SC-5C Uniaxial Cardioid Ribbon Microphone
Technology
The SC-5C is a fusion of two systems: the magnetic circuit, the acoustic circuit, and the mechanical integration of these into a modern case design.
The magnetic circuit is comprised of new yoke and pole piece construction with current magnetic material providing high gauss air gap flux density.
The acoustic circuit consists of a diffuser horn with baffles in front of a 2 micron corrugated ribbon and a new acoustic chamber with redesigned labyrinth. The acoustic chamber is ported to allow for proper phase shifting. The labyrinth creates acoustic impedance over a substantial part of the frequency range. This physical separation of the front and rear of the labyrinth provide superior unidirectional characteristics.
The directional characteristics of the SC-5C take on a cardioid pattern with at least an18 dB front-to-back ratio. The high frequency directional properties have been improved in reception angle and front-to-back ratio.
Wind noise sensitivity and blast filtering is improved by an upgraded microphone screen covering the ribbon motor assembly.
Complementing the new styling, the SILVIA CLASSICS SC-5C features improved acoustic performance, enhanced directional pattern, and decreased wind sensitivity.
The microphone’s maximum sensitivity lies on the single mechanical (Uniaxial) front axis to allow for simplified cardioid microphone placement.
The moving element of the new SILVIA CLASSICS SC-5C microphone is a thin, corrugated, metallic ribbon clamped under tension. The material is the same as that as used by RCA in their BK-5. It vibrates in near perfect symphony with most all sound waves it intercepts. Placed between the pole pieces of a magnetic circuit, the face of the ribbon is exposed to its front address opening while the rear side operates into an acoustic chamber and labyrinth.
Phase shift openings in the overall labyrinth essentially cancel the back wave to give the instrument its cardioid characteristics. The ribbon element is protected by a double layer blast filter so that the ribbon is protected from loud transients without impairing its sensitivity.
The new alloy transformer improves the frequency response and reduces the loading factor. Its 250 ohm output operates easily into a 1000 ohm input source.
The SC-5C offers an improved acoustic chamber, blast filter, higher output and higher top end. The smooth, warm, and clean midrange is accomplished by a fine tuned labyrinth to provide a tighter acoustic match.
While retaining the same basic BK-5A/B silhouette, the microphone head is improved to accept a wider dispersion and more “free air” for improved cardioid performance. Its weight is about 2/3 of the original.
The new diffusion horn and acoustic chamber with blast baffling, along with a new acoustic labyrinth, upgrade the microphone to new standards for a cardioid microphone.
The mechanical integration provides a cover for the motor assembly with appropriate cut-outs using a wide mesh screen. The body houses the acoustic labyrinth as well as the transformer with a mu-metal shield. The end cap allows for a male connector mount. Connection is made to the XLR connector with a cable stub or cord so there is no cable stowage problem.
The shock mount is the “tried and true” condenser type design to allow for complete microphone positioning and isolation. A matching desk stand with clip is also available.
The microphone is defined as Uniaxial because of its unidirectional characteristics along the axis. The cardioids’ pattern results in a much greater focus to the sound source and allows a simple front address.
This product is custom crafted in the U.S.A. by SILVIA CLASSICS, a trusted name in repair and restoration of ribbon microphones for nearly 20 years. This microphone has been designed and tested to provide a superior product that is truly an embodiment of the ingenuity, artistry and legacy of RCA.
Unlike many ribbon microphones available in today’s marketplace, The SC-5C is built for the long haul: it is fully repairable in the event of damage or re-calibration. Parts are always .available at SILVIA CLASSICS