Fostex M-77RP (1985)

The Fostex M-77RP is a studio microphone built around Fostex's Regulated Phase transducer — a design the period trade press classified as a ribbon element. EQ Magazine (September 1999, p.16) catalogued it in a retrospective on Fostex's RP mics, dating manufacture to 1985 and listing a $399 MSRP. The same piece recorded a cardioid/unidirectional pattern, 40 Hz–18 kHz response, XLR-3 output, and a body 45 mm in diameter by 172 mm long.

The most useful period note comes from DB Magazine (July 1989, p.74), whose studio mic directory recommended the M-77RP specifically for kick and snare and mentioned a three-position EQ switch built into the microphone. By that year the listed price had risen to $460. One honest caveat: the two sources differ slightly on output impedance (EQ says 250 ohms, DB says 200), so treat either figure loosely when matching a preamp.

• Type: Regulated Phase ribbon transducer, unidirectional/cardioid
• Frequency response: 40 Hz – 18 kHz
• Sensitivity: –56 dB (0 dB = 1 V/Pa)
• Output: XLR-3
• Dimensions: 45 mm dia. × 172 mm long
• Three-position EQ switch; aimed at close-miking drums

Beyond those listings, documentation on the M-77RP is thin — no full magazine review of the model appears to survive. What the record preserves is enough to place it: a competent Fostex ribbon from the mid-'80s RP line, evidently well thought of for drum work, and a quiet collector curiosity today.

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