COLES / 4038

The historic COLES 4038 was born in 1953. This is a valuable and historic ribbon microphone that has been produced consistently since its birth without any internal specification changes. It features a natural and gentle sound.

The Coles 4038 ribbon microphone is a PGS type ribbon microphone that was commercialized in 1953 by STC (Standard Telephones and Cables) in the UK under the design of the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation). STC was founded in 1883 as a subsidiary of the US Western Electric Company and had a factory in Antwerp, Belgium. This is also the reason why some parts of the microphone use Western Electric standards.

In 1953, the BBC designed and STC developed the STCPGS1 to meet the demand for a higher performance and cheaper microphone as a successor to the ribbon microphone TYPE A that had been used until then. The PGS1 (later renamed 4038) had excellent sound collection capabilities and a flat frequency response, and was more high-fidelity and overwhelmingly sound quality than any ribbon microphone up to that point. In the 1970s, STC transferred production of the 4038 to Coles.

It has a wide and flat frequency response and is characterized by a natural and gentle sound.
It is especially effective for recording strings, horns, drum overheads, narration, vocals, acoustic guitars, etc.

It was often used in recording sessions for The Beatles and Led Zeppelin, and today it is the strongest ribbon microphone, highly praised by Steven Albini, the god of alternative rock.

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

1: Set up the microphone and check whether the air flow is directly hitting the sound collection surface. If it is, use a wind screen or something to prevent the air from hitting it directly.

If one wind screen is not enough, two may be used. Please pay close attention to the ""wind"" when recording narration and vocals.

2: The angle of the microphone should not be closer to horizontal than 45 degrees so that the sound collection surface is not more horizontal than this.
If it is tilted more horizontally, the ribbon may twist if a high-pressure sound is input, and the manufacturer does not recommend it.
There are photos in magazines where it is set horizontally, but it is not recommended as it may damage the ribbon. It is not covered by the warranty in the event of a malfunction.

3: Due to its structure, the ribbon part of a ribbon microphone will not break naturally.
In any case, damage to the ribbon will be caused by external impact, improper use, or incorrect storage for a long period of time.
Due to the very strong magnets used, monitor displays, audio equipment, credit cards, and other devices that use magnetism may malfunction, so be sure to store it at least 50 cm away from them. Also, store the ribbon vertically to the ground. If stored lying down, the ribbon may bend.
We also recommend that you avoid shipping by courier and carry by hand.

4: Ribbon microphones do not require phantom power.
If the phantom power is on when you connect the microphone, or if phantom electricity remains in the circuit even when not in use, the ribbon may fly off.
Make sure that the phantom power is turned off for the microphone preamp and input before connecting. An easy way to remove residual electricity is to connect a normal dynamic microphone, wait about 20 seconds, and then connect the Coles 4038.

5: In an environment where the air is easily sealed, such as a studio, if you open and close the soundproof door forcefully, the ribbon may be torn by the sudden air flow. Avoid opening and closing the door with careless force. Also, if you interrupt the session, you can prevent the wind pressure from directly touching the ribbon by covering the microphone with a plastic bag.

6: Firmly insert the microphone connector until you hear a click.
This part also serves as a holder to support the main body.

About the warranty
As explained in ""Handling Precautions"", the Coles 4038 is a particularly delicate model among ribbon microphones.

There are some units that can be used for decades without maintenance when used and stored properly, but even new ribbons can be damaged quickly under improper conditions.

In consideration of the special conditions above, the warranty provisions for the Coles 4038 are as follows.

Main body excluding the ribbon: 1 year after purchase

Ribbon part: 30 days after purchase

We carefully check the operation before shipping.

When you receive your Coles 4038, please first check the operation to make sure there were no accidents during transportation.

All repairs are generally handled within Japan. Prices vary depending on the situation, so please contact us.

Product Specifications

■Frequency response: 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 (a 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