The Electro-Voice Model 667
cardioid dynamic mic and preamplifier
Obviously the original UA-3-11 and UA-3-12 connectors have been replaced with XLRs.
This one has the original connectors. Our thanks to Jim Steele for this photo.
Quoted from the Electro-Voice Model 667 Microphone Specifications sheet, Part No. 53471
Model 667 Variable Response Cardioid—This all-purpose microphone fulfills requirements of wide-range reproduction under a great variety of acoustic conditions. The 667 combines the same excellent cardioid operations of the Model 666, with an in-line transistor preamplifier with bass, treble and presence controls providing 40 distinct frequency response characteristics. Maximum output level: 50 ohms, −30 dB; 150 ohms, −32 dB; 250 ohms, −33 dB. Microphone specifications and accessories are similar to those of the Model 666 except response: 35-16,000 cps; finish brown and gold. Preamplifier noise level −123 dB referred to input. Controls: Bass (four-position: +3 dB, flat; −5 dB, −9 dB at 100 cps); Treble (five-position: +9 dB, +6 dB, +3 dB, flat; −6 dB at 10 kc); Gain (four-position). Power On-Off switch. Long-life mercury battery supplied. Steel case, brushed chrome finish. Size: 9 inches long, 37⁄8 inches wide, 311⁄23 inches high. Net weight: 31⁄4 pounds. Supplied with 50-foot cable, UA-3-11, UA-3-12 connectors; 20-foot cable with UA-3-11 connector. Hardwood carrying case for complete unit. When originally offered, the list price was $600 including the microphone. Webmaster’s note: The unit pictured on this page arrived not in a hardwood carrying case, but in a steel box as shown, has been modified to accommodate a contemporary nine-volt battery, and as mentioned elsewhere, has had its UA-3 type audio connectors replaced with XLRs.
Webmaster’s note: Some time ago Mr. Jack Bayha wrote the following item for publication. He may have worked for The Voice of Music in Benton Harbor, Michigan prior to the nineteen eighties. The piece is entitled Versatility Plus, and includes images similar to those seen on this web page. Any information about Mr. Bayha would be greatly appreciated.
Versatility Plus
by Jack Bayha
A new microphone aimed at answering every recording need with widely reliable frequency response has been introduced by Electro-Voice, Inc., Buchanan, Michigan. This is the 667, a cardioid dynamic mike, with a transistorized preamplifier.
The E-V 667 is the result, we suspect, of repeated listening on the part of the E-V Sales Department to requests for a higher level output, a lower level output, more highs, more lows, less lows, and other assorted recording studio requests. Based on the widely used and popular 666, the 667 represents their answer to the need for a widely flexible high fidelity recording microphone of the finest quality. It has variable frequency response and a noise level of −123 dbm referred to input.
We heard about the E-V 667 well before it was public knowledge, and wondered just how it was possible to do all the things we had heard it would do. Of course the answer was obvious: use a transistor amplifier, have it equipped with variable output levels, and some controls. As far as we can ascertain, the E-V 667 is merely a 666 with a transistor amplifier, but what this little chrome-plated box can do is fabulous.
We had an E-V 667 in our possession for a month, and ran it through our usual tests. This was not easy, however. Where in the past we could rate a microphone for its high frequency response and its low end, we found we could make these most anything we wanted merely by turning a couple of switches. Where in the past we could measure a microphone’s output, with the 667 we could turn a switch and get levels which would overload any microphone input we wanted to. Needless to say, we took it out in the field, and find ourselves a strong advocate of this type of versatility. We could get anything response-wise we wanted, from flat to the exaggerated high end common to a certain capacitor mike now in high favor. From its very plush carrying case to its rich gold-plated screening we found it to be a terrific microphone, and certainly a wonderful device for the recordist who can afford its price tag, although it does cost less than any other unit we can think of with its performance and truly amazing versatility. The price is $600 list, user net less than $375.
It has one performance limitation not common to other mikes, in that it cannot be operated at temperatures in excess of 90 degrees without impairing its wide dynamic range, although the microphone will not be damaged. But shucks, that’s too hot to record in anyway! We have taken curves of the microphone, and the charts from our own sources closely match the manufacturer’s claim.
In conclusion, we feel that this is the answer to all those recordists who want versatility, quality performance, and can afford what looks like the best yet.
Download the Specifications for this mic and preamp.
