General The SM5B has been specifically designed to minimize boom microphone problems in television and motion picture sound stage and location recording. It was painstakingly developed to provide extremely high reproduction quality and great flexibility of application. A hum-bucking coil assures low susceptibility to electrical hum and allows the SM5B to be used in extreme hum fields.
Features
Mechanical suspension: Two-stage mechanical isolation for any boom application. Suspension elements internal to windscreen prevent wind noise generation in suspension assembly; external shock assembly prevents transmission of boom or stand noise to microphone.
Integral windscreen: Very effective in outdoor locations and for fast boom swings.
Frequency response: Wide range, smooth and natural, specially tailored for dialog and vocal pickup with excellent presence, yet well-suited to scoring assignments.
Hum-bucking coil: Assures low susceptibility to electrical hum, permits use in extreme hum fields.
Directivity: Cardioid, symmetrical about axis and exceptionally uniform with frequency. Minimizes sound coloration due to off-axis pickup. Provides effective rejection of background noise and excellent reach.
Rugged and dependable under all operating conditions. Cartridge and isolation assembly protected by outer windscreens and steel reinforcing rods.
Because of its unusual mechanical construction and performance characteristics, the SM5B may be used to advantage in many applications where boom operation is not practical: for example, with an accessory desk stand for outdoor sports and other difficult remote pickups.
Specifications
Type: Dynamic
Frequency Response: 50 to 15,000 Hz (see Figure 1)
Polar Pattern: Cardioid (unidirectional)—uniform with frequency, symmetrical about axis (see Figure 2)
Impedance: Microphone rating impedance is 150 ohms (160 ohms actual) for connection to micro- phone inputs rated at 19 to 300 ohms
Output Level (at 1,000 Hz) Open circuit voltage equals –78.0 dB (.13 mV)¹ Power Level equals –56.0 dB² ______________________ ¹ zero dB = 1 volt per microbar ² zero dB = 1 milliwatt per 10 microbars
Hum Pickup (typical): 24 dB equivalent SPL per milliœrsted
Houston, Texas afternoon drive radio personality Jordan Williams collects and restores SM5B microphones, and shares these remarks with us. “I have had the opportunity to work with our chief engineer on console wiring, STL paths, transmitters, phasors, punch blocks and everything in between. I am currently studying for a degree in RF Engineering. My goal is to become SBE certified and chief engineer of a cluster, yet continue to do air work. Radio has always been a dream of mine, and I cannot imagine doing anything else.”
Yet another fine-looking SM5B.
KPCC’s Doug Johnson with a fine old Shure Model SM5B unidirectional microphone. Introduced in 1966 and discontinued in 1986, at one time the SM5B was popular with broadcasters. Following his graduation from Pasadena City College and Cal State Long Beach, Doug began his professional career in radio at KMPC until he was hired to become KPCC’s director of production and operations. Currently he serves as Vice President of Operations and Technology for KPCC. Doug also teaches audio production at Pasadena City College.
On-air host Mike Sakellarides uses an SM5B in the KOST air studio.
The KBIG (Los Angeles) air studio equipment includes an SM5B.
Earl Bullock and Maurice Mischook in the KBIG production studio.
The following six photos were obtained through the courtesy of ProStudioConnection.
