NBC Microphone

NBC Microphone

<< >>
Usage conditions apply
Downloads
Description (Brief)
The National Broadcasting Company (NBC) was the first major broadcast network in the United States. During the golden age of radio, NBC’s roster of stars included comedians Jack Benny, Edgar Bergen, George Burns and Gracie Allen, singer Al Jolson, and conductor Arturo Toscanini. This microphone dates from the 1930s. The second inauguration of President Franklin D. Roosevelt was broadcast with this type of instrument.
Description
RCA / NBC model 50A inductor microphone, marked "3031" and serial number "2568," "RCA Manufacturing Co., Inc." Inductor microphones were used experimentally at WJZ in 1921. Introduced commercially in 1931, they were in general use by 1934. Inductor and so-called "velocity" type microphones were the two most widely used in that era.
A single conductor attached to an oval corrugated diaphragm functions similarly to the moving coil in the dynamic microphone. Small in size and rugged, it has most of the best features of the dynamic and the velocity microphones. It is somewhat directional, favoring sounds in front of it.
This particular example came to the Smithsonian in 1938 as an example of then-current microphone technology. A 1935 NBC article about microphones refers to the model 50A, stating that, "This new device is now being put into service by NBC on all... programs... originating outside the studios. The chief improvements it embodies are reduction of inherent electrical noise, and increased convenience in moving the instrument about, because of its small size and light weight." Reference: Joseph, D'Agostino, "Microphone Progress," Broadcast News (September 1935): 4-5, 12.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
microphone, inductor
microphone
Other Terms
microphone, inductor; Audio Devices
date made
1931
maker
RCA Corporation
Measurements
overall: 7 in x 4 in x 4 1/2 in; 17.78 cm x 10.16 cm x 11.43 cm
ID Number
EM.311450
catalog number
311450
accession number
148157
model number
50A
serial number
2568
Credit Line
from National Broadcasting Company, Inc.
subject
Radio broadcasts
See more items in
Work and Industry: Electricity
Popular Entertainment
Communications
1939 exhibit
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Nominate this object for photography.   

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.

Note: Comment submission is temporarily unavailable while we make improvements to the site. We apologize for the interruption. If you have a question relating to the museum's collections, please first check our Collections FAQ. If you require a personal response, please use our Contact page.