Reslo RV

The Reslo RV was launched shortly after World War 2 and stayed in production until around 1956 when it was superseded by the RB model. RV is likely to stand for Ribbon Velocity. The RV shares a grill design with the unidirectional(ish) UR model.

The following description appeared in Wireless World in July 1950, following an exhibition organised by the British Sound Recording Association in London from the 20th to 21st May.

"Another interesting design at the Show was the Reslo Type RV ribbon microphone in which the output is maintained at a high level, though the overall size has been very considerably reduced; the cylindrical case measures only 2 in in diameter and 2.375 in long. The ribbon is only 2 microns thick, but can be easily replaced as it is mounted in an interchangeable bakelite sub-frame. Response is flat within 12 db from 40-8,000 Hz."

The internal workings of the RV were revised at least twice during its lifetime. The earliest versions used a single cast magnet with quite a complex shape and a removable frame to hold the ribbon (picture, right). This was replaced with pair of medium sized horseshoe magnets (left).

The third iteration used a shorter ribbon and three U-shaped magnets at the rear. This final design found its way into the RB and CR models.

A Reslo RV ribbon microphone appears on the cover of the record "If You Want My Lovin" by Gene Vincent, released in 1961.

From the RV manual:

• Diameter: 50 mm
• Length: 82 mm
• Weight 24 ozs. (700 gr.) 18 ft. cable set 16 ozs. (400 gr.)
• Finish, Grey and Chrome.
• Thread for stand attachment :
• 1/2" x 26 threads (British standard); or
• 5/8" x 27 threads (American standard)
• Output impedances :
  • Code RV-A 30/50 ohms. Colour dot on plug base-White
  • Code RV-B 200/250 ohms. Colour dot on plug base-Green
  • Code RV-C 500/600 ohms. Colour dot on plug base-Blue
  • Code RV-D 10,000 ohms. Colour dot on plug base-Yellow
  • Code RV-H Hi-Z (Direct to grid). Colour dot on plug base-Red

From Wireless World, July 1950, p258

"Another interesting design at the Show was the Reslo Type RV ribbon microphone in which the output is maintained at a high level, though the overall size has been very considerably reduced ; the cylindrical case measures only 2 inches in diameter and 2 inches long. The ribbon is only 2 microns thick, but can be easily replaced as it is mounted in an interchangeable bakelite sub-frame. Response is flat within ±2db from 40 - 8,000 Hz."

A discussion of the Reslo RV and UR models at the Xaudia blog

View the Reslo RV manual.