Equipment for hire

"Microphones" equipment.

The Hewitt company manufactured a range of film lighting and sound equipment. GA-TV has a restored example of a light weight Hewitt microphone boom with a 13ft arm

This big silver 'rock & roll' microphone type is seen often in promos and '1950s' recreations, usually featuring an overchromed reproduction. GA-TV has an original Shure 55S microphone, in brushed aluminium (better for the tv lights). Our well-worked example was used during the 1950s & 1960s by ABC Television in Hollywood for musical 'spectaculars'.

Rycote made/makes windshields for microphones. Gun mics are housed in long shields, but in the 1970s without the 'furry animal' cover.

Large ribbon/cardiod microphone, used by BBC radio & television and on tv studio microphone booms. Notes: The 4033A was produced as a direct result of the needs of the 'talkies', which required a microphone that could eliminate unwanted sound from the camera and other noises off. It contains two elements, a ribbon and a moving coil (similar to a 4021 minus the biscuit). The microphone incorporated a screwdriver-operated switch that allowed either or both elements to be routed to the output. The switch was marked P. R. C. P - (Pressure) - omni directional - moving coil only. R - (Ribbon) - bi-directional (figure of 8) - ribbon only. C - (Cardioid) - uni-directional - combining both elements. The 4033A was somewhat of a compromise as it tended to be "toppy" in all three positions. Nevertheless, it was the standard TV Boom microphone for many years and was also used on Radio OBs where its cardioid response was useful for rejecting colouration from PA. (Chris Owen-Senior BBC sound engineer)

Notes: The 4021 was developed circa 1935. The internal acoustical arrangements were less elaborate in the 4021 than the earlier STC 4017 but the response at the upper part of the range was less dependent on the angle of incidence of the sound, which was an advantage as both mics were intended to be omni-directional and the 4021 was indeed more omni-directional at HF than the 4017.Because of its shape it was known as the 'apple and biscuit' mic. Some non-BBC writers have claimed it was called the 'ball and biscuit' mic within the BBC - this is ill-informed nonsense! The mic was designed to be used with 'biscuit' horizontal, but there were few studio applications for an omni-directional mic. Useful outdoors as an effects/ambience mic, indoors it was mainly used in echo rooms and as a talkback mic. As a talkback mic, it was never used as the manufacturers intended; it was either fitted flush to a panel on the mixer or used with the 'biscuit' vertical on a swan neck that could barely support its weight. (Chris Owen)

Still in use and manufactured today, just a little different. This one is fully functional with matching filter unit and is from the early 50's.

This small silver ribbon mic can be used on tables or floor stands. Popular use in the 1960s on tv pop shows etc. Several in working condition.

Dynamic pressure gradient microphone designed for use with newsgathering tape machines such as the Uher Report 4000.

Small (6cms x 2cms) moving coil neck-worn mic, engineered to reproduce speech from an angle. Can also be hand held or desk mounted.

Reslo stick mic. 1980s pop artists favourite

A dynamic microphone made by Dunstable-based KAM (Lamba PLC) 80Hz/10kHz. Heavy and rather dated in cosmetic design. However, ideal for 1990s DJs.

Dynamic (moving coil) cardioid microphone. 60-16,000Hz. Typical shape of the period.

The STC 4037 was named the 'Stick'. Popular with Alan Whicker type reporters. Notes: The 4037B is a neat and unobtrusive omni directional hand held microphone designed specifically to meet the needs of television. With a frequency response described by STC as 'sensibly flat' from 30 to 12000 c/s. Finished in black shrivel enamel paint. Used extensively on both radio and TV OBs until the late 1970s when they were gradually replaced by the Electrovoice 635A and RE50. (Chris Owen)

Large hand-held moving coil microphone. Notes: Designed specifically as a light (12ozs) hand held microphone for commentators and interviewers. It was capable of working in all weathers including marine and tropical conditions. A moving coil transducer was mounted in a black Bakelite body with a stainless steel mesh screen. The handle incorporated a switch, which could be wired to provide muting or remote start/stop function for a tape recorder. In this photograph the switch has been replaced by the BBC logo. The 4032 was often issued with the EMI Midget reel to reel recorder and was also the star of many "This Is Your Life" programmes when it was thrust under the nose of the unsuspecting victim! (Chris Owen)

Classic microphone shape, this ribbon mic from GEC is displayed here as a 'BBC' microphone with a correct period reproduction badge. The mic is complete with floor stand and lead. (see larger image.)Working condition.

The Mole-Richardson Type 103B microphone boom was a familar item in both tv and movie studios from the 1940s onwards. The boom arm extends to approx 17ft and the base 'pram' has wheels, steerable from the rear. A certain skill was required to manipulate this equipment, not least to avoid hitting the talent or falling off. The Mole boom pictured was installed in 1959, originally at Anglia Televisions' studio A in Norwich.

'UNISPHERE' type silver mics. On the left of the picture are two ALTAI UD130 mics. The others are of a generic design. All items suitable for hand-holding or stand-mounting. 1960s/1970s. 'BBC' badging added for a recent production

Small dynamic microphone. Suitable for 'roving reporter' scenes. This example used by BBC radio.

