Soyuz 1973

Large-diaphragm FET condenser microphone

The Soyuz 1973 is a large-diaphragm FET condenser microphone, machined and assembled by hand by Soyuz in Tula, Russia. It pairs a version of the 023 Bomblet's S23 capsule with a transformerless circuit, in a compact 10 cm body. It is the most affordable large-diaphragm microphone in the Soyuz range, designed for vocals and instruments alike.

Clear sound, forward mids

Soyuz describes lows that are present but never boomy, a forward midrange that never sounds boxy and open highs that stay smooth. In Tape Op, the 1973 stands out for its clarity and articulation: the upper mids come forward without harshness, with less lower-mid weight than transformer-based microphones. Audiofanzine describes a warm, velvety sound, open highs and a deliberately non-flat response with two bumps around 2.5 and 4.5 kHz, and compares it on vocals and acoustic guitar with a Neumann TLM103, an AKG C414 XLS and a Neumann U87 Ai.

Vocals, guitar, drums: a versatile studio microphone

The 1973 is a natural fit for vocals and voiceover: a machined resonator inside the body reduces unwanted resonances and adds a degree of plosive protection. Its two pads (-10 and -20 dB) and 140 dB SPL handling also let it sit in front of a guitar amp or a kick drum. Its compact size makes placement easy in tight spots, around a drum kit or close to an acoustic guitar. Soyuz recorded every source of a track by American artist Via Mardot with this single microphone, running straight into an SSL2 audio interface.

S23 capsule and transformerless circuit

The 1973's capsule descends from AKG's CK12, introduced in 1953. In the early 1970s LOMO reworked it with three backplates for greater consistency, and Soyuz then redesigned it as the S23, the capsule used in the 023 Bomblet. It has two 33 mm membranes, one of them gold-sputtered. Unlike the 023 Bomblet and the 017 models, which use a toroidal transformer made by Soyuz, the 1973 uses a transformerless FET circuit, for a detailed, realistic sound that adapts easily to your recording chain. The pad is set with a small switch under the microphone, next to the XLR connector.

The 1973 in the Soyuz range

The 1973 Deluxe, sold separately, is the same microphone with a handmade oak case, a shock mount and a hard mount; the standard 1973 comes with its mic holder only. The 023 Bomblet shares the same S23 capsule family, but its transformer gives it a thicker low end and more colour, in a longer, heavier body. The 017 FET and 017 TUBE, the top of the range, use a different capsule (S17, 34 mm membrane) and a toroidal transformer. The 1973 remains the entry point to the Soyuz large-diaphragm sound, in the most compact format of the range.

Press

"Whether you will like the Soyuz colour is up to you, but there is no doubt that it belongs in the same league as the AKG 414, the Neumann TLM103 and the like. The 1973 is a wonderful microphone. A future classic?" - Audiofanzine - Rated 9/10 (translated from French)

Specifications

• Type: FET condenser microphone, transformerless
• Capsule: version of the S23 capsule, two 33 mm membranes (one gold-sputtered)
• Polar pattern: cardioid
• Frequency range: 30 Hz to 18 kHz
• Pad: -10 dB / -20 dB
• Sensitivity: 24.5 mV/Pa
• Impedance: 150 ohms
• Max SPL: 140 dB
• Equivalent noise: 18 dB (A-weighted)
• Power: 48 V phantom
• Dimensions: 100 mm length x 55 mm diameter
• Weight: 300 g
• Finish: silver
• Made: machined and assembled by hand in Tula, Russia
• In the box: Soyuz 1973 microphone, stand mount, quality-control cards signed and dated by the technicians