[Dixielandjazz] Microphones

[Steve Barbone]

Lots of interesting nuances, as well as myths, about microphones. One
example is the persistent myth that B.G.'s Carnegie Hall Concert was
recorded by the large new RCA Diamond overhead mike so clearly visible in
many photos. Much has been written about where it was placed (near Lionel)
and how it captured the band etc. That single mike was used to record
Toscanini's concerts and was switched off during the BG concert. The concert
was actually recorded by 3 off stage mikes.

Microphones changed the way people heard recorded music and radio
broadcasts. The ribbon or "velocity" microphone was introduced by RCA in
1931, as the model 44A, and became one of the most widely used microphones
in vocal recording. Many bands today hoping to achieve a more authentic
"vintage" sound still use the 44A. Another advance in recording sound came
in 1933 when RCA introduced the 77A, cardioid pattern, dual ribbon
microphone. These advances in sound enabled subtle nuances in both playing
and singing to be amplified for the first time and made for better live
broadcasts. Up until these advances vocalists were required to get up and
belt out a song with many of the subtleties in inflection and voice tone
being lost.

Cheers,
Steve Barbone