recordinghacks

BidirectionalNady RSM-2

  Street: $190 / MSRP: $250 Bidirectional Ribbon Microphone

Nady RSM-2

Description

Modeled after the AEA R84, the RSM-2 is a bidirectional ribbon microphone sold by Alctron (model HRM-1) and branded variously as the T.Bone RB500, PPA R-1, and more. (The actual manufacturer is probably ShuaiYin; see their model SYR-10.)

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 ribbon motor is known as “long ribbon / short path;” it measures approximately 50mm x 5mm and employs an hourglass-shaped yoke that minimizes the distance sound must travel around the side of the ribbon. Find more detail and analysis of the three ribbon motor types used in Chinese microphones, a RecordingHacks exclusive from Michael Joly.

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.

Specifications

Pickup Patterns Pads & Filters
Bidirectional (-55 dB mV/Pa; 30 - 18,000 Hz)
Ribbon Construction Impedance SPL/Noise
50x5mm, 2-micron aluminum ribbon 200 Ohms (Low) Max SPL: 165 dB
Weight Length Max Diameter Interface(s)
1230g (43.39oz) 185mm (7.28'') 69mm (2.72'')
  • 3-pin XLR male (1)
Power Specifications

Did we get anything wrong on this page?Please let us know!