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LicenseSTC 4035 Microphone (modified for Big Ben)
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
STC 4035 Microphone (modified for Big Ben)
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
STC 4035 Microphone (modified for Big Ben)
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
STC 4035 Microphone (modified for Big Ben)
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
STC 4035 Microphone (modified for Big Ben)
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, London
STC 4035 Microphone (modified for Big Ben)
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, London
STC 4035 Microphone (modified for Big Ben)
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, London
STC 4035 Microphone (modified for Big Ben)
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, London
STC 4035 Microphone (modified for Big Ben)
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, London
STC 4035 Microphone (modified for Big Ben)
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, London
STC 4035 Microphone (modified for Big Ben)
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, London
An STC 4035 microphone, made by Standard Telephone and Cables Ltd, about 1950. Modified for broadcasting the chimes of Big Ben, with a special mounting spigot fitted on the back for use directly below the bell.
When the BBC first started in 1922, the hourly chimes were actually played by the announcer on a set of chime bells in the studio. But the chimes of Big Ben were considered both accurate markers of time and a symbol of Britishness itself, so it seemed natural to broadcast Big Ben’s bongs on New Year’s Eve 1923. BBC engineer A.G. Dryland recorded the sound from a roof opposite the Houses of Parliament, catching some traffic noise in the process. The chimes striking midnight to ring in a new year is still a key feature of New Year’s Eve broadcasting in the UK.
Later, a modified microphone was installed in the Elizabeth Tower underneath Big Ben and connected to Broadcasting House. This meant that the chimes could be broadcast throughout the day, keeping everyone on time. This STC 4035 microphone is one that was used for broadcasting the chimes. Engineers had to experiment to find the right balance between the sensitivity of the microphone, and how far away it needed to be placed to get a clear sound without background noise. This mic has quite a low sensitivity, so it could be placed in the tower right under the bell. The BBC broadcasting the ringing sequence as part of its worldwide programming means that Big Ben is one of the most famous clocks in the world.
Cardboard box to contain the STC 4035 microphone that broadcast the chimes of Big Ben.
