Download the entire 12-page Primo Microphone Catalog Circa 1980:
DOWNLOAD: PrimoMicrophoneCatalog
Models covered, with specs and photos, include: Primo CMU-503 and P-77, P-88 ‘professional’ studio microphones; UD-876M and UD-959 Live Sound mics; and a huge range of general-purpose stage mics including: Primo UD-905, UD-876, UD-866B, UD-871B; Electret Condenser models EMU-4520, EMU-4516, EMU-522, EM-518, EMU-4517; plus many more mics and accessories.
From what little information I can gather, these mics seems to have been made in Japan and then sold in the US by ‘primo,’ which also made telecommunications mics and/or mic elements. I have never come across one of the these units. Anyone?
Best half-tone cover image ever, btw.
16 replies on “Primo Microphones Circa 1980”
Primo Expeditionary:
I have a Primo Model UD 871. Found it a couple weeks ago in the electronics equipment bequeathed to me by a dead in-law. The microphone is gray with a gold mesh capsule. It comes in a black vinyl and foam carrying case. And it works. I just plugged it into my Fender Acoustasonic and I was surprised how good it sounded. I may try it out for some vocals, just to see what happens. Later,
Stephen
Stephen
I have 3 of the primo EMU4520 mics worked really well. do not remember what volt batteries needed. a little help please. Thanks
I believe it is everyready e206 is a replacment.
I still have five of these microphones which I purchased 30 to 40 years ago and found the batteries to be very expensive so I converted them to 48 V phantom power on and eliminated the need for any batteries. The microphones still work very well and you could also get the EM 70 shotgun mic head for them making them very versatile stage use.
1 x Energizer 4LR44/A544 Alkaline 6V and 1 X Panasonic
I bought a P-77 at the Cleveland Hamfest in 2011. This mike is very well constructed. For what was being asked, even if it didn’t work, it would be worth it just to look at it. The fine mesh of the windscreen and the small body make it seem that it would be a perfect match for a female vocalist, The mesh reminds me of the type used on the Neumann U87 and the satin finish gives it the look of a very expensive mike.
The mic sounds good too. Rated at 50 to 50k it has a typical dynamic sound with just a little less low end than an SM58. There was no stand adapter, but it fits a small barrel EV type adapter pretty well. Cool mike. A nice addition to the arsenal.
Hi..anyone out there that can give me info on a UD-320 primo mic ? Its a very good mic that I,ve had locked away for years (fogot I had it) I cant find on The primo list.
What kind of info were you looking for on the UD320? Specs?
Anyone have any info on the UD-324?
I have the spec for this one…but not sure what you’re looking for exactly..
I have a Primo model UD 863, this mic has a 600 ohm/50k ohm slide switch, and a bass rolloff switch with markings of 0-5-10. This mic has a metal case with mic stand adaptor combined. Looks to be somewhere circa 1950’s 1960’s. Any information about this mic would be helpful.
I got a Primo UD-985 microphone. Mint in original box.
If any interest, email me “bjornAThifigoteborg.se”
I have a Primo U-7 mic which I picked up in Japan in the early 80’s. My friend, Carlos Torres, also bought one and his may have been a U-11 model. I don’t see any of these on ebay or other sites offering vintage mics for sale. I use my U-7 for vocals and would not part with it. The moving coil design, response, and sensitivity without any acoustic feedback are all amazing factors for this mic. I sounds better than any other live vocal mic I’ve tried.
Michael Garrison (or others)
I have 2 primo u-7s (2 mics, 1 cable & 1box) that I’m willing to part with for whatever you consider a fair price.
primomicu7@gmail.com
primomicu7 at gmail
I have four ud-876 mics but no cables. Anyone know what the mini 5-pin connection is called?
hi! anyone who can give me info about PRIMO MICROPHONE UD-985DI.
date manufactured?
is it for home or recording?
tnx in advanced. . .