National VM-1
Manufacturer:
NationalModel:
VM-1Country of Manufacture:
JapanMicrophone Type:
RibbonPolar Pattern:
Figure 8Production Start Year:
1960Rarity:
4
Audio Recording:
Nylon string guitar recorded with a National VM-1 ribbon microphone.
Multiple quality options available
Frequency Response:
Microphone History:
Matsushita aka National aka Panasonic
Japan is perhaps less well known for ribbon microphones than the USA, UK and Germany, but many excellent Japanese ribbon microphones were made in the post-WW2 era from the late 1940s through to the 1970s.
The company that is now known as Panasonic was founded by Konosuke Matsushita, who was born on November 27, 1894 in Wasamura, Japan. He founded that Matshishita Electrical Company in 1917, making electrical sockets and bicycle lights. From 1923 onwards Matsushita traded under the brand 'National', and began manufacturing radio equipment in 1931. The Panasonic brand name appeared on some Matsushita products intended for export from 1955. Today most of their products are sold under the Panasonic brand. Several ribbon microphones appeared under the Matsushita and National brands, including the VM1 and WM series. Many of these mics are quirky with unusual aesthetic and technical features.
For our museum, we have grouped all of these together under the 'National' brand, even if they have a Matsushita badge.
Technical Description:
From the original manual, translated from Japanese
This newly designed, compact, high-performance velocity microphone
features an elegant appearance, shock-resistant construction, a swivel head, and a retractable stand, making it extremely easy to use.
Its high sensitivity (-69dB) and vibration foil protection device (patent pending) are particularly noteworthy features, allowing it to be used as a high-performance mobile microphone, something that was not possible with conventional velocity microphones.
The output impedance of this microphone is set to 600 ohms, allowing it to be used farther away from the amplifier.
Includes a 10m single-core shielded captive cable.
Precautions for Use
- The vibration amplifier is designed to be in perfect condition. Disassembling it may affect its sensitivity and characteristics. Please exercise caution.
- Do not apply DC current to this unit. Connecting it to a carbon microphone jack will damage the microphone.
- When connecting the cord to the amplifier's power outlet, connect the positive wire to the positive side and the shielded wire to the other side.
- This is a high-quality product, so handle it with care.
