MICROPHONE OF THE MONTH JULY 2025

Sometimes you just have to admit you made a mistake, and that is what I have to do now. I made a mistake, when I described the RCA BK-1 (MOTM May 2016) as the first end-address microphone.
It wasn't, I recently discovered that the Electro-Voice 655 was the real first, predating the RCA by almost two years.

The EV 655 'Slim-Trim' was presented in 1950, and according to my present knowledge of microphones, this was the very first axial microphone designed for handheld use.

Before 1950, almost all types of microphones were side-addressed; the capsule was mounted sideways. The exceptions of the rule were the Western Electric 630/STC 4021 and Western Electric 633, but those were meant for use mounted on a microphone stand, pointing upwards, although the 633 could also be hung, pointing downward.

Anyway, the Electro-Voice 655 was a remarkable microphone for 1950; it was an omnidirectional dynamic with a diameter of just one inch, with a head that contained a voice coil with a magnet that was as strong as types that were four times its size. So EV was able to make a microphone that was much less obtrusive in use.

The almost 10 inch length made it a handy stick-mic that could easily be directed at either a presenter or an interviewee. Its frequency pickup pattern was almost uniform and ranged from 40 to 15.000 Hz. Impedance could be set internally at either 50 or 250 Ohms. It had a detachable swivel that allowed tilting it 180º and mounting it on a microphone stand with half inch thread, the same diameter professional RCA mikes used (a 5/8" adapter was supplied with each 655).

The casing was 'TV gray' and made of aluminium, with 6 inches of cable extending that ended in a XLR3 connector. Its net weight was 11 Oz (312 grams).

The 655s was made for professional use; TV and FM radio, but it was also very suitable for quality PA use.

EV made two models: the 655 with a fluted aluminium grill and the 655A, with a pop proof wire mesh grille. Around 1952, EV trimmed production to a single modernised 655 design with a wire mesh grille.
A model 654, with a fixed swivel mount and slightly lesser specs and a more affordable price was also meant for pro use, the humble but shiny 636 was made less demanding tasks like PA and paging.

They had 'the look of things to come'. All three were made for some ten years and inspired other makers to somewhat similar designs, like the Philips EL 6040, Shure's 525, and the Turner 57. For a time these sleek omni's were top of the line and widely used for TV. The next decade, they would be replaced by cardioid condensers with the same or even smaller size and better specs, which made these 'Slim Trim' designs obsolete.

These and many more types feature in my book Witnesses of Words. More information about that can be found at www.witnessesofwords.com