MICROPHONE OF THE MONTH JUNE 2025

The Philips 9585 was an omnidirectional dynamic microphone, from 1947, intended for professional and semi-professional use. It was made until about 1955.

In the Netherlands it was used by radio broadcasters for use on location, among other things. It was a particularly solid model, with a large dynamic element that was equipped with a light thermoplastic diaphragm. It had a frequency range of 70-10,000 Hertz and was therefore suitable for both speech and music. The microphone was based on the latest techniques of the time, with an acoustic filter behind the diaphragm and a sound chamber in the housing that ensured an even frequency response.

Like many other professional types from Philips, this one was also equipped with three different output impedances, of 10,000, 500 and 200 Ohm, which could be selected by lining up the arrow on the four-pole connector with the impedance indicated on the bottom ring. Philips supplied a four-pole connector that could be screwed directly onto a microphone stand, making a microphone clamp unnecessary.
This made the 9585 point straight up, which was not ideal for recording high tones, which were captured better if the microphone was aimed at the sound sorce. This was remedied in the subsequent model, the EL 6020, by making it adjustable by means of a hinge. Reporters who held the 9585 in their hands could aim the microphone well at their subject.

The 9585 could also be used under tropical conditions (with high humidity and temperatures of up to 60 degrees), which is why it was also used in the Dutch colonies and in South America. These were conditions that crystal microphones could not handle.
Philips spoke highly of the exceptional durability of the model; it was practically indestructible.

Nowadays, this type will no longer be used for recordings by vintage enthusiasts, but the design remains interesting.

These and many more types feature in my book Witnesses of Words. More information about that can be found at www.witnessesofwords.com