Oktava ML-19
Manufacturer:
OktavaModel:
ML-19Country of Manufacture:
USSRMicrophone Type:
RibbonPolar Pattern:
CardioidProduction Start Year:
1977Production End Year:
1983Rarity:
2
Audio Recordings:
Speech (male) recorded with an Oktava ML19 cardioid ribbon microphone.
Multiple quality options available
Nylon string guitar recorded with an Oktava ML19 cardioid ribbon microphone.
Multiple quality options available
Steel string guitar recorded with an Oktava ML19 cardioid ribbon microphone.
Multiple quality options available
Frequency Response:
Microphone History:
Momics view:
The ML19 ribbon microphone from Oktava is still a little underrated and I think this is one of the best sounding end-address cardioid ribbon mics.
Based loosely on the RCA BK5, the ML19 has a wider ribbon and is a little warmer in tone with a good bass response, without being overly dark or woolly. It is great for upright bass and horns and any source where you need rear end rejection. It also sounds rather nice on acoustic guitar. An internal blast shield sits in front of the ribbon - this can be removed easily if not required, which gives an improved sound at the expense of losing some protection from overloads when recording loud instruments.
These mics don’t age well and it is worthwhile getting them serviced if that not been done. Generally they need new cables, new ribbon and perhaps most importantly the internal foam should be cleaned out and replaced.
Technical Description:
- Pattern: Cardioid ribbon
- Frequency range: 50-16000 Hz.
- Sensitivity: 2 mV / Pa.
- Sensitivity drop front-rear: 12 dB.
- Impedance: 250 Ohm.
- Dimensions: 140x46x41 mm. Weight 550 gr.
Further Reading:
A post about the ML19 at Vintage Microphone World.
(MoMics note: Marco at VMW found this to be an ugly design but I love the unique brutalist look!)
A post at the Xaudia blog including a recording made with a pair of ML19s.
