Here’s the best selection of OLD CLASSIC VINTAGE PROP MICROPHONES FOR RENT you’ll find anywhere! Vintage microphone rentals for film, television, stage, theatre, radio plays, commercials, advertising, photography, etc… with many types, styles and eras to choose from. Many of these old classic rental mics are ACTUALLY WORKING, and are suitable for live performances or vocal recording. So, if you’re looking for somewhere to rent a vintage microphone, you’ve come to the right place!
Available microphones include:
1920s era carbon suspension ring microphone for rent
Made: c. 1920s
Manufacturer: Unknown (made in U.S.A.)
Type: Single-button carbon
One of the earliest types of microphones, the single-button carbon microphone was based on early telephone technology, and were used for radio broadcasting and public address systems. It quickly became obsolete when the ribbon microphone was invented by Harry Olsen in the late 1920s, which was vastly superior in terms of sound quality and much better suited to musical recording and broadcasting applications.
American D-22 microphone for rent
Made: c.1945
Manufacturer: American Microphone Company
Type: Dynamic uni-directional
Featuring “FULL-VISION styling for artist and audience”, the American D-22 was a remarkably modern looking microphone considering it was first introduced in the 1940s. Recommended for public address and sound recording, the D-22 Dynamic Omni-directional is efficient for all audio pick-up.
American D9-A microphone for rent
Made: 1930s - 1940s
Manufacturer: American Microphone Company
Type: Dual dynamic uni-directional
The D9-A is an icon of classic art-deco microphone design, evoking images of Manhattan skyscrapers in the roaring 20s. Inside were two dynamic elements that produced exceptional sensitivity and high output compared to the ribbon microphones of its time. American produced some truly revolutionary microphone designs in the 1930s and 40s, many of them so far ahead of their time that they look futuristic even today. This microphone is in working condition, with a modern, high-quality SM-58 type dynamic cardiod element.
American DR-332 microphone for rent
Made: 1930s - 1940s
Manufacturer: American Microphone Company
Type: Hybrid ribbon / dynamic multi-pattern
The DR-332 is another distinctively American art-deco design, with its dramatic eggplant black finish and striking gold ribbed grille. It had two elements - a ribbon and a dynamic - which could be used singly or in combination to produce different directional patterns. If you watch closely, you can spot several of these microphones being used in the movie “Dreamgirls”.
Astatic 77A microphone for rent
Made: c. 1945-1955
Manufacturer: Astatic Microphone Company
Type: Dynamic cardioid
The Astatic 77A was a very stylish microphone that was a direct competitor to the legendary Shure 55 in the ”Elvis microphone” category, as a vocal mic for stage and live musical performances in the 1940s and 1950s.
Astatic WR-40 microphone for rent
Made: c.1940
Manufacturer: Astatic
Type: Dual diaphragm crystal uni-directional
The WR40 was the most expensive microphones in the Astatic line at the time, selling for $39.50 in 1941. The dual diaphragm design produced exceptionally high output and surprisingly smooth frequency response - and it was designed for cable lengths of up to 200 feet, making it ideal for location use.
Astatic DR-10 microphone for rent
Made: 1940s - 1950s
Manufacturer: Astatic Corporation
Type: Dynamic Cardioid
Another stylish entry from Astatic in the “Elvis microphone” category, the Astatic DR10 was an excellent vocal microphone for live performing.
Astatic 600 “Conneaut” microphone for rent
![](http://www.tuxedojunkies.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/img_4909.jpg "Astatic 600 \")
Made: c. 1946
Manufacturer: Astatic Microhone Company
Type: Crystal uni-directional
This streamlined, rocket age 1946 design was named after the town where Astatic was headquartered (Conneaut Ohio). It was made in 2 versions, one with a chrome grille (pictured) and another with an elaborate molded plastic grille in the shape of a jet engine air intake.
