Western Electric Microphone, Model 47A, Used at WXYZ Radio Station

01

Artifact Overview

Western Electric produced the first commercially available condenser microphone. It was widely used in broadcast, cinema, and studio applications until the mid-1930s, when ribbon microphones were introduced. WXYZ-Radio (whose call letters were WGHP until 1930) was a charter member of the CBS Radio Network, producing popular programs like The Lone Ranger and Green Hornet.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Microphone

Date Made

1928-1935

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

2014.0.17.8

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Brass (Alloy)
Iron alloy
Rubber (Material)
Textile

Dimensions

Height: 17.5 in
Width: 4.5 in
Length: 5 in

Inscriptions

plaque: Trade Mark Western Electric Reg. U.S. Pat. Off. 47-A Amplifier Patent 1223496 . . . 1636765 Made in U.S.A. WXYZ