Our take

"Approved by Nigel Godrich, Sylvia Massy, Greg Wells and Steve Albini. This mic is inspired by the U47 and is the shop's best-seller. It comes in a tube or FET version. The tube version slightly slows down transients at the top of the spectrum." - Victor Malvolti

Large-diaphragm FET condenser microphone

The Soyuz 017 FET is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone inspired by the classic U47. Its capsule is specially designed by the brand and made in-house, as is the toroidal transformer that plays a major role in this mic's sound signature.

A new classic

Engineers can spend small fortunes on vintage mics. And reissues are not always up to scratch. After all, since manufacturing processes have changed, why would the results be the same? The 017 takes loose inspiration from a great classic, but embraces a different sound signature. Its open highs, smooth mids and low-end extension make it a new reference among high-end microphones – at a far more affordable price than vintage versions of the great classics.

Tube or FET

The 017 series includes two models, FET (field-effect transistor) or tube. Although the two models are similar – they share identical capsules, shapes and sound signatures – there are subtle differences between them.

The 017 FET captures transients with a slightly faster, more precise response; the smoother, rounder highs of the 017 TUBE are perfect for sources that need warmth and a little more colour.

Heritage and innovation at Soyuz

Soyuz engineers have spent many years studying, servicing and building well-known microphones. And Soyuz machinists are exceptionally skilled.

This unique combination of knowledge, craftsmanship and skill – together with the ears of many musicians, producers and engineers – led to the creation of the S17 capsule of the 017 series. With a gold-plated 34 mm diaphragm and hand-tuned, the S17 is inspired by the original K67 capsule developed in 1960.

Far from offering yet another clone, Soyuz evolved the design, changing its assembly and tuning. The result, combined with Soyuz's original circuit, makes the 017 unique.

Reviews

"I compared the 017 to my best tube U47 – which is my favourite mic of all time... What was crazy was how close your mic sounded to the best mic in the world... I'd say I will use this mic over others in a lot of situations." - Nigel Godrich, producer for Radiohead, Paul McCartney, Beck

"Wow. Pretty blown away by the sound. I compared [Bomblet and SU-017] to my holy grail 47 and 251, and they live happily on the same block, which is a small, elitist and snobby block!" - Greg Wells, producer and songwriter for Adele, Ariana Grande, Keith Urban

"The 017 TUBE is one of the best vocal mics I have ever used and compares admirably with the best vintage mics. The 017 FET is very similar in sound quality and has become a first-call vocal mic since it arrived at Electrical Audio. The BOMBLET gets a lot of use on guitar cabs and the supplied pad makes it extremely versatile. I regularly use the 013 FETs on acoustic instruments and love their striking clarity. With their omni capsules, they are fantastic room mics and good all-round condensers." - Steve Albini, producer for Nirvana, The Pixies, Breeders

"After 25 years, my vintage Telefunken U47 has been relegated to the back of my mic closet. The Soyuz SU-017 is now my first choice for vocals, acoustic guitar or any other music recording." - Sylvia Massy, producer for Prince, Johnny Cash, Tool, System of a Down

Specifications

• Type: FET condenser microphone
• Capsule: two 34 mm diaphragms (one gold-plated)
• Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
• Polar pattern: cardioid (optional omni capsule)
• Sensitivity: 15 mV/Pa
• Impedance: 200 ohms
• Max SPL: 140 dB
• Equivalent noise: 18 dB (A-weighted)
• Dimensions: 226 mm long x 55 mm diameter
• Weight: 930 g
• Accessories: wooden case, -20 dB pad, cable, shock mount