There was a time that electronic vacuum tube testers were the rage. We dreamed of owning one, but the appliances themseves, along with funds to purchase one, were scarce. Enjoy this ad from 1946–47.
For twenty-five years I enjoyed collecting and using microphones. All became subjects of interest upon this web site. Recently I realized how much I have slowed down, and decided it was time to find a new home for them. As a wife says to her husband in a Continental Airlines commercial announcement, “I’m not gettin’ any younger, ya know.” A day came when a longtime fan of this site emailed me to say, “If you ever decide to sell your collection, please give me a call.” That day has come and gone, and you can see how it looked. As always, thanks for your visits. Yes, my plan to maintain this site is firm. Not only that, but the fellow who bought the mics from me made it clear he will be happy to assume control of this site whenever it becomes appropriate. Perhaps best of all, he knows HTML.
Another addition to the site is a 1960s 12-page Turner Microphone catalog that is downloadable, and focuses on ham and CB radio hand-held high-impedance microphones rather than on broadcast or music-recording mics. Exceptions are the 210A, 220A, 57/57A, and the 400 series.
As the Monty Python gang said occasionally, “And now for something completely different.” Here’s an event that’s special to me. During 2003, the final year of my employment at Pasadena City College, a trio of Music Division students asked if they could come to the Audio Lab where I taught, and involve my students in a project of recording their performance of Mendelssohn’s Trio № 1 in d minor. This sounded like a fine idea, and off we went. It took us a week, and here is the result. But that’s not all. Sufficient interest within the campus populace developed that a public performance was given, and is included in this presentation. Here’s hoping you enjoy it as much as we did in putting it together.
Just added to the site is a 16-page booklet from AKG containing specifications and information about its C line of mics and accessories. Click or touch and you’ll be taken to the list of products covered, and from there you can download if you wish.
Interested in broadcasters from the past? An essay, photos, and a 19-minute report aired by Edward R. Murrow in December of 1943 has been made available for your edification, during which he describes his flight from London to Berlin and back in the heat of war aboard a British Avro Lancaster bomber under cover of darkness. Two linked pages are involved. You can click or touch, and away you will fly.