A.H. Saxton, NBC Western Division Engineer, inspects one of the new RCA model 44A ribbon microphones just installed at 111 Sutter Street. The new microphone technology was a giant leap forward in sound reproduction. The microphones required no power source, and produced such excellent audio fidelity that they are still in demand for recording today. The characteristic figure-8 pick-up pattern of the microphone made it a natural for radio drama broadcasts, as one actor could stand on each side of the microphone.