Many different forms of microphones have been created over the years, and knowing a little bit about each type will help you to narrow down your search for your perfect vintage or antique model. Features: Produced in the USSR with original box, shows signs of wear and tear but is in working condition.

Its amplifier circuit was originally built to comply with the standardized requirements of the German and Austrian national broadcast systems after World War II. The ELA M 251 has achieved legendary status and is an extremely sought-after and desired large-diaphragm tube contender mic today. The 1940s and ’50s saw an increase in radio enthusiasts and hobbyists and in 1957 the patent for the first wireless microphone was filed. In 1964 the Electret microphone was released. This model was revolutionary because it increased the accessibility of microphones thanks to its low cost, smaller size, and increased reliability. The 1970s saw greater improvements to both dynamic and condenser microphones, and clip-on microphones became the norm in the 1980s. Sometimes called a ‘velocity’ or ‘pressure gradient’ microphone, ribbon microphones use the vibrations of an aluminum foil ribbon to record or produce sound. The dynamic microphone is an alternative type of pressure microphone and uses magnetic induction to sense whether an input is created. Dynamic microphones are a more durable alternative to the condenser microphone. The AKG C12 is another vintage microphone that helped build the history of western music in the last century.The Telefunken ELA M 251E features three polar patterns making it ideal for a range of stereo recording techniques if you have two, including Spaced Pair (A/B), XY (including Blumlein), ORTF array, and Mid-Side (MS). Rare working-condition vintage examples sell well into the five figures if you can even find one. With that in mind, Telefunken produced a meticulous reissue for a fraction of the cost. And the results are quite impressive and can be best described as “pure sonic opulence”.

It has the look and flair of a vintage microphone but in reality, it’s a modern vocal mic that produces great results. The Shure 55SH Series UNIDYNE dynamic vocal microphone features low impedance, a frequency response of 50Hz to 15kHz, and an on/off switch. You can still find old editions of this mic on the market, although they usually sell for tens of thousands of dollars. You could also buy the Telefunken ELA M 251E, which is a meticulous reissue of the original… if you have 10k lying around that is. Features Also called the ‘Piezoelectric Microphone’ this microphone type was most commonly used between 1930-60. This new version employed the same capsule (K47) and a similar head grill but used solid-state circuitry. That’s quite a history!The Coles 4038 is renowned for its smooth, rich sonic detail, and it is a classic among some of the most celebrated engineers in recording history. The Coles 4038 features a pressure gradient ribbon transducer that is capable of withstanding high sound pressure levels without distorting. The Shure 55SH Series II is a dynamic microphone for those of us that want a bit of a vintage flair but don’t have thousands of dollars to spare.

Many of the most sought-after vintage microphones had a limited amount of models made, and have since been discontinued. In return, these characteristics made their prices soar as collectors and engineers search the internet trying to find some of the originals. However, the SH55 offers superior audio quality for the stage. Overall, this is a fantastic vocal microphone for the stage, for all of those that want a vintage-looking mic with a modern sound and an affordable price tag. The SH55 UNIDYNE II was designed with a cardioid polar pattern. This ensures that your vocals make it out to your audience without the rest of your band bleeding through.Its most appealing point was the synergy of its three sound-shaping components: capsule, tube, transformer. The U47 was especially popular in professional recording studios. The 1920s saw rapid improvements to microphone technologies largely thanks to the increased demand for broadcast radio services. In 1928 the first commercial condenser microphone was released. These legendary RCA ribbon mics features are quite unique. At 1 kHz, the 77-DX has an output of -50 to -56dbm, depending on the pattern selection.