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Electro-Voice Model 664 Microphone Vintage 1956 Made in USA & Cable - $325 (Brookline)
condition: excellent
delivery available
make / manufacturer: Electro-Voice EV
model name / number: Model 664
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Some history…
This iconic microphone was given the nickname “Buchanan Hammer” due to its phenomenally rugged design and construction. The story behind the nickname: During his legendary microphone lectures, the late Lou Burroughs (one of the founders of EV) would beat a 664 against a 2 x 4, and/or use it to hammer nails into a board, and then plug it in and use it for the rest of his presentation. The Buchanan part of the moniker refers to the town in Michigan where the company was headquartered for decades.
Introduced in 1954, the 664 sports a cool “Art Deco” design, with a sleek yet curvy chrome body that evokes the popular automobile tailfins of the period. Inside is some serious technology.
The single-element cardioid, dynamic type mic is the first model to incorporate the company’s patented Variable-D design.
Variable-D (“Variable Distance”) uses three ports to cancel sound from the rear, while the side ports (slots located on the sides) are coupled to the back of the diaphragm and help cancel high-frequency sounds.
The hole on the top (located toward the front of the body’s “raised spine”) works the same as the side ports, but has a longer path and added filters to affect mid frequencies. The single hole at the rear of the spine has a longer path and more filtering to address low frequencies.
This all combines to give the mic good pattern control over a wide frequency range and a reduced proximity effect. An ad from 1961 states “The 664 does not BOOM when performer crowds microphone.”
The microphone utilizes a 4-pin EV screw-on connector, which allows for a super-solid and reliable connection.
Specs:
Transducer Type: Dynamic, non-metallic Acoustalloy diaphragm
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Frequency Response: 40 Hz – 15 kHz
Sensitivity: -55 dB at 150 ohms
Nominal Impedance: Switchable high impedance or 150 ohms
Size: 7 3/16 x 1 7/8 inches
Weight: 1.75 pounds
The 664 is used for live and studio vocal recording, as well as live and studio miking of acoustic guitars, guitar amps, horns, and drums. It’s an incredibly versatile microphone.
Favored by an eclectic group of pro musicians, including Bob Dylan, Jr. Walker, Thomas Brenneck, and countless others - from the 1950s to today - the 664 has earned a well-deserved spot as one of the most beloved microphones in musical history.
Importantly, included is a brand new low-Z, 21-foot cable that was custom-made for it by one of the best boutique cable manufacturers in the United States. It’s phenomenally well-constructed.
Wonderfully weighted at almost two pounds, this microphone is a treasure.
- Do NOT contact this poster with unsolicited services or offers.