Nady RSM-2

The Nady RSM -2 is one of the most recognizable microphones in the world – and for good reason. It is the main stay of many a hire companies microphone hire stock, including mine. Practically unbreakable, and if you do manage to drop it from a high stage / skyscraper, you can also buy a replacement pop shield. Very suited to rock, or other musical styles that need powerful vocals. Make sure your singers lips are touching the pop shield to get the best results, though, unless they have very good mic technique. The proximity effect (increase in bass when you sing or talk close to the mic) makes this important. If the singer is a foot away from an Nady RSM -2 , the chances are they will sound thin, and you will also have gain before feedback issues...


OVERALL OPINION


Overall its great, Combined with a 421 or a Royer 121, you can get some really nice guitar sounds happening. My Nady RSM -2 seems to have gotten better with age. Since mine is now almost 10 years old, it's hard to say whether a brand new one will have the same magic...but there is a good chance it will. I don't honestly know how you could NOT have at least one of these laying around. A great mic to have around. I've given other microphones in the same price range, (and even some that are pricier) an honest test drive, but I just keep coming back to my RSM. Some of the competitors have a lot more definition and are more sensitive, etc. - but to a fault. I can get right up on this mic and sing as loud as I can and it doesn't get harsh like my other mics do. So, until I find something I like better (and I doubt I will), I will keep on using my RSM..

This is a ribbon mic, which is a dynamic microphone that records with a figure 8 pattern. Ribbon mics were all the rage in the '40s for public performance, but in today's rough and tumble world, I'd recommend keeping this type of microphone for studio use only, as the ribbon is very fragile and would be burned up with if phantom power were accidentally switched on.

The Nady RSM-2 has its own XLR cable attached to the mic and no on or off switch. When not in use, it should be stored upright in its case.

OVERALL OPINION

Ribbon mics record using a different kind of technology than typical dynamic or condenser microphones. For someone looking for a vintage or unique kind of sound, a ribbon mic can sound great on vocals, but the user will have to deal with the figure 8 pattern. I used this mic on one album and was really satisfied with the results because we recorded the vocals in a good sounding room, which this microphone only emphasized since it has a bipolar recording pattern.

That being said, this mic is not fit for all occasions and isn't very versatile; although I've heard people miking drums and guitar cabs with ribbon mics, I wouldn't recommend it because too much moving air can destroy the ribbon. A good pop-filter is a must when using this microphone.

I really liked mine, but in spite of being careful, one day someone accidentally turned on the phantom power and burned up the ribbon inside the microphone. I never bothered to replace it, because even though it sounded and looked cool, it wasn't really versatile enough for me to use in very many situations. I doubt I'll ever buy another ribbon microphone again, but have to say that Nady did produce a decent product in the line of this mic.

The Nady RSM-2 is ribbon microphone designed for use in the studio. I'm sure it can be used as a live mic but I wouldn't recommend using any kind of ribbon mic in a live setting, as they are quite delicate. The mic has a cable connected to it and has a swivel mount for easy placement and movement of the microphone. It isn't made as sturdy or with the best parts as I would like, but for the price it is hard for me to complain. Even if it breaks it is cheap enough that it won't put you into bankruptcy like some of the high end ribbon mics if it breaks of gets stolen. The price makes these mics a viable option for anyone looking to get a ribbon mic.

OVERALL OPINION

I've been using the the Nady RSM-2 ribbon microphone for a little bit less than a year. I find it to be a great option for someone looking to get a decent ribbon sound at a really low cost. This mic has a unique sound that can't be replicated with a condensor or a dynamic, but also isn't anywhere close to your non-China made ribbon microphones like a Royer. It sounds great as a room mic when recording a guitar amp. I also like it on some vocals as it has a unique tone, however it is far from my ideal choice for anyone's vocals. It is what it is - a cheap Chinese made copy that is extremely cheap. I would compare it to any of the other ribbon microphones in this price range, as they are all probably from the same factory! This isn't made with the best parts, nor do I expect it to last as long as some other mics. This being said, it is a cheap option as far as ribbon mics go and sounds pretty good too!