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DIY Audio Components RM-5

Bidirectional Ribbon Microphone

The RM-5 is a passive ribbon microphone with a figure-of-8 polar pattern.

Although simple in appearance, it is built by hand using high-quality components and a level of attention somewhat uncommon in microphones at this price point.

The ribbon motor is DIYAC’s RE-154, available separately to do-it-yourself ribbon mic enthusiasts. Its Neodymium magnets surround a 2-inch, 2.5-micron corrugated ribbon made of Japanese aluminum. The assembly is held together in a chassis made of polycarbonate plastic.

The motors are hand-built and tuned by DIYAC staff.

The mic’s output transformer is the Edcor RMX-1, a 1:37 design made in the US with 80% nickel-alloy laminations and high-grade insulated copper magnet wire. It was chosen following an extensive round of auditions against competitive models.

These components are housed in a stainless-steel tube that is machined in Riga, Latvia. The tube is polished to a matte finish.

Through September 8, 2011, the RM-5 is available at introductory pricing of €199 (a 33% discount from MSRP).

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The mic was released in 2011.

Specifications

Pickup Patterns	Pads & Filters
Bidirectional (n/a mV/Pa; 35 - 15,000 Hz)

Ribbon Construction	Impedance	SPL/Noise
Length: 52mm Width: 5mm Gauge: 2.5 microns	250 Ohms (Low)

Weight	Length	Max Diameter	Interface(s)
350g (12.35oz)	195mm (7.68'')	28mm (1.10'')	3-pin XLR male (1)

Power Specifications

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