SHURE 'Unidyne' mics. Types 5155A and 545D. General purpose microphones

This is an original BBC outside broadcast microphone type STC 4017C, complete and very rare with its detachable oak handle (the cable went up the centre). The mic type was first introduced by STC and the BBC in 1938. The design originated from the Western Electric type 618A (circa 1931) which used a 'dynamic' moving coil as the transducer. These brass microphones (very heavy at 1.5kgs) were used by the BBC throughout the Second World War and can be seen (hand-held interviewing) in many BBC photographs of the period. Notes: The mics overall performance was excellent, with coil resonances damped by acoustic filtering which was incorporated in the mechanical construction. The 4017C remained in widespread BBC use up to about 1950.(Chris Owen) The letters 'LO OB' are engraved below the mic on the metal stem. They referred to 'LOndon OB' (outside broadcasts). The 'BBC' badge is an exact reproduction.

Quality moving coil microphone. Our example was used by ABC News during the 1950s and 1960s

Large and heavy moving coil PA mic with stand. First manufactured in 1939, this Grampian mic looks good hanging from a microphone boom or fronting a 'jive' concert. Floor stand or desk stand available

A compact dynamic microphone from the Austrian company AKG, used in the 60's onwards for speech or vocals. The slots down the side provided an out of phase signal to the capsule giving a cardioid response. GA-TV has two matching examples, one in working condition.

Grampian Reproducers Ltd of Feltham Middx produced the DP4/H, a hand held moving coil microphone with a response of 50-15,000 c/s.

Aiwa microphone with desk stand. Used in a US radio studio. No further information known about this particular microphone. Nice silvery top.

This familar and widely used steel-clad radio and tv interview hand mic was referred to as 'The Buchanan Hammer' presumably for its rugged durability. A dynamic mic with an omni-polar pattern and good flat speech reproduction without the need of a wind baffle, our example is in full working condition, if a little 'fish shopped'(chipped & battered).

Three different microphones of unknown manufacture, displayed here for their shape and style. 1970s 1980s.

Large silver microphone from the Turner company of Cedar Rapids Iowa. 1950s 'retro' style. Larger image shows floor standing rig.

A matching set of SHURE UNISPHERE 588SA dynamic microphones. 1960s

This large ribbon mic is of unknown manufacture and was used during the 1940s & 1950s. Although at first glance it's shape suggests a 'BBC' or 'RCA' microphone, it is neither. The RCA 'meatball' badge is genuine but the table stand is a reproduction.

A dynamic microphone made by Electrovoice for the Auricon range of 16mm cameras. Good quality.

Still used, this STC 'lip' mike is termed a Broadcasters Ribbon Noise Cancelling. 80/8,000 Hz.

Exotic-looking 1950s Japanese chromed large microphone from the CALRAD company. Called the 'Lafayette 99 4545' this dynamic mic is a copy of the Astatic 77A. Table or floor standing.

1960s vintage Grampian desk mic on a gooseneck. Suitable for 'talkback' scenes in the gallery or general PA.

Vitavox version of the STC 4017C moving coil microphone. Our example(on a repro stand with 'BBC' flag) was used by the Corporation until the early 1950s. Looks the part in a radio studio of the period.

The Aiwa M18 is a 1950s crystal microphone intended for home use. However, the microphone is a 2/3rds 'lookalike' for the much more expensive and iconic RCA 77-B studio 'Pill' ribbon mic (introduced in 1937) which usually sells for more money than we care to contemplate. The Aiwa M18 can be used on a table or floor stand. The trio of 'Pills' pictured are the Aiwa M18, the Eagle MC-70 and the Crown MC-70, all very similar. Larger picture shows floor stand ensemble. Nice 1940s/1950s recreation. Three available.

Another STC 4017C dynamic microphone with exact repro BBC badge. This type of microphone was used extensively by the BBC in studios and on outside broadcasts until about 1953. The mic type was first introduced in 1938 by STC and the BBC. The design originated from the Western Electric type 618A (circa 1931) which used a 'dynamic' moving coil as the transducer. Notes: The mics overall performance was excellent, with coil resonances damped by acoustic filtering which was incorporated in the mechanical construction. Chris Owen)

Large 1950s style bronze moving coil mic from EMI. Industrial or PA application. Looks good on a mic boom as pictured.

An AKG microphone RM900 'Shaftsbury'. General purpose.

A reproduction microphone in the classic style of the Shure 55S. The Eagle G148 is a 'super cardioid' dynamic microphone with a frequency response of 50/1500 Hz. 3-pin XLR lead. Brand new and in fully working condition.

Largish chrome microphone in the style of an RCA or Marconi AXBT. Manufactured in Bombay by the Motwane company. Little else known.

Reproduction microphone in the style of an Electrovoice 'Cardax' cardioid microphone of the 1940s/1950s. This YOGA is a good quality dynamic microphone in muted silver die cast zinc housing. FR 60Hz-16,000Hz. Sensitivity -78dB. Three-pin XLR.

'Stars In Their Eyes' type of stick mic. Gold. Unknown make. Guess at Reslo. 25cms length

Lightweight portable radio/tv studio/location microphone boom with counterweight balance. Approx 7ft height and reach. Wheels additional if required. Ideal for theatre or restricted space use.

An original microphone from the 1930s with it's unique lever-operated (but clumsy) lead connector.The Western Electric No. 618A is an important historical mic. It was the world’s first dynamic (moving coil) mic (developed by Bell Labs) and introduced in 1931. It quickly became a favorite of US broadcasters as an all-purpose studio mic. It was used also as the standard 1930s newsreel mic and notably by Franklyn D. Roosevelt for his US radio ‘fireside chats’.