Amperite RBH microphone for rent
Made: c.1935
Manufacturer: Amperite Corporation
Type: Ribbon velocity bi-directional
Amperite ribbon microphones were popular in the New York club and ballroom scene during the big band era. The RBH, despite its brutish machine-age exterior, was actually quite a fine microphone, offering high quality at a bargain price compared with the more expensive RCAs of its time.
Amperite SR-80 microphone for rent
Amperite SR-80
Made: c. 1935
Manufacturer: Amperite Corporation
Type: Ribbon velocity bi-directional
The SR-80 was one of the finest velocity microphones you could have found in its period and was a rival to RCA’s early ribbon designs. Constructed of rugged cast bronze, the SR80 purportedly had an imposing effect on its users. Being locally made in New York City, Amperite ribbon microphones were the mics of choice in the New York club and ballroom scene during the big band era.
Amperite PGAH microphone for rent
Made: c. Mid 1930s
Manufacturer: Amperite Corporation
Type: Dynamic uni-directional
This remarkably modern-looking microphone was actually designed in the mid 1930s, and was made primarily for stage and public address applications. Amperite was incorporated in New York City in 1922, producing cartridge-type automatic adjusting resistors and vacuum tube relays for early radios. In 1930, Amperite began developing microphones.
Amperite RBHK microphone for rent
Amperite RBHK
Made: c.1940
Manufacturer: Amperite Corporatoon
Type: Ribbon velocity bi-directional
The RBHK was a popular microphone for vocalists in New York City during the big band era. It featured an “acoustic compensator” - a sliding shutter adjusted how
much sound reached the rear of the normally bi-directional ribbon element. Being locally made in New York City, Amperite ribbon microphones were the mics of choice in the New York club and ballroom scene during the big band era.
Brush BR2S “Acousticel” microphone for rent
![](http://www.tuxedojunkies.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/img_4977.jpg "Brush BR2S \")
Made: c. 1930
Manufacturer: Brush Microphone Company
Type: Crystal omni-directional
Brush invented the crystal microphone in the late 1920s and its patents required every other company that wanted to make crystal microphones to license its technology, well into the 1950a. The crystal design produced exceptionally high output and reasonably wide frequency response. Also, the crystal transducer was inherently very small compared to other types, which gave manufacturers virtually unlimited creative freedom in microphone size, shape and design of microphone housings.
Electro Voice V1 microphone for rent
Made: c.1935
Manufacturer: Electro Voice Company
Type: Ribbon velocity bi-directional
The V1 was the bottommost in a line of budget-priced ribbon microphones designed for announcing and live performing. Although it appears large in photographs, it’s actually only 6″ tall. The V1 was available in a variety of finishes, including satin chrome and the grey wrinkle paint illustrated here.
Electro Voice V2 microphone for rent
Made: 1930s - 1940s
Manufacturer: Electro Voice
Type: Ribbon velocity bi-directional
The V2A was one of several budget-priced ribbon microphones designed for announcing and live performing in the 1940s and 1950s. Toward the end of its run, Electro Voice began replacing the ribbon element with a low fidelity dynamic element, and the series was soon discontinued. Founded in the 1920s, Electro Voice is still producing microphones and audio equipment today.
Electro Voice 726 “Cardyne” microphone for rent
![](http://www.tuxedojunkies.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/img_4796.jpg "Electro Voice 726 \")
Made: c. 1945
Manufacturer: Electro Voice Company
Type: Dynamic cardioid
The Cardyne was an enormous microphone, dwarfing most of its contemporaries in the so-called “Elvis microphone” category. But if you were performing in a rowdy venue, you’d probably be glad you had one of these in handy if a fight broke out. This particular example was made by Electro Voice and sold by Rauland Borg.
Electro Voice 911 “Mercury” microphone for rent
![](http://www.tuxedojunkies.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/img_4891.jpg "Electro Voic 911 \")
Made: c.1950
Manufacturer: Electro Voice Corporaon
Type: Crystal uni-directional
This stylish ‘50s design was likely inspired by the massive chrome grilles of the American automobiles of its time. The Mercury was a general purpose microphone, designed manly for public address and vocal performing.
