recordinghacks

Nady RSM-1

Bidirectional Ribbon Microphone

The RSM-1 “Ribbon Studio Microphone” is a Chinese-made passive ribbon mic, based on a low-tension, 50mm x 5mm aluminum ribbon measuring 2 microns in thickness. The same basic ribbon assembly can be found in numerous other “long ribbon/short path” mics, such as Alctron’s HRM-8, aka the Apex 205; find a full explanation of the three motors designs found in Chinese ribbon mics elsewhere on this site.

The RSM-1 appears to be a rebadged Alctron HRM-7A. It is resold under various brand names (although you’ll find subtle differences in the mount, grill size and shape).

A confusing discrepancy in the mic’s SPL specification has been reproduced by numerous resellers. The HRM-7A specs state the max SPL (at 1% THD @ 1000 Hz) as 148dB, and this is echoed in the user guide of the RSM-1, but Nady’s marketing blurb gives a value of 165 dB.

The mic ships with a soft case and integrated stand mount.

The RSM-1’s retail price has not changed since its introduction; MSRP remains at about $199, with a street price of $160.

The Nady RSM-1 is also known as: RSM1.

The mic was released in 2005.

Specifications

Pickup Patterns	Pads & Filters
Bidirectional (2 mV/Pa; 30 - 15,000 Hz)

Ribbon Construction	Impedance	SPL/Noise
2'', 2-micron aluminum ribbon	600 Ohms (Low)	Max SPL: 148 dB

Weight	Length	Max Diameter	Interface(s)
524g (18.48oz)	170mm (6.69'')	55mm (2.17'')	3-pin XLR male (1)

Power Specifications

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