Altec Lansing Altec 639A

$999.99 Price Tier: High-end

1 Critic Review

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

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Page last updated Jun 06, 2026

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We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 6, 2026.

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$999.99 11 available Used

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Average Price: $1,000

High-end/Boutique

$75

$201+

Price Tier

In the Dynamic Microphones category, Altec 639A is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

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High-end

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Description

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Discover the iconic Altec 639A, a dynamic microphone that has carved its niche in the world of studio recording gear. Revered for its unique dual-element design, this microphone offers both ribbon and dynamic elements, providing versatility and adaptability to various recording environments. The Altec 639A is often celebrated for its historical significance and continued relevance in capturing authentic soundscapes.

Designed for professional studios and enthusiasts alike, the Altec 639A excels in delivering warm, natural tones that make it a preferred choice for vocal recordings and broadcasting. Its robust construction and timeless design reflect the quality and durability that have kept it a staple in the music industry for decades. With a distinctive aesthetic and a sound profile that captures the nuances of any performance, this microphone is an excellent addition to any recording setup.

Key Features:

Dual-element design: Combines ribbon and dynamic elements for versatile sound capture
Renowned for its warm, natural tone ideal for vocals
Durable, classic construction for longevity and reliability
Suitable for both studio and broadcast applications
Maintains historical significance with modern appeal

Product specs

Brand	Altec
Model	639A "Birdcage" Dual-Element Multipattern Microphone
Finish	Black
Year	1950s
Made In	United States
Categories	Microphones
Wired/Wireless	Wired

FAQs

What makes the Altec 639A microphone unique compared to other dynamic microphones?: The Altec 639A is a dual-element microphone with multipattern capabilities, allowing users to switch between cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-eight patterns, which is rare for dynamic mics. Its distinctive "birdcage" design also makes it a collector's item.
What are the primary applications for the Altec 639A microphone?: The Altec 639A is versatile and suitable for both studio and live applications, particularly excelling in capturing vocals and instruments with its multipattern feature, making it suitable for a variety of recording environments.
How does the multipattern feature of the Altec 639A benefit recording?: The multipattern feature allows users to select cardioid, omnidirectional, or figure-eight patterns, providing flexibility in capturing sound from different directions and environments, which is ideal for diverse recording setups.
Is the Altec 639A microphone suitable for modern recording studios?: Yes, the Altec 639A's vintage sound character and multipattern versatility make it a valuable addition to modern studios seeking a classic tone with flexible recording options.
How would you describe the sound characteristics of the Altec 639A microphone?: The Altec 639A is known for its warm, rich sound with a vintage character, providing a classic tone that is favored in various recording applications, especially for vocals and acoustic instruments.

Videos

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Elegant & Vintage Entertainment

Behind the Scenes #2 Microphone Shootout: Altec 639A, Slate VMS, CM49, MK U67 on Crooning Vocals

Elegant & Vintage Entertainment

RCA 77D and Altec / Western Electric 639a VIDEO comparison

eddie ciletti

Altec 639A Ribbon/Dynamic Microphone Demo - Cole Picks Vintage

Cole Picks Vintage

RCA 77D and Western / Altec 639a Microphone comparison

eddie ciletti

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Altec 639A.

Comparisons

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The Warm Audio WA-44 is mentioned as a close replica of the RCA 44, a popular vintage mic, offering a similar tonal character at a lower cost.
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The AEA R84A is highlighted as a cost-effective modern alternative to the classic RCA44, suitable for vocals, drums, and guitar cabs.
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Features and functionality

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The Altec 639, priced around $2,000, is noted as a potential option for achieving a retro tone but may require additional signal chain components.
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Mods and upgrades

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Using a Cloud Lifter is suggested for boosting the output of ribbon mics, addressing their typically low output levels.
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Use cases and applications

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A recommendation is made for experimenting with mic placement and room acoustics, which were crucial in vintage recording setups.
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Adding room reverb and using analog capacitor emulators can help achieve a vintage sound reminiscent of early recording techniques.
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Critic Reviews

Microfiles: Altec Lansing (and Western Electric) 639 A/B - ProSoundWeb

prosoundweb.com

The Altec 639A/B microphone stands out for its innovative use of dual elements—a ribbon and a dynamic mic—that create a versatile cardioid pattern. Its vintage charm and robust design, nicknamed the "birdcage," make it a collector's dream. However, its weight and bulkiness can be a drawback for modern portability needs. While the sound quality is generally praised, the sensitivity levels may not meet the demands of all contemporary applications. Overall, the 639A/B balances nostalgic appeal with unique features but may require a thoughtful consideration of its practical limitations for today’s musicians.

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Artist usage

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Buddy Holly

Singer, Guitarist

The Crickets

Verified via Photo

Used in conjunction with a Neumann U47, as is visible in a couple of photos (the other being this one) from a July 22, 1956 recording session at Bradley's Barn. An uncropped version of the featured photo can be found here.

Thomas Brenneck

Guitarist, Music Producer

The Budos Band

Verified via EMusician

Mentioned in this October 11, 2016 Electronic Musician article.

These days he uses three mics on the drums, which, most people would still think of as a pretty minimalist setup. “We usually have an RCA 77DX or an Altec 639 pretty far overhead,” he says. “About three feet or so above the kit, kind of going for a Motown type of sound. And then a kick and a snare mic. We have a small ribbon mic that we put on the kick. It’s an Altec, like the little brother to the 639B, the 671B. We call it the “Mini Bird Cage.” We don’t put it right in front of the kick, but we’ll put it in that spot off to the side of the kick where you might get a little from the bottom of the snare drum and an indirect kick drum sound. Then also an overhead, and a mic pretty much on the snare drum—on top, to blend in, kind of facing away from the hi-hat, just facing the snare, and trying to only get the crack from the snare. And the cymbals and tom toms are kind of in focus because of the overhead, and we have control over the kick and snare.”

It was used on Charles Bradley's Changes, as mentioned in this April 7, 2016 Mix Online article.

Brenneck captured drums with two Altec birdcage mics: a 639a overhead and a 671 ribbon on the kick. “Very little EQ, very little compression, and then I’d just check the phase and sum them to one track,” he says.

It was also used for Brenneck's guitar with The Budos Band, as featured in this September 18, 2012 Instagram post.