RCA BK-5B

^# 57

Equipboard's ranking is determined by analyzing factors such as professional artist usage, popularity, user ratings, reviews, and more.

$1,446.14 Price Tier: Standard

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using RCA BK-5B

1 community setup

1 wishlisted

2 saved

Page last updated Jul 03, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 3, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

5.0 (5)

$1,446.14 5 available Used

View Deal

Average Price: $1,446

Standard/Professional

$499

$1500+

Price Tier

In the Ribbon Microphones category, RCA BK-5B is priced in the upper end of the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Edit description

The RCA BK-5B is a timeless tool for audio enthusiasts who crave the vintage warmth and detailed precision of ribbon microphones. Originally crafted in the 1950s, this end-address, directional mic was designed to handle high-SPL environments, making it a reliable choice for capturing the thunderous claps of blank-round gunshots on movie and television sets. Its robust construction and dual high-pass filter options allow it to excel in the studio as well, making it a favorite for recording guitar and bass amplifiers with close proximity.

This microphone doesn’t just shine in loud environments. It’s also a studio staple for capturing vocals and acoustic instruments with unparalleled clarity and smoothness. Its ability to handle extreme sound pressure levels without distorting ensures a clean, natural sound that many modern microphones can’t replicate. Whether you're tracking a whisper or a roar, the RCA BK-5B delivers a nuanced audio experience that stays true to the original performance.

Key Features:

End-address, directional ribbon microphone
Developed for high-SPL situations, perfect for loud environments
Dual high-pass filter options for proximity effect control
Ideal for guitar and bass amplifiers, as well as vocals and acoustics
Renowned for capturing vintage warmth and detailed precision

Product specs

Brand	RCA
Model	BK-5B
Finish	Gunmetal
Year	1950s
Categories	Microphones

FAQs

What is the frequency response of the RCA BK-5B ribbon microphone?: The RCA BK-5B has a frequency response ranging from 30 Hz to 20,000 Hz, making it suitable for a wide range of audio applications, including radio and TV broadcast facilities.
Is the RCA BK-5B ribbon microphone suitable for vocal recordings?: Yes, the RCA BK-5B is well-regarded for vocal recordings due to its smooth and natural sound reproduction, which captures detailed nuances in vocal performances.
What are the primary applications for the RCA BK-5B ribbon microphone?: The RCA BK-5B is primarily used in broadcast environments, but it is also popular for recording vocals, acoustic instruments, and orchestral sessions due to its warm and clear audio capture.
How does the RCA BK-5B handle high sound pressure levels?: The RCA BK-5B is designed to handle high sound pressure levels effectively, making it suitable for capturing loud sound sources without distortion.
What is the build quality like on the RCA BK-5B ribbon microphone?: The RCA BK-5B features a robust gunmetal finish and durable construction typical of 1950s RCA microphones, ensuring reliability and longevity in professional recording settings.

Videos

Add video

Cole Picks Vintage

The RCA BK-5B Ribbon Microphone In Action: Track #6

Cole Picks Vintage

AEA KU5A & RCA BK5B Ribbon Mics - Guitar Cab and Trumpet Audio Samples (NO TALKING!)

James Meder

Ribbon or Dynamic Microphones For Tracking Guitars?

Cole Picks Vintage

Reviews

Add review

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about RCA BK-5B.

Comparisons

0 0

The RCA BK-5B, once a popular choice for guitar amps, is less discussed today compared to the Royer 121, which has become a modern standard for its low-mid richness.
Source
0 0

The RCA BK-5B is noted for having more character and personality compared to other ribbon mics like the Golden Age R1, which is described as having a great sound but in a fragile body.
Source
0 0

Users suggest the Beyer M-160 as a more versatile choice for those interested in applications like drum overheads, offering more balanced frequency response compared to the RCA 74-B.
Source
0 0

The RCA BK-5B offers a non-figure-8 pattern, unlike most ribbon mics, making it suitable where rear rejection is needed, such as in less-than-ideal room acoustics.
Source
0 0

The RCA BK-5B's non-figure-8 pattern stands in contrast to models like the Royer R121, which are often figure-8, offering different tonal and spatial recording characteristics.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

The BK-5B was designed with a gun blast filter, providing unique durability and protection against high SPLs.
Source
0 0

The BK-5B's design permits close miking without the typical figure-8 pattern, minimizing room noise capture while emphasizing proximity effect for a fuller sound.
Source

User experience

0 0

It's noted that ribbon mics like the BK-5B provide a more natural sound, closer to human hearing, by rolling off the top end compared to small diaphragm condensers.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

The RCA BK-5B is appreciated for its unique character and versatility across various applications, including acoustic/electric guitars, cymbals, kick drum, upright bass, and vocals.
Source
0 0

Owners find the RCA BK-5B's unique non-figure-8 pattern beneficial for recording in environments requiring strong rear rejection, such as small or acoustically challenging rooms.
Source

Value and pricing

0 0

Although not as expensive as the RCA 44, the BK-5B is still a significant investment, with prices reflecting its rarity and desirable character.
Source

Setup and maintenance

0 0

Proper preamps with at least 60dB gain and high impedance are crucial for optimizing the BK-5B's performance, especially in capturing quieter sources.
Source