Electro Voice 950 “Cardax” microphone for rent
![](http://www.tuxedojunkies.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/img_4869.jpg "Electro Voice 950 \")
Made: c. 1945
Manufacturer: Electro Voice Corporation
Type: Crystal omni-directional
This striking machine age microphone was designed for stage and public address applications.
RCA 6226 Aeropessure Type microphone for rent
![](http://www.tuxedojunkies.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/img_4835.jpg "RCA 7226 \")
Made: 1936-1947
Manufacturer: Radio Corporation of America
Type: Pressure dynamic
The “Aeropressure” was a rugged radio announcing and public address microphone designed for on-location use, featuring exceptional wind noise suppression. During its some five decades of microphone production, probably no other single manufacturer came close to the technical engineering expertise, development innovation, and product line quality than RCA.
RCA 74-B “Junior Velocity” microphone for rent
![](http://www.tuxedojunkies.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/img_4820.jpg "RCA 74B \")
Made: c. 1949
Manufacturer: Radio Corporation of America
Type: Ribbon velocity bi-directional
The “Junior Velocity” was desinged as a more affordable alternative to RCA’s industry-leading 44-B, which was widely regarded as the finest studio microphone of its time. The 74-B also became one of RCA’s most popular and enduring models, and was produced well into the 1960s.
RCA Varacoustic microphone for rent
Made: c. 1930s-1940s
Manufacturer: Radio Corporation of America
Type: Ribbon velocity polydirectional
The Varacoustic was a less expensive version of RCA’s iconic 77-D and 77-DX “pill” microphones, with essentially the same electronics as its more famous cousins, but with a cheaper housing and different shuttering system for adjusting the acoustic pickup pattern.
RCA-77 lookalike pill microphones for rent
… 4 available!
Made: c. 1950s -1960s
Manufacturer: Japanese (under various brand names)
Type: Refitted with modern SM-58-type dynamic cardioid element (originally crystal omni-directional)
Ideal for your 1940s-era radio play or stage production of “It’s A Wonderful Life”, these elegant-looking black and chrome pill microphones were actually Japanese knockoffs of the iconic RCA-77 microphones of the 40s and 50s, manufactured under a variety of brand and model names (including the Olson M-102, Argonne AR-57, Calrad 500C, and countless others).
Four (4) of this type of microphone are available for rent. All are in working condition with new, high-quality SM-58 type dynamic cardioid elements suitable for vocal performing, miking instruments, etc.
Shure 708A “Stratoliner” microphone for rent
![](http://www.tuxedojunkies.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/img_4810.jpg "Shure 708A \")
Made: c.1944
Manufacturer: Shure Brothers Corporation
Type: Crystal uni-directional
Shure 730A “Uniplex” microphone for rent
![](http://www.tuxedojunkies.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/img_4804.jpg "Shure 730A \")
Made: 1930s - 1940s
Manufacturer: Shure Brothers Corporation
Type: Crystal unidirectional
The Shure 730B was a popular microphone for public address and stage use, and was used by the likes of Billie Holiday (among others) in live performances.
Shure 737A “Monoplex” microphone for rent
![](http://www.tuxedojunkies.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/img_4962.jpg "Shure 737A \")
Made: c. 1940
Manufacturer: Shure Brothers Corporation
Type: Crystal uni-directional
The Shure 737 is sometimes referred to by modern-day collectors as the “waffle iron” for obvious reasons. It was an inexpensive microphone designed for public address and stage use.
