STC 4033-A Microphone

Made:
1940-1965 in London
maker:
Standard Telephones and Cables PLC
STC (Standard Telephones and Cables) model 4033-A microphone STC (Standard Telephones and Cables) model 4033-A microphone

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STC (Standard Telephones and Cables) model 4033-A microphone
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

STC (Standard Telephones and Cables) model 4033-A microphone
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

STC (Standard Telephones and Cables) model 4033-A microphone, marked "PICC 120", 1940s-1965.

This cardioid composite microphone was produced for the television age. A more directional microphone was required, that would pick up the sound of the action in front of the camera, without the sound of the camera mechanism behind. The area around a microphone from which it can pick up sound is called the polar pattern. By combining the moving coil from the STC 4035 microphone with a ribbon, a cardioid, or heart-shaped, polar pattern can be achieved, which picks up lots of sound from in front, but little from behind the microphone. Thus, the 4033-A was born. This microphone was frequently used as a boom mic for TV production, as well as for outside radio broadcasts, where it was useful for cutting out unwanted background sounds. It has the added advantage of being able to switch between the ribbon and moving coil, or both, to give different polar patterns in different circumstances.

Details

Category:
Television
Collection:
BBC Heritage Collection
Object Number:
2012-5118/428
Materials:
zinc alloy and electronic components
Measurements:
overall: 120 mm x 270 mm x 130 mm, 3 kg
type:
microphone