The Bottom Line
The Nady RSM-4 is a surprise hit -- it's a fine quality ribbon microphone available at an accessible price point. Given the price (and the underwhelming value offerings coming out of many Chinese microphone factories), I was very surprised with the RSM-4's performance. While it's not an RCA 44 or Royer 121, it certainly holds it's own against many microphones two and three times it's price point.
While a ribbon microphone may not be the best choice for every application, it's certainly nice to have around; I found that the RSM-4 added a much-needed flavor to my current microphone collection.
While a ribbon microphone may not be the best choice for every application, it's certainly nice to have around; I found that the RSM-4 added a much-needed flavor to my current microphone collection.
Pros
- Warm, detailed sound.
- Very inexpensive.
- Robust build quality.
Cons
- Somewhat fragile ribbon component.
- Some factory inconsistency reported.
Description
- High-quality, 45mm 6-micron aluminum ribbon element.
- Bi-directional (figure-8) pickup pattern, ideal for mid-side and Blumlein stereo recording with 2 microphones.
- 165db SPL handling; perfect for drum kits and loud guitar amps.
- Frequency response: 30Hz to 18kHz.
- Sensitivity: -55dB(0dB=1V/Pa)
Guide Review - Nady RSM-4 Ribbon Microphone
I've recently been very, very underwhelmed by many of the value-priced microphone selections; maybe it's the fact that I've been spending too much time tracking with high-end gear, but there's just something missing to my ears about a lot of the Chinese bulk-manufactured microphones on the market; they just fall short in so many areas that I'd never rely on them in a serious session. However, my interest was piqued when Nady announced their brand new ribbon microphone line, including the RSM-4.Ribbon microphones are relatively simple pieces of electronics. The ribbon itself -- usually made from a type of aluminum -- is stretched within a magnetic housing. They're very similar to dynamic microphones in that they offer high SPL levels and don't require phantom power, except they offer many sound traits usually reserved for condenser mics, including an extended high-frequency reproduction and accuracy of texture.
The Nady RSM-4 is a no-frills microphone; packaged simply and including only a mic clip accessory and storage box, it sounds fantastic right out of the box.
Acoustic guitar shimmers with very accurate high-end reproduction (the low end is accurate and boomy, sometimes too much so, but that may have more to do with positioning than the mic itself). Guitar amp sounds heavy and crunchy, and a little EQing in the low-mids puts the mic in competition with the Royer 121 I tend to favor (although the Royer still exhibits better low-end control and high-mid accuracy). Vocals sound good, but instruments are where the RSM-4 shines. On drum kit, the RSM-4 sounds great on high-hat (especially brittle, cheap-sounding hats) and on ride.
The best part is the price -- recently, the RSM-4 has been priced as low as $69! This cheap, it's well worth getting two to use as a stereo pair; they'll meet and exceed your expectations at this price.
