The Soyuz 1973 is a FET large-diaphragm condenser microphone built around the S23 capsule, the same capsule family used in the flagship 023 Bomblet. The transformerless circuit brings self-noise down to 18dB(A), the lowest figure in the current Soyuz lineup. The compact, side-address body with a grille machined into the housing departs from the brand's signature "lollipop" shape, making the mic easier to place in tight setups - inside a kick drum, close to a guitar cabinet, or near the fretboard of an acoustic.
The S23 capsule: midrange presence without harshness
The S23 is a triple-backplate capsule inspired by the AKG CK12, redesigned by Soyuz engineers from a 1970s LOMO reference and further adapted from the 023 Bomblet. Two 33mm diaphragms, one gold-sputtered, produce a forward, articulate midrange without a harsh top-end lift - a common issue on vocals and acoustic guitar, where comparably priced mics often need EQ to reach the same clarity. The hand-machined built-in resonator reduces body resonance and adds a degree of plosive protection, which lets the 1973 work directly on vocal sources without extra pop filtering in many situations.
Handling loud sources without overload
A two-position -10dB/-20dB pad lets you place the 1973 on a kick drum, guitar amp, or other high-SPL source without overloading the capsule - maximum SPL rating is 140dB. There's no built-in high-pass filter, so low-frequency shaping stays in the engineer's hands at the preamp or mix stage, which many find preferable to a fixed filter curve. 48V phantom powering and a standard XLR-3M output keep the mic compatible with any conventional signal chain.
KEY FEATURES
- S23 capsule with two 33mm diaphragms, one gold-sputtered
- Transformerless FET design with low self-noise
- Hand-machined built-in resonator reducing plosives and resonance
- Switchable -10dB / -20dB pad for high-SPL sources
- Compact side-address body for tight mic placement
- Fully hand-machined body and capsule
- Available in silver and black finishes
- Includes microphone mount
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: FET large-diaphragm condenser microphone
- Capsule: S23, two 33mm diaphragms (one gold-sputtered)
- Polar pattern: cardioid (fixed)
- Frequency range: 30Hz - 18kHz
- Sensitivity: 24.5 mV/Pa
- Output impedance: 150 Ohms
- Recommended load impedance: 1 kOhm
- Maximum SPL: 140dB
- Self-noise: 18dB(A)
- Pad: -10dB / -20dB
- Powering: 48V phantom
- Connector: XLR-3M
- Dimensions: 100 x 55mm (length x diameter)
- Weight: 300g
- Finish: silver, black
