recordinghacks

BidirectionalNady RSM-2

MSRP: $250 Bidirectional Ribbon Microphone

Nady RSM-2

Description

Modeled after AEA’s classic R84 ribbon mic, the RSM-2 is a large-geometry (50mm x 5mm, 2-micron) ribbon microphone manufactured by Alctron (model HRM-1) and resold under numerous brand names, e.g. the T.Bone RB500 and the PPA R-1.

Reviewers commonly note the mic’s sound as “smooth” and “warm,” and invariably mention the mic’s pronounced proximity effect — worked closer than 8'', the low-end boost can be heavy, which would be useful on some sources but not on others.

As with most Chinese ribbon designs, the RSM-2 reviews well, and can be easily improved with a few modifications, such as stripping out the multiple layers of blast protection, retensioning the ribbon if necessary, and replacing the stock transformer.

The mic ships in a soft padded box. The mic has an integrated yoke mount. Note that the XLR cable is hardwired to the microphone.

The Nady RSM-2 is also known as: RSM2.

Pickup Patterns Pads & Filters
  • Bidirectional (30 - 18,000 Hz)
Ribbon Construction Impedance Max SPL
50x5mm, 2-micron aluminum ribbon 200 Ohms (Low (50-1000 Ohms)) 165 dB
Weight Length Max Diameter Interface(s)
1230g (43.39oz) 185mm (7.28'') 69mm (2.72'')
  • 3-pin XLR male (1)
Power Specifications

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