Microphone, ribbon microphone

BBC Marconi 'Type A' microphone and stand c. 1934.

Even with the BBC logo removed, this microphone is still recognisable from its characteristic lozenge shape. BBC Marconi Type A microphones and its variants were widely used by the BBC from the 1930s until the late 1950s. Through this legendary microphone thousands spoke, and millions listened. They came to symbolise the corporation's broadcast tradition and global reach, as well as being the icon for audio in nearly all computer software.

The Type A was first developed by Dr. Francis William Alexander at the BBC Engineering Research Department and manufactured by the Marconi company. The state-of-the-art microphone was simply constructed, had excellent sonic performance, was relatively low cost and easy to maintain. They were inspired by RCA ribbon microphones from the United States, which were used mostly in film making. As these were far too expensive for the BBC to purchase in the large numbers it needed as a national radio broadcaster, it decided to design its own.

The new design was first introduced into the BBC's London studios toward the end of 1934, where it was tested. Its double sided property was particularly useful for drama and discussion work as artists could sit opposite rather than next to each other, unlike many other microphones. The Type A became the standard studio microphone in 1936 and was rolled out to the regions. It was also the first ribbon microphone to be mass-produced in Britain, at a cost of only £9 each.

This particular Type A microphone and stand were used at Broadcasting House in Portland Place, Marylebone. Designed in the modernist style by architect George Val Myer, the BBC Headquarters opened in 1931.