A type of dynamic microphone which has a thin metal foil, or ribbon, suspended in a magnetic field. Sound waves vibrate the ribbon in the field and generate an electrical signal. Ribbon mics are usually quite fragile, but are used for their warm, smooth tone quality. They work well with digital recording and on brass instruments to mellow the tone. Ribbon mics are either figure-eight bi-directional or cardioid. See also condenser microphone.