Electro-Voice Model 664 cardioid dynamic microphone
Description and Applications The Electro-Voice Model 664 is a cardioid microphone of the dynamic type with only one moving element. It is designed specifically for public address applications. The cardioid pattern is obtained through use of three sound entrances located in the back of the diaphragm. These three sound entrances, each utilizing the proper acoustical impedance, combine to form one effective back entrance which varies in distance from the diaphragm inversely with frequency. The resulting phase and amplitude conditions produce a uniform cardioid pattern over a wide frequency range. This variable front-to-back distance along with dynamic-type construction affords high resistance to mechanical shock and eliminates proximity effect.
The Model 664 is an all-purpose public address microphone designed to fulfill requirements of wide-range reproduction under a great variety of conditions. Because of its excellent and uniform polar response, it is especially useful in locations where acoustic feedback, ambient noise, and severe reverberation exist. The preferred instrument for serious home and semi-professional recording, the 664 is also an ideal choice for quality sound reinforcement systems, particularly where acoustic problems exist. It is equipped with a pop-proof wire mesh grille which minimizes wind and breath blasts. The Model 664 may be used on a floor or desk stand or carried in the hand. This all-purpose microphone features the exclusive Electro-Voice Acoustalloy® diaphragm. The non-metallic diaphragm permits smooth response over a wide frequency range and withstands high humidity, temperature extremes, severe mechanical shocks, and the corrosive effects of salt air. It is practically indestructible with normal use.
Speciļ¬cations
Generating element: Dynamic.
Frequency response: Uniform from 60 to 15,000 Hz. See Figure 1.
Impedance: 150 ohm and high impedance. 150-ohm impedance is balanced to ground. Microphone is wired for high impedance unless 150 ohm is requested.
Impedance Selection: Selection is made at cable plug. To change from high to 150-ohm impedance, move white lead at terminal 2 to terminal 3. See Figure A.
Polar Pattern: Cardioid, uniform front-to-back discrimination. See Figure 2.
Diaphragm: Electro-Voice Acoustalloy.
Case: Pressure-cast zinc.
Finish: Satin Chrome (available in non-reflecting gray as Model 664A or in decorative gold as Model 664G.
Dimensions: Diameter: 1⅞", maximum. Length: 73/16", not including stud. See Figure 3.
Net Weight: 1 lb., 12 oz., without cable.
Cable: 15 ft. two-conductor, shielded, synthetic rubber jacketed, broadcast type, equipped with Model QC-4M Electro-Voice Quick-Change Connector.
Stand Coupler: ⅝"-27 thread on stud.
Optional Accessories: Model 419 Desk Stand.
IMPEDANCE CHANGES ARE MADE ON CORD PLUG.
PLUG SHELL AND NO. 1 CONTACT ARE GROUNDED. CONTACT NO. 2 HIZ (high impedance setting) CONTACTS NO. 3 AND 4 150 ohms.
Text and illustrations above are from Electro-Voice Engineering Data, Model 664 Cardioid Microphone, Part No. 533180, September, 1966, kindly provided by Mr. Ethan Wetzell, Electro-Voice Technical Services.
Webmaster’s note: At first I was concerned that the Electro-Voice Model 664 would break with tradition on this site, since all other microphones seen on these pages were used or are still being used at broadcast facilities and music recording studios. The 664 does not fit these categories. But after talking with Mr. Ethan Wetzell of the E-V Technical Services staff, I decided to create this page for the 664. Mr. Wetzell’s much-appreciated commentary is quoted immediately below:
Personally, I wouldn’t consider the 664 a studio mic; it was really designed and used for PA applications (although what qualifies as a studio mic is very subjective). As far as broadcast applications, they weren’t widely used for radio, but were relatively popular with hams.
Now, that said, the 664 is the vintage Electro-Voice mic that I probably get the most questions about. I’m not sure if that’s just because of the quantity that are floating around, the way it sounds, or the look of it, but we send out more 664 data sheets than just about any other vintage microphone.
These also have a tendency to turn up in modern pop culture. It seems that at almost any point, I can turn on VH1 or MTV and see these in some music video (most recently, I saw one being used in a video for the band Switchfoot). On their last tour ZZ Top used 664s that had been retrofitted with RE510 capsules (they also used them during the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction special that aired on VH1). In these instances, the appeal is obviously cosmetic, and those (and similar) uses may be one of the things that still drives their popularity.
Because of all this, I would find their presence on your site appropriate. Even though they don’t quite “fit” with the broadcast or studio concept of your site, they were, and continue to be, a very significant microphone in history.
