Toshiba Type-A (OB-1028)
This is the Toshiba Type-A OB-1028.
This is the Toshiba Type-A OB-1028. It looks familiar because it is an officially licensed copy of the RCA 44A, and very closely resembles the 44A in appearance, size, build quality, electronic and mechanical design, and ribbon size. It differs in sound quite substantially though, far outperforming the 44A and 44BX in terms of frequency response and detail – it’s pretty astounding.
This particular mic is a beautiful example from 1952, serial number 2. It came with its original wooden case (with matching serial number) and key. The mic had a new ribbon masterfully installed by our friend Cole Suddarth.
| Manufacturer | Toshiba |
|---|---|
| Model | Type-A (OB-1028) |
| Country of Origin | Japan |
| Year | 1940's-50's |
| Microphone Type | Ribbon |
| Polar Pattern | Figure-8 |
Listen
Every instrument in the audio sample below was recorded with a pair of Toshiba Type A ribbon microphones usings Sphere Eclipse preamps into a Burl Mothership A/D. There is no processing at any stage of the recording, other than balancing the levels of each instrument, which were done on a Sphere Eclipse Type III mixing console.