the beatles microphones.

EMI RM-1B microphone (1930s, left)

This microphone was designed by Alan Blumlein, an EMI
engineer and pioneer of many recording advances of the
20th century (among the many constructions are the first
stereo recordings ever made, which took place at Abbey
Road Studios). It is a 'ribbon' microphone, which containes
in thin flexible piece of metal, suspended to pick up sound
waves.

A mainstay of many early Abbey Road recordings, it is 
incredibly rare: one of only two to existence. Both are here
at Abbey Road and still available for use on special sessions.

EMI HB-1E microphone (1930, right)

The original model of this microphone was named HB-1A, 
designed by EMI engineers Herbert Holman and Alan
Blumlein. Later B, C and D version were built as well.
In most photos of Abbey Road in the 1930s and '40s,
these HB models are the microphones behing used.
Sometime, later EMI's Reg Willard created a final version,
the 1E only one was ever built, and it survives and 
functions to this day.