Soyuz 1973 Review: Great FET Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone!

Soyuz 1973

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Thomann

• Gold-coated 33 mm diaphragm
• Dimensions (L x D): 100 x 55 mm
• Weight: 300 g

Soyuz 1973 Review

The 1973 large diaphragm microphone from Soyuz Microphones is a handmade mic, and it’s probably one of the most affordable models from this developer.

This new microphone features a capsule originally designed in the 1970s, when LOMO reimagined the famous AKG CK12 capsule. The S23 capsules that followed were further developed and refined by Soyuz engineers, becoming a benchmark for the brand.

Soyuz 1973 Features and Sound

This mic uses FET technology, meaning it doesn’t rely on transformers. Its precision-engineered capsule delivers a sound that isn’t boxy at all, with a full mid-range and an open, airy top end. The well-designed low-end is warm and smooth, never boomy.

The Soyuz 1973 features a built-in resonator that reduces unwanted resonance and positive distortion, making it an excellent choice for recording vocals or voiceovers.

Thanks to its transformerless design, the Soyuz 1973 boasts probably the lowest self-noise of any Soyuz microphone—something every engineer will appreciate. If you need to record loud sources, there’s an attenuation pad switch at the bottom of the mic that can cut the volume by 10 or 20 decibels.

Handle this microphone with care, and it will be a reliable companion for years to come. Unlike other large diaphragm condenser microphones, its FET circuitry uses only a handful of high-quality components, resulting in a mic that’s both lightweight and highly effective.

The design is versatile, allowing you to use it however you like. You can easily place it on a mic stand, turn it upside down, put it in front of an amplifier, or use it with an acoustic guitar—this mic will handle any task with ease.

When you compare this microphone to the first and most affordable unit from Soyuz, you’ll notice that this one is actually less expensive, coming in at around $350. That makes it quite affordable and accessible for both beginners and professionals.

However, just because this microphone is budget-friendly doesn’t mean it delivers poor results—in fact, you’ll get a high-end, vintage sound without paying the premium price tag typically associated with microphones that offer such quality.

Although the Soyuz Bomblet capsule was originally designed back in the 1950s, this microphone is a completely different model. The Soyuz 1973 microphone features a 150-ohm impedance rating and is a single-pattern cardioid mic. This makes it a slightly better choice than some other high-end microphones, especially if you don’t have access to a discrete microphone preamp.

Every recording and audio engineer values their microphones and treats them as prized possessions in their studios. As a result, it’s common to find vintage tube or FET models from the 1950s, 60s, or 70s in professional studios around the world.

What really sets these vintage microphones apart is the human touch that went into their manufacturing, with hand-wired circuitry and meticulous craftsmanship. The engineers back then put a lot more passion into building each microphone, unlike the modern methods where machines handle most of the production process.

This microphone manages to capture the best of both worlds—it combines old-school craftsmanship with state-of-the-art modern components. The result is a microphone that delivers the beloved sonic character of vintage capsules, along with the accuracy and reliability of contemporary design.

Why You Need The Soyuz 1973 Microphone

When you’re on a limited budget, price is usually the first thing you look at—and this microphone’s price will truly knock your socks off. Considering everything this mic delivers, the cost is nothing short of incredible. Anyone who knows their way around microphones will recognize what an amazing deal this is.

The design of this microphone is another highlight. It blends expert craftsmanship with modern elements in a way that really caught our attention. It’s a large diaphragm condenser microphone packed into a small, convenient package—and the results we got while recording or tracking vocals were what ultimately convinced us to get it.

Although we love how it sounds on vocals, that doesn’t mean you’re limited to just recording the human voice. If it works well for vocals, it’s also great for acoustic guitars or any other acoustic instruments. All in all, this microphone is the total package—a true bundle of joy for anyone looking for a unique, high-quality mic to add to their collection.

Conclusion

We are truly impressed by this microphone. We would love to have a pair of them in our studio. Soyuz has delivered a real gem for all users—whether you’re on a budget or have no limits when investing in a high-quality microphone. Priced at around $800, it’s an excellent choice for any studio setup. Vocalists, in particular, will really benefit from what this microphone has to offer.

With its sleek design and compact size, this microphone won’t take up much space on your mic stand and is easy to handle. When you pair it with a good pop filter and mic preamp, you’ll get top-notch recordings that are ready for professional use in no time.

If you have any questions about this fantastic microphone, feel free to ask in the comments below or reach out to the manufacturer for more detailed information.