Shure Model 51 microphone for rent
Made: c. 1950s
Manufacturer: Shure Brothers Corporation
Type: Dynamic uni-directional
Shure Model 55A Unidyne “Fatboy” microphone for rent
Made: 1939 - mid 1960s
Manufacturer: Shure Brothers Corporation
Type: Dynamic Cardioid
In 1939, Shure Brothers hit pay dirt with the groundbreaking development of the Model 55 Unidyne microphone, the world’s first single-element unidirectional microphone. Shure claims its perfomance
qualities and distinctive styling made it “the most recognized microphone in the world”, but its fame is more likely due to several famous photographs of Elvis Presley performing with the Shure 55 on stage during public performances in the 1950s, earning it the indelible reputation of being “the Elvis microphone”. The Shure 55 was such a successful and iconic design that it is still being manufactured today, albeit in a somewhat smaller smaller and sleeker version (the Sure 55-S Unidyne II) than its considerably larger predecessor, which is why microphone collectors now refer to the older original version as the “Fatboy”.
Shure 315 microphone for rent
Made: c. 1950
Manufacturer: Shure Brothers Corporation
Type: Ribbon velocity bi-directional
The sleek, futuristic-looking Shure 300 series was introduced in the 1950s as a direct competitor to RCA’s high-quality studio ribbon microphones. It was produced for more than 20 years before being discontinued in the 70s.
This microhone is NOT working, and is for prop use only.
Turner CX microphone for rent
Made: c. 1940s
Manufacturer: Turner Microphone Company
Type: Crystal uni-directional
Turner 22X microphone for rent
Made: c. 1945
Manufacturer: Turner Microphone Company
Type: Crystal uni-directional
The Turner 22 was a rugged microphone designed primarily for public address and announcing applications. The space-age “fin” on the top became a trademark feature of Turner microphone designs.
Turner 25D microphone for rent
Made: c.1945
Manufacturer: Turner Microphone Company
Type: Dynamic uni-directional
Some have mused whether the Turner microphone designs of the 40s and 50s - with their sleek rocket age shells and and trademark “fin” - inspired Brad Bird’s design for “The Iron Giant” in the Warner Brothers animated film of the same name.
Turner U9S military-type microphone for rent
Made: c.1940
Manufacturer: Turner Microphone Company
Type: Dynamic uni-directional multi-impedance
The Turner U9S was a rugged utilitarian microphone almost certainly designed for U.S. military applications, featuring a variable impedance switch on the back and an unusual military-type two-prong connector that has long since become obsolete.
Turner 33-X microphone for rent
Made: c.1940s
Manufacturer: The Turner Company
Type: Crystal uni-directional
Turner 34-X microphone for rent
Made: c. 1940s
Manufacturer: Turner Microphone Company
Type: Crystal uni-directional
Turner Model 77 microphone for rent
Made: 1950s
Manufacturer: Turner Microphone Company
Type: Hybrid ribbon-dynamic cardioid
Turner 77 is one of the most unusual microphones ever designed, and one of the rarest. Its striking art-deco styling belied the fact that it was introduced in the 1950’s. Perhaps it was designed for funerals, as Turner made embalming machines before it began making sound systems and microphones for funeral parlors. Inside, the Turner 77’s sophisticated two-transducer array used phase cancellatiion to produce a cardiod response pattern.
Turner 87 microphone for rent
Made: c.1955
Manufacturer: Turner Microphone Company
Type: Ribbon velocity bi-directional
This rare microphone - another wonderful example of Turner’s beautiful designs -was their first and only all-ribbon design. Inside, it looked almost identical to a miniature RCA 77-DX, with a circular magnet surrounding a small ribbon element.
Universal M4 “Volu-Tone” microphone for rent
Made: Early 1930s
Manufacturer: Universal Microphone Company
Type: Ribbon velocity
The Volu-Tone was an inexpensive ribbon microphone made for stage and public address applications. It was manufactured for the Volu-Tone Company by Universal Microphone Company of Los Angeles.
Western Electric / Altec 639A microphone for rent
Made: 1938-1949
Manufacturer: Altec
Type: Hybrid ribbon velocity/dynamic multi-pattern
The Altec Lansing 639A/B microphone made its debut in the early 1940s, and was originally sold by Western Electric under the same model number. The 639A earned the nickname “birdcage” because of its size and cage-like body design.