eight-ball, model 630A microphone
Date: 1936
Inventory Number: RS1113
Classification: Microphone
Subject:
Maker: Western Electric Company (1881 - 1995)
Maker: Bell Telephone Laboratories (1925-present)
Cultural Region:
Dimensions:
6.5 × 6.4 × 6.4 cm (2 9/16 × 2 1/2 × 2 1/2 in.)
Accessories: A green felt storage bag.
Description:
A Western Electric model 630-A microphone, known as an "8 Ball" for its spherical housing. It is a moving coil-type microphone, introduced in 1931.
The pickup side of the device has perforations and a three-pronged mounting housing to which is attached a woven wire accoustic screen or baffle. According to the technical manual, the screen is designed to produce a slight loss in sound, and to reflect sound coming from behind the microphone back to the diaphragm inside the microphone.
The bottom side of the ball has a circular well, with a three-prong electrical connection inside, and stamped, "Western Electric USA / 630-A 3547" around the edge of the well. The bottom also has a small tubular metal bracket mounted on one side.
The bottom side of the ball is marked, "630-A; 3547," indicating that it is a Model 630-A Non-Directional Dynamic Microphone, designed to respond to sound coming from any direction.
The pickup side of the device has perforations and a three-pronged mounting housing to which is attached a woven wire accoustic screen or baffle. According to the technical manual, the screen is designed to produce a slight loss in sound, and to reflect sound coming from behind the microphone back to the diaphragm inside the microphone.
The bottom side of the ball has a circular well, with a three-prong electrical connection inside, and stamped, "Western Electric USA / 630-A 3547" around the edge of the well. The bottom also has a small tubular metal bracket mounted on one side.
The bottom side of the ball is marked, "630-A; 3547," indicating that it is a Model 630-A Non-Directional Dynamic Microphone, designed to respond to sound coming from any direction.
Signedraised letters on back: Western Electric USA; 630-A 3547
FunctionFor capture and transmission of sound.
Primary SourcesFor manuals, photographs and additional information on this microphone, see the following website.
