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Ribbon microphones

How it works: A thin corrugated strip of aluminum, inbetween two magnets creates a minute electrical current, under the influence of soundwaves. Ribbonmics were often named "Velocity Microphones", in the U.S.A.

Ribbonmics are equally sensitive on both sides, which makes them ideal for use with persons on both sides, like interviews, or recording vocal duets. The sides are insensitive to sound, which proved to be very useful in eaarly film productions. If positioned right, the camera noise was not picked up at all. This directive pattern is known as "figure of eight, or just "eight"