Redefining microphone design, the Samar Audio MF08 is the world's first hybrid microphone to combine a figure 8 ribbon element with a small diaphragm true pressure omnidirectional condenser capsule. This innovative, transformer-coupled design provides continuously variable polar patterns and includes a center detented cardioid setting for easy and precise recall. By integrating the finest aspects of both ribbon and pressure omni condenser technologies, their native patterns and natural sonics the MF08 also serves as a versatile tone-shaping tool, producing a sound that balances the precision of a small-diaphragm with the huge sound of a large-diaphragm microphone. It is a superior choice for any application where the highest possible sound quality is paramount.
 
The first prototype was announced by Samar Audio founder Dr. Mark Fouxman in early 2004. He spent over 20 years on research and development to perfect and finalize the design, seeking the most effective and elegant solutions. Although this concept had been realized before in some classic commercial designs like the Altec/Western Electric 639 and RCA 77A the performance of those early models was limited by the shortcomings of their dynamic or ribbon back loaded laby-rinth omni elements. By utilizing modern ribbon technology and a true pressure omni condenser capsule, Fouxman has elevated performance to an entirely new level.
To achieve the best possible phase integrity in the MF08, the omni capsule is mounted in close proximity to the ribbon motor by redesigning magnet structure. The distance between their centers is so short that it was possible to push corresponding frequency to over 22 kHz, which is well beyond the range of human hearing. This effectively eliminates any phase irregularities in the bandwidth.
A cardioid pickup pattern is created by combining a positive omnidirectional signal from the rear with the polarity-reversed rear lobe of a figure 8 pattern, causing signal cancellation from behind the microphone. To maintain a uniform cardioid pattern across the entire bandwidth, the system's parameters are tuned so that the ribbon element's high-frequency rolloff naturally aligns with the omni element's transition to a more directional response. This natural acoustic crossover avoids the artifacts often found in conventional unidirectional condenser capsules, which rely on acoustic resistance and air passages.
 
The omnidirectional and figure 8 polar patterns are summed into a second, output transformer, which is specifically designed for this model and driven by a class A push-pull circuit. This allows the microphone to handle extremely high sound levels without distortion, maintaining refined sonics. Multiple trimming and fine-tuning devices are integrated into the circuit to ensure consistent output levels and sonic characteristics across all manufactured units. The electronic circuit operates on a standard 48 V phantom power supply.
 
Reflecting Dr. Mark Fouxman's philosophy that visual aesthetics and sound quality are intertwined, the MF08 features a resonance-free carbon fiber body with metal accents. Its innovative head basket design eliminates traditional side posts to prevent acoustical reflections and interference with sound waves. To ensure the highest quality, all manufacturing for the MF08 is handled in-house at Samar Audio's Salt Lake City plant. This includes crafting the electronics and transformers, along with the precision machining of all microphone body parts using state-of-the-art CNC equipment.
 
The MF08 delivers exceptional sonic performance for a wide variety of sources, from classical orchestra to drum overheads. With its outstanding linearity, wide bandwidth, smoothness, and low phase and linear distortion, it is the superior choice for any application where the highest possible sound quality is essential.