The Aiwa VM17 was Japan's far-superior version of the RCA 77D, with better attention to build quality, consistency, and overall sound.
The Aiwa VM17 is one the best ribbon mics we've ever heard, far outperforming the RCA 77D/DX. If you don't believe us, reach out for a direct comparison between the VM17, and RCA 77D and two 77DX, all fully serviced and working as intended. As with most Japanese ribbons, it has a 5-position low roll-off switch at the bottom of the mic.
As with all 77D-style microphones, this mic sounds best in its unobstructed bi-directional pickup pattern, with full but balanced low-end, a meaty midrange, and remarkably smooth top-end.
This VM17 has been fully serviced, cleaned, and re-ribboned by Cole Suddarth at Cole Picks Vintage and comes with its beautiful original suitcase, instructional manual, and original frequency response chart.
