So it seems that the Ribbon Microphone - gate has come to a peaceful conclusion……

The writer Lynn Fuston emailed John Nady (and EQ magazines sales dept) a concise defence of his article that pointed out several facts including that others were already self-importing, his story would actualy generate interest (i.e. sales) in ribbon microphones, and Lynn just happened to be the first person to widely write about it.

John Nady responded:

“Paraphrasing here, he said he appreciated the goodwill spirit in which my letter was presented, and did not agree with all my conclusions. He did agree, however, that there might be some ancillary benefits from the story. He also said that he hoped I would try out their new tube ribbon mic when it starts shipping.”

I think the important part here is “there might be some ancillary benefits from the story” - Oh yeah this story might get people to buy ribbon microphones - Nady ribbon microphones. That realization (increased $$) always gets to the heart of the matter.

One thing that was brought up during the online debate was the ‘Wal-Mart’ effect / the race to the bottom when it comes to manufacturing goods. I’m gonna make a political comment here… the effects of outsourcing manufacturing to China has many significant effects, not just lowering the price of goods. This debate has high-lighted just one of these not so great effects. There are many more not so great effects with this race to the bottom and I hope we as a society can find the right balance. … end political commentary.