplifier to be used and the phantom power of the input section are turned off before connecting. An easy way to remove residual electricity is to connect a normal dynamic microphone, etc., and then connect the Coles 4038 after about 20 seconds.

5: In an environment such as a studio where the air is easily sealed, if the soundproof door is opened and closed vigorously, the ribbon may be torn due to a sudden air flow. Avoid inadvertently opening and closing the door with all your might. If you want to interrupt the session, you can prevent the wind pressure from touching the ribbon directly by covering the microphone with a plastic bag.

6: Insert the microphone connector firmly until you hear a click.
This part also serves as a holder that supports the main body.

About warranty
As explained in "Handling Precautions", the Colles 4038 is one of the most delicate ribbon microphones.
Some individuals have been used maintenance-free for decades under proper use / storage, but in inappropriate circumstances, even new ones can quickly damage the ribbon.

In view of the above special conditions, the warranty provisions of Coles 4038 are as follows.
Body other than ribbon part: 1 year after purchase
Ribbon part: 30 days after purchase

We carefully check the operation before shipping.
When you receive the Coles 4038 you purchased, please check the operation first to check for any accidents during transportation.
Basically all repairs will be done in Japan. Please contact us as the price will vary depending on the situation.

~ Product specifications ~
■ Frequency characteristics: 30 Hz to 15,000 Hz
■ Impedance: 300 ohm
■ Sensitivity: -65 dB W.R.T. IV / Pa
■ Distortion: Less than 1% at 125 dB SPL
■ Connection: 3-pin cable: 1: positive, 2: negative, 3: screen
■ Body Housing: Heavy gauge brass body. Finely woven Monel metal (corrosion resistant alloy mainly composed of nickel and copper) mesh.
■ Weight: 2 lb. 6 oz. (1.08 Kg)
■ Finish: Black stove enamel
■ Packaging: Carrying case, cloth protective bag