Old Radio Shack Electret Cardoid question

[revnet]

I have a question about an old Realistic Low Imp Back Electret Cardoid mic model 33-1080. I know this mic has been discussed here before so I'm hoping someone knows the answer.

There is a little switch inside the mic near the battery compartment labeled "M" and "V". What is this for and how do I know which to use?

Thanks,

Jim
myspace.com/realityshowmusic

 

[whyseye]

I think those stand for Music and Voice, respectively.....not sure exactly what they change, though....polar pattern, or frequency range, or what....

 

[pezking]

Typically, yes they stand for music and voice. Certainly in the case of Sony and Sennheiser mics.

In these two mics (and I have to assume in the mic in question) it activates a Low Cut/High Pass filter to compensate for bass tip up (proximity effect).

Music will have no cut, Voice will have the low cut - probably a 6 or 12dB per octave roll off at something around 120Hz or less.

 

[revnet]

That's kind of what I had always thought but I was never sure.

Jim

 

[Harvey Gerst]

The Radio Shack 33-1080 is a re-badged Sony ECM- 22 or 23 with a Radio Shack logo. Put a 12 volt cigarette lighter battery on there and the sound will amaze you.

 

[timboZ]

The Radio Shack 33-1080 is a re-badged Sony ECM- 22 or 23 with a Radio Shack logo. Put a 12 volt cigarette lighter battery on there and the sound will amaze you.

What kind of battery, I have a 33-1080 and it takes a AA battery.

 

[Harvey Gerst]

What kind of battery, I have a 33-1080 and it takes a AA battery.

They make a 6 volt and a 12 volt battery in an AA diameter.

 

[bgavin]

Wow, I thought I was the only one other than Harvey who still has a pair of these. Mine are kept in the original boxes (wrapped with nylon filament tape), and still work great.

Thanks for the tip on the 12v battery.

 

[timboZ]

I also have this RatShack Stereo mic. I may give it a try with a 12v battery.

 

[mrmoe]

ecm 22p

the Sony ecm 22p takes a 206 battery, but works very well with phantom power.....I often use a pair of them for acoustic guitar recording....I also picked up a pair of c-22 fet mics, but these will not function with phantom power, so I'll probably get rid of them.....the ecm 22p is an incredible sounding mic!.....and yes, the m and v stand for music and voice....I probably have a few copies of the original owner's manual if you need any information.