Beyer makes amazing dynamic mics, the M88 and the M201 are must haves, the M160 is also amazing. Not to sound like a total snob but you couldn't give me a 57 I just hate that mic, I still keep two in my studio because there's always someone who insists on using them but 57's color the sound way too much and yes, they are very grainy sounding. The Beyerdynamic M160 studio mic is a timeless classic microphone that originated all the way back in 1957. Updated 2016. It’s a ribbon microphone, and one of the most popular ribbons on the market. Additional Media. Beyerdynamic M160 preamp gain I have seen contradictory information around the web about how much clean gain is needed to get a good level out of a Beyerdynamic M160. A list of the 7 best ribbon mics including: Royer 121, 101, SF-12, Avantone Audio CR-14, AEA R84, AT4081, and Beyerdynamic M160. Beyerdynamic M160 Ribbon Microphone Features at a Glance: Double ribbon design Hypercardioid pattern to reject off-axis sounds Excellent stringed instrument microphone Black and chromium plated to prevent glare from broadcast lighting Includes case and mic clip. Klein & Hummel o300 (pr) Mackie HR 824 (pr) Presonus Temblor T10 sub; SPL 2Control; Tivoli Model 1; Headphones. My interface is the RME babyface pro FS which has preamps with 65dB of very clean gain. AKG D112; Audix i5; Avantone ATOM (3) Electro-Voice N/D 767 (4) Shure SM57 (4) Shure SM7B; Monitors. Beyerdynamic M160; Royer SF24 (stereo) Dynamic mics.