RSM-4 or RSM-5

[DavidNJ]

My first ribbon mics...I will try a Blumlein pair. Expect to remove the inner grill and change the transformer.

The specs say they vary in ribbon but reports are they have the same ribbon but vary in basket design.

1) Do they have the same ribbon?

2) Which basket is better (primarily vocals, but some instrumentals)?

3) Is there a convenient source for replacement ribbons?

4) Is a mic amp needed, and if so are their any good ones in that price range? Is the Nady DSM-4 (which is battery powered) any good?

Thanks,

David

 

[Paj]

RSM-4: 45mm, 6-micron thick aluminum ribbon

RSM-5: 45mm, 2-micron thick aluminum ribbon

I have a pair of each. There is an immediately audible difference between the two. IMHO. the RSM-4 has an SM57 quality to it and is not as airy as the RSM-5. Search this site and you'll get a lot of info/opinions for each mic. You might want to try the link below and read what M. Joly posted about the RSM-5 in the reviews:

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Nady-RSM5-Ribbon-Studio-Microphone?sku=277401

Paj
8^)

 

[DavidNJ]

Mike says the ribbons are the same on his website: http://www.oktavamodshop.com/product_info.php?cPath=1_24&products_id=105

However, do the baskets make a difference? Is there a ready source of better ribbons. I have seen that people use either the $66 Lundahl or $22 Edcor transformers.

The two are very similar. I figure to adjust the ribbon tension, maybe remove the inner mesh, and change the transformer. Later, I may send them to Mike.

 

[The549]

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&...&q=psn+ribbon+mic+shootout+rsm+4&btnG=Search4

hear 'em.

 

[DavidNJ]

Well that was a good clip, even if it was buried at the 30 minute mark. I downloaded it and watched it in a spectral analysis in Adobe Audition. You could really see the difference and the RSM-5 was clearly a bit better low and high then the RSM-4, although it one case, on the spectral analysis, the RSM-4 looked better low.

Now these were mics modified by Mike Joy. I am sure I can't modify a mic as well as Mike Joy just as I'm sure I can't play baseball as well as Derek Jeter or race stock cars as well as Jeff Gordon. However, ribbon mics are simple and removing some of the secondary meshes in the head basket and changing the transformer should be possible. However, Mike also changes the primary mesh, modifies the baffle (I believe), and changes the ribbon itself.

Do you know where it is possible to buy the lightweight replacement ribbons?

Thanks,

David

P.S.
Do these have the same 22mm bodies as the Cascade Fat Boy and small condensers?

P.P.S.
The spectral analysis shows the RSM-4 vs. the RSM-5. The differences sound just as they look