salt-shaker microphone
Date1938-1940
Inventory NumberRS1110
ClassificationMicrophone
Subject
Manufacturer
Western Electric Company
1869 - 1995
Supplier
Bell Telephone Laboratories
1925-present
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensions19 x 8.4 x 7.2 cm (7 1/2 x 3 5/16 x 2 13/16 in.)
Material
Bibliography
DescriptionThis microphone, following the eight-ball model, was a dynamic mic that was omni directional to 15 kHz. The top of the microphone has a dome-shaped end on which there are three projecting, protective fins. These fins, according to the advertisement pamphlet, strengthen the protective grid over the diaphragm and protect the face of the microphone.
This microphone could be suspended by its cord or mounted on a stand. The swivel joint under the microphone enables the angle to be varied on the stand from the vertical to the horizontal position.
The diaphram was specially developed by Bell Telephone Laboratories.
Its nickname, Salt Shaker, comes from its resemblance to the familiar kitchen accessory.
This microphone could be suspended by its cord or mounted on a stand. The swivel joint under the microphone enables the angle to be varied on the stand from the vertical to the horizontal position.
The diaphram was specially developed by Bell Telephone Laboratories.
Its nickname, Salt Shaker, comes from its resemblance to the familiar kitchen accessory.
In Collection(s)
Signedbottom of instruments: Western Electric USA 633A
Inscribedinside connector: I G 2 / RBW
FunctionThis microphone was used at Harvard for acoustic experiments. Outside of academia, this microphone was widely used by amateurs, institutions, and professional radio broadcasting companies. As the advertisement says: "Convenient mountings, adaptability, small size, light weight, ruggedness and quality of performance add to its desirability. The 633A will be particularly welcome for use with sound systems in schools, in restaurants, in hotels and in hospitals, by radio telephone amateurs and in commercial broadcasting, particularly for all remote pick-ups."
Western Electric Company
Date: 1935-1940
Object number: 1998-1-1313
Western Electric Company
Date: 1936
Accessories: A green felt storage bag.
Object number: RS1113
Western Electric Company
Date: 1936
Object number: RS0484
Altec Lansing
Date: 1960-1965
Object number: 2015-1-0002
Western Electric Company
Date: circa 1935
Object number: WJ0361
General Radio Company
Date: circa 1984
Accessories: Microphone storage case of wood and plastic
Object number: 1999-1-0082
