Above: RCA 77, BK1, BK5, and a slew of others, all referred to by their ‘alternate’ MA-designations: the MA-2311, 2313, 2314, 2315, 2316, 2317, 2318, and 2319. Can someone tell us why RCA used standard model names, MA designations, and MI designations? Was it so they could charge certain customers more money for the same products?
Oh and let’s not forget the SK–designations. Anyway, here’s the SAME products in the SAME publication one year later. Confusing.
So true. What more DO you need in a mic? The RCA BK-5 is one of my all-time favs. No other ribbon mic sounds remotely like it. If you dig ribbon mics, save up for one of these. You will not be disappointed. Especially if you need to tame a sibilant vocal while retaining an overall ‘bright’ and forward sound. Also killer on piano, guitar amps, and probably everything else, actually…
5 replies on “RCA microphones circa 1963 – 1965”
In reference to the differing prefixes on RCA products, MI numbers were master-item catalog numbers for product that RCA sold to larger end-users direct ( predominantly Theatre chains, Film studios, and large broadcast networks) , MA numbers were also direct sale, but specifically to the recording market (audio OR video), Bk and SK numbers indicated distributor sale at targeted markets (broadcast or installed sound reinforcement ), and then some straight model numbers (ie; the 77DX, LC9, etc…) indicated that the items were available through a much more general dealer / catalog network to anyone that was able to afford them. Oh, and there was also an “SL” designation that was used for the hi-fi market. Hope this was helpful.
If you like the BK5, try an SK46 if you can find one. Absolutely gorgeous on female vox, or strings, especially mandolin, nylon stringed acoustic, violas and cello.
great info Bob, thanks! I had never considered the SK46 but I’ll check it out now… I play a lot of mandolin so that’s intriguing… c.
Ah yes, I keep dreaming of acquiring one of these for my own mic locker.
One of my favorite drum setups is to have a BK5 coincident to a slightly widened XY pair of KM84’s.
Compliments on the great site, amusing and informative writing and some really great resource materials. Kudos. Much appreciated.
two things i wish i had: a second KM184, and a second BK5.
someday.
thanks for the comments. Glad u dig it. Just trying to ‘give-back’ to this internet, which has given me so much.
including a creeping sense of PKD-esque surveillance-paranoia. (sorry slightly O/T)