Contents Tour Biographies Celebs Links

The RCA Type 77-B
Uni-Directional Microphone MI-4042

The RCA Type 77-B

Hear the sound of the Type 77-B voiced by Tom Booth.

Blue-background photos are courtesy of Trevor Cousineau

Mr. Cousineau observes:

This microphone’s elegant, dramatic black-and-chrome art deco style was the first of the iconic pill-shaped de­signs that followed the artillery-shell-shaped monster that was the original Type 77-A. The Type 77-B and its descendants (the 77-B1, 77-C, 77-C1, 77-D and the 77-DX) have become the universal icon for classic micro­phone design recognized throughout the world.

The original Type 77-B was significantly smaller than pre­vious RCA designs due to improvements in the mag­netic materials used for the large permanent magnets required by all ribbon microphone designs.

The RCA 77-B was introduced in 1937. Only a few were manufactured until it was replaced by the Type 77-B1.

Like its predecessor the Type 77-A, the 77-B was unusual in that it featured two different types of ribbons in series with each other: One was a velocity ribbon, and the other was a pressure ribbon. RCA claimed that the combination of the two types of ribbons resulted in a perfect cardioid pattern and more uniform frequency response. The next version in the series, the Type 77-C, featured a switch that allowed selecting between one or the other or both ribbons.

The RCA Type 77-B

The RCA Type 77-B
The RCA Type 77-B

Four small photos are courtesy of Allen Boaz.

The RCA Type 77-B

Specifications

  • Frequency Range: 40 to 10,000 cycles

  • Output Level: –63 dB (10-bar open circuit)

  • Output Impedance: 50 and 250 ohms

  • Cable: 30 feet (less plug)

  • Finish: Chromium and black

  • Fitting: ½-inch pipe thread

  • Net Weight: 2 pounds

  • Dimensions: 8" long, 2½" diameter, 3¾" wide (at mount)
The RCA Type 77-B
The RCA Type 77-B
The RCA Type 77-B

“The RCA Uni-Directional Microphone of entirely new design. Uses the exclusive RCA principle of two ribbons (one pressure activated, one velocity activated) in series, to obtain a nearly perfect cardioid pattern and uniform frequency response. This is an excellent microphone that assures good pick-ups under high reverberatory conditions. Particularly good for stage use. Picks up all sounds from the stage, excluding audience and house noises. $130.”

Quoted from a 1938 RCA advertisement.
There are no microphones for sale on this site.

The RCA Type 77-B
The RCA Type 77-B
The RCA Type 77-B
Cover

Download the specification sheet for this mic.
Price is shown for historic purposes only.
Microphones on this site are not for sale.

Next Page button