Rauland W-1247

MoMics view:

This is one of the most beautiful microphones in our collection with stunning art deco styling and an unusual grill construction built up of alternate layers of flat chromed metal plates with spacers in between. The top and bottom of the microphone's body are bakelite and prone to cracking, which is perhaps why few of these mics have survived into the 21st century. It is supported by an elegant chromed yoke which reduces transmission of vibrations and allows the microphone to be tilted back and forth. The motor design is not far from that of an RCA 74B, with two large magnets at the front and a rectangular frame at the rear to hold everything in place and also act as the magnetic return path, which is important to maximise the magnetic flux around the ribbon. The transformer is held in the lower part of the microphone and protected from magnetic radiation by a screening can - this is needed because the bakelite itself does nothing to reduce magnetic interference.

The W-1247 and W-1248 microphones were first designed and built by Webster Chicago the early 1940s, who were then taken over by Rauland in around 1941. The Uni-Vel was advertised in Radio Craft magazine in November 1940.  Presumably the W stands for Webster. But the 1247 in our collection has the later Rauland badge and so dates from after the takeover.

Photographs were taken with the stretched original (?) ribbon in place but a new ribbon was fitted to make recordings. Our W-1247 is a high impedance model and was run into a DI box. Consequently the noise level is a little higher than one would expect from a low impedance microphone.

From Harry Reed Radio Parts Catalog, 1941

"UNI-VEL" UNIDIRECTIONAL MICROPHONES

The W-1248 is an entirely new development in microphones, the result of intensive research by Webster-Chicago microphone engineers. Incorporates true cardioid unidirectional characteristics and is the first cardioid type high level, super-fidelity, wide-angle pick-up microphone offered at a price that is practical for general P.A. installations. Full frequency response of 40 to 9,000 cycles; exceptional sensitivity; cardioid pattern allows placement of microphones 30% closer to speakers, and overcomes sound pick-up problems encountered in practically every type of indoor location. Modern streamlined case, attractively finished in black and polished chrome. Tilts 30 degrees. Complete with "built-in" locking type connector and 25 feet of shielded rubber covered cable.

W-1248 "UNI-VEL" HIGH IMPEDANCE; List Price $49.50

Output level 59 d.b. Net wt. 5 lbs.

W-1248-L "UNI-VEL" LOW IMPEDANCE

For 200 250 ohm inputs. Output level - 63 d.b.

"DUO-VEL" VELOCITY MICROPHONES

The W-1247 is a new velocity (ribbon) microphone developed in Webster-Chicago's laboratories for those special applications where hi-directional characteristics and high quality performance is required. Free from cavity resonance, rugged in construction, and with high output level; highly recommended for stage pick-ups and installations where a microphone is operated close to reproducers. Uses corrugated dural ribbon and special Alnico magnet structure. Frequency response 40-9,000 cycles. Housed in same attractive case as the W-1248. Complete with 25 feet of shielded rubber covered cable.

W-1247 "DUO-VEL" HIGH IMPEDANCE MICROPHONE . List Price $39.50

Output level - 56 d.b. Net wt. 4 lbs.

W-1247-L "DUO-VEL" LOW IMPEDANCE MICROPHONE List Price $39.50

For 200 to 250 ohm inputs. Output level -62 d.b.

Harry Reed Radio Parts Catalog, 1941

Marco has written a nice article about his W-1248 at Vintage Microphone World.