recordinghacks

BidirectionalNady RSM-4

MSRP: $130 Bidirectional Ribbon Microphone

Nady RSM-4

Description

The RSM-4 is a large-geometry ribbon mic of Chinese origin, sold by Alctron to Nady, Cascade, and various other rebadgers. Alctron’s model name is HRM-15.

Nady’s website claims that the ribbon measures 45mm in length and 6 microns in thickness. Alctron’s site gives different numbers: 35mm and 2.5 microns. Whether these are simple misprints or actual configuration differences are unknown, although Michael Joly has stated that the ribbon magnets measure only 35mm.

Alctron gives the max SPL as 148dB, compared to Nady’s 165 dB. Note that it’s practically impossible to generate a 165dB test signal, so Nady’s figure is theoretical.

The mic ships with a leatherette bag and a mic clip. It carries a warranty that expires upon receipt — as the User Guide puts it, “the warranty on this microphone does not extend beyond an initial inspection, since these microphones can be so easy damaged during handling and use.”


At its introduction, the RSM-4 had an MSRP of $399.95. The price has since fallen to about $130 list, $80 street.

The Nady RSM-4 is also known as: RSM4.

The mic was released in 2005.

Pickup Patterns Pads & Filters
  • Bidirectional (30 - 18,000 Hz)
Ribbon Construction Impedance Max SPL
45mm, 6-micron aluminum ribbon 200 Ohms (Low (50-1000 Ohms)) 165 dB
Weight Length Max Diameter Interface(s)
794g (28.01oz) 165mm (6.50'') 76mm (2.99'')
  • 3-pin XLR male (1)
Power Specifications

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