Microphones

Since the 1930s, microphones have been a key element in any 
recording session. They are the 'ears' of the studio, as they
transform sound into electronic signals which can then be recorded.
Abbey Road Studios' large collection of microphone is one of the
best in the world.

Vintage microphones are extremely valuable and prized by any
studio. Abbey Road's unique collection comprises a large number
of originals, spanning decades. It is a working collection, as the
microphones used on recording sessions today are often the very 
ones that have been used by legendary artists throughout the 
studios' long history.

(quotes from the description)

EMI RM-1B microphone (1930s)

This microphone was designed by Alan Blumlein, an EMI
engineer and pioneer of many recording advances of the
20th century (among his many contributions are the first
stereo recordings ever made, which took place at Abbey
Road Studios). It is a 'ribbon' microphone, which contains
a 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 in existence. Both are here
at Abbey Road and still available for use on special sessions.