[Aachen]

Is there a recording somewhere to hear what this sounds like?

[dharma1]

They have a bit different characteristics to dynamic/condenser mics - usually less high frequency content, and pronounced proximity effect.

Often used for horns, violin, guitar cabs - sources where you want to reduce "shrillness" but you can use them anywhere.

[localghost3000]

Amy Winehouse “Back to Black”. They tracked her vocals with an RCA ribbon mic.

Edit: fixed a typo

[dylan604]

Any Winehouse is such an unfortunate typo

[localghost3000]

Fixed! Thanks for catching.

[beAbU]

It sounds just like any other mic, with subtle differences audible only to the most trained ear.

Their frequency response is probably well characterised and documented, so you can simulate one by putting an appropriate EQ over a "normal" mic and the outcome will be indistinguishable from the real thing.

[localghost3000]

Disagree. Ribbon mics have a very distinct sound. The top end in particular. They also distort when pushed.

[bluGill]

Trained ear means one where you have good speakers (headphones may be better) and listen to the same thing on several different microphones. It isn't hard to train your ears if you want to spend the time.

[beAbU]

Do you listen to the music, or do you listen to the mic that it was recorded with?

[bluGill]

When I'm making the music it is important to get the details right. When I'm listening to what someone else made it doesn't matter.

[glittershark]

it looks like there's a recording linked at the end of the post