FAQ
Why buy a NUDE Microphone?
NUDE Microphones exists for people who love sound.
We collaborate directly with trusted manufacturing partners to produce microphones to our own specifications – the same way big brands do, just without the markup.
Our value proposition is simple: Low Cost, Superb Sonic Quality Microphones.
You’re buying directly from people who love microphones and are committed to delivering exceptional performance at an affordable price point.
Are These Microphones Chinese?
Yes - and proudly so.
NUDE Microphones has long-term partnerships with several Chinese manufacturers and has parts supply agreements with Vietnamese and European companies. Chinese manufacturing has matured dramatically; these are the same facilities producing the world’s smartphones, electric vehicles, and high-end audio components.
Today’s question isn’t where something is made - it’s how well it’s made and who’s behind it. We choose our partners based on good engineering practice, quality control, and passion for sound. Together, we’re creating microphones that rival models retailing at ten times the price – built by people who, like us, actually love microphones.
Will I need a specific preamp for NUDE ribbon Microphones?
Ribbon microphones are generally lower in output than condensers or dynamics, so you may want to consider a clean, high-gain preamp - ideally offering 60dB+ of gainrange. That said, most contemporary audio interfaces now provide plenty of gain and when recording louder sources like drums, brass, or guitar amps, you’re unlikely to run out of headroom. If you’d like to add a touch more clean gain, Cloudlifters are a great low-cost option – they’re transparent, easy to use, and can give your NUDE ribbon microphone an extra boost of clean, transparent gain. If you want “flavour,” you’ll find many engineers swear by the Neve 1073, LA Audio, or Avalon preamps. At the more affordable end, the FMR RNP8380 – the “Really Nice Preamp” – remains one of our favourites for its clarity and warmth. (Tip) we're also great wraps for their really nice compressor which is probably one of the nicest sounding, transparent operating compressors around especially in "super nice mode"! When considering preamps – check our Matching Mics and Preamps page here: https://www.nudemicrophones.com/pages/matching-microphones-and-preamps complete with calculator!
Do NUDE Microphones ship with spare ribbons?
No - and here’s why. Given the price point of NUDE microphones, including a spare ribbon (and the cost of a qualified technician to fit and tension it correctly) just doesn’t make sense. Our ribbons are optimally tensioned at the factory and field-tested in studios world-wide for over eight years. The feedback? Consistently glowing reviews on both build quality and sonic performance. Checkout our User Reviews & Videos
Are Ribbon Mics safe to use with Phantom Power?
The short answer is NO! All NUDE mics have a well-engineered differentially balanced, transformer isolated output stages. In theory modern ribbons should ignore phantom power for this reason – However – As a general rule of thumb it is always a good idea to disable any phantom power supplies when using ribbons. There are a couple of fault conditions that exist with certain wiring topologies (mis-wired balanced to unbalanced leads) that can expose a ribbon to having +48v DC applied directly to the ribbon motor. If this happens, your finely tuned ribbon is being put into service as a little heater element! So try and avoid this at all costs. Disable individual channel phantom and if using a desk with a global supply, turn it off.
How can I tell which is the front of my NUDE Microphone?
We get asked this a lot! So much so that we've considered adding a mark or logo to our condenser microphones and to our Stereo Ribbon microphone – but we have resisted. We would no longer be NUDE if we did, we believe that – Your Ears are the Great Arbiter – Trust them. If it sounds good chances are it is! For our Condenser Microphones - A simple way to tell the front from the back of a condenser microphone is to speak or play into each side and listen – the front will sound clear, open, and full, while the back will sound dull or distant. Trust your ears - they’ll tell you instantly which side is the front.
For the Stereo Ribbon Microphone, here’s our rule of thumb:👉 Point the XLR latch at your source, then rotate the mic 45° – that’s a solid starting point. Everyone’s looking for a magic bullet, but trust your ears; they’ll tell you what’s right in your room.
Many folks find this short video super helpful: How rotating the NUDE Swiss Army Microphone changes the stereo panorama.
How will my microphones be protected during shipping?
NUDE Microphones selects bubble wrap as the cornerstone of its packaging strategy, emphasizing both product security, sustainability and cost-effectiveness. This choice is deeply rooted in research that highlights bubble wrap as a preferred reusable material by consumers who are more likely to recycle it than other packaging options. Each microphone is encased in a bubble wrap envelope an then further reinforced by robust packing tape outer layer or boxing. This ensures the highest level of protection against external damages, including water ingress and transit-related impacts. Our packaging strategy provides the most effective functional outcome at the lowest price point. By keeping the cost low across every aspect of the product lifecycle from manufacturing through to delivery to NUDE users we support our core commitment to providing – Low cost, Superb Sonic Quality Microphones – while tipping our hats to environmentally responsible business practices.
Do NUDE Microphones come with a warranty?
Yes. All NUDE Microphones are covered by a 1 year warranty against manufacturing defects. If something fails that shouldn’t, we’ll make it right.
If it’s dropped, dented, or used to mic a jet engine – that’s on you (but we’ll still try to help).
What if I drop my microphone?
Stuff happens.
If your mic takes a tumble and you think it’s not sounding right, reach out – we’ll try to help. We've got networks world-wide, we love chatting mics with folks.
Do NUDE Microphones work well for podcasting or voice-over?
Absolutely. Many podcasters and voice artists use NUDE ribbons microphones for their warm, natural tone and our vacuum tube microphones are also a very populat choice.
Ribbons in particular take EQ beautifully and smooth out sibilance without sounding dull. With NUDE you’ll get broadcast-ready results straight into your interface.
Can I use NUDE microphones live on stage?
Yes – but with care. We have a swathe of audio engineers using their NUDE microphones in live, field recording and OB contexts. Ribbons are more delicate than dynamic mics and don’t love wind blasts or being dropped. If you’re using them live, keep them shielded from direct airflow (kick drums, brass bells, or outdoor gusts). For controlled environments – jazz, acoustic, or orchestral settings – they sound spectacular.
How long will my NUDE microphone last?
With normal care, NUDE microphones can last decades. For Ribbons avoid moisture, phantom power, and blasts of air, and your mic will perform beautifully for years. We have NUDE mics from our very first production runs still in daily use and sounding as good as the day they were unboxed.
Where can I hear NUDE microphones in action?
Reachout and let us know where you are, chances are there's a NUDE owner close by we can connect you with. Check out our YouTube channel and user shootouts for real-world recordings from studios around the world. If you’ve got your own demo to share – send it to us! We love hearing what people are creating with NUDE kit.