The Photophone Type PB-46
Ribbon Transmitter
(MI-3017, prototype velocity microphone)
![PB-46 before restoration](https://coutant.org/pb46/5.jpg)
Photo courtesy of John Madison
![PB-46 before restoration](https://coutant.org/pb46/7.jpg)
Photo courtesy of John Madison
![PB-46 before restoration](https://coutant.org/pb46/6.jpg)
Photo courtesy of John Madison
![PB-46 before restoration](https://coutant.org/pb46/4.jpg)
Photo courtesy of John Madison
![PB-46 before restoration](https://coutant.org/pb46/1.jpg)
Photo courtesy of John Madison
![PB-46 before restoration](https://coutant.org/pb46/2.jpg)
Photo courtesy of John Madison
![PB-46 before restoration](https://coutant.org/pb46/3.jpg)
Photo courtesy of John Madison
Jim Webb writes:
“This is definitely a PB-46. It has the large flange on the bottom of the yoke which the early 44-A mics had. It is missing the shock mount that would go with the mic.ĘThis is serial number 1030 (Number 30), and my guess is that there were not more than a few hundred made. Since there is little or no literature available, many collectors do not even know it exists. My understanding is that the PB-46 was really the very first model of the (permanent magnet) 44-A (very early thirties), coming after the field coil-driven PB-31. I have never seen documentation on it other than a handwritten note I received from an RCA engineer describing it as such. Its main distinguishing characteristic is that it has a covered terminal block in the back where the cable attached. It was quickly replaced by the 44-A and its variations.”
Following the restoration of this microphone by Silvia Classics, the folks there provided these photos of their work so that all may enjoy. We appreciate their generosity.
![Restored Type PB-46](https://coutant.org/pb46/5250.jpg)
Photo courtesy of Silvia Classics Microphones
![Restored Type PB-46](https://coutant.org/pb46/5259.jpg)
Photo courtesy of Silvia Classics Microphones
![Restored Type PB-46](https://coutant.org/pb46/5254.jpg)
Photo courtesy of Silvia Classics Microphones
![Restored Type PB-46](https://coutant.org/pb46/5251.jpg)
Photo courtesy of Silvia Classics Microphones
![Restored Type PB-46](https://coutant.org/pb46/5258.jpg)
Photo courtesy of Silvia Classics Microphones