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RCA 77DX ribbon microphone
Object No. 2015/59/3
This RCA 77DX microphone was used by Sydney radio station 2GB. The 77DX is a velocity microphone, a design developed by RCA engineer Harry Olsen in the 1920s and placed into production by the early 1930s. The microphone is designed for use within a studio and would have been used to record the voices of performers for radio dramas and serials. It may also have been used by announcers. The 77DX is an extraordinarily sensitive and versatile instrument in the hands of engineers who understand its operation and how to exploit its ability to accentuate the audible spectrum. A velocity microphone like the 77DX uses a ribbon foil suspended between magnets which responds to sounds waves. This element will respond to gravitational force as the microphone is tilted and positioned. Experienced engineers position the microphone by suspending or tilting it to various angles to achieve the desired response. For example a slight tilt of the microphone from the vertical will cause the ribbon to sag slightly which will boost the lower-mid range frequency response. The microphone was particularly effective at capturing male and female vocalists. Artists notable for their talent to exploit the particular characteristics of this microphone include Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. Campbell Bickerstaff 2015
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Summary
Object Statement
Microphone, with storage bag, RCA 77DX ribbon microphone, metal / textile / plastic, made by RCA Manufacturing Company Inc, New Jersey, United States of America, 1954-1967
Physical Description
The RCA 77DX microphone is a large pill shaped studio microphone. It can be mounted on the stand or suspended. The 77DX is a velocity type microphone using a corrugated aluminium strip suspended between magnets which reacts to sound waves.
PRODUCTION
Notes
The 77DX is an extraordinarily sensitive and versatile instrument in the hands of engineers who understand its operation and how to exploit its ability to accentuate the audible spectrum. A velocity microphone like the 77DX uses a ribbon foil suspended between magnets which responds to sounds waves. This element will respond to gravitational force as the microphone is tilted and positioned. Experienced engineers position the microphone by suspending or tilting it to various angles to achieve the desired response. For example a slight tilt of the microphone from the vertical will cause the ribbon to sag slightly which will boost the lower-mid range frequency response.
HISTORY
Notes
Radio 2GB is one of the oldest continuous broadcasters in NSW. 2GB has been broadcasting since August 1926. In 1938 2GB completed development of their transmission tower and Art Deco style building at Wentworth Point in Homebush Bay. The land occupied by 2GB is owned by the NSW RMS and was rezoned in June 2014 to enable it to be redeveloped into a park, apartment buildings and a school. Over the years 2GB announcers have included such luminaries as Bob Dyer, John Laws, Mike Carlton, Bob Rogers and presently include Ray Hadley and Alan Jones. The RCA 77DX microphone was particularly effective at capturing male and female vocalists. Artists notable for their talent to exploit the particular characteristics of this microphone include Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. The 77DX microphone continues to be sought after today for use by audio engineers. The 77DX is renowned in particular for its ability to capture the audio of low brass instruments.
SOURCE
Credit Line
Gift of Radio 2GB, 2015
Acquisition Date
15 October 2015
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