Oktava SDM

The Oktava SDM is  a rare, vintage, large-diaphragm dynamic microphone from the Soviet era, produced in the 1950s. It is known for its massive, industrial design and warm, characterful sound, making it a "time capsule" of Soviet-era audio technology. Some versions have a slotted metal grill. Our example has a wire mesh grill. 

• Manufacturer: The SDM was also manufactured at the "Red October" (Krasny Oktyabr) plant in Odessa, USSR, under license from Oktava.

• Time Period: Produced in the mid-1950s, with specific units from 1954 and 1956 having been documented.

• Physical presence: The SDM is a massive, heavyweight microphone designed for permanent installation in studios or broadcast booths. The microphone unit itself weighs nearly 3 kilograms.

• Diaphragm: It uses a large aluminium diaphragm, measuring approximately 70 mm, and a large magnetic motor assembly.

• Sound characteristics: The  delivers a full-bodied, warm, and smooth sound, with a prominent low-mid character and gently rolled-off highs. It is not known for surgical detail but rather for its vintage colour and richness.

• Best applications: Works well on vocals, guitar amps, harmonica, and certain percussion, where its character and vintage tone are desired. It's a "characterful tool" for recordings that embrace a retro or lo-fi aesthetic.

• Usage considerations: Due to its low output, the  requires a high-quality preamp with ample gain to be properly interfaced with a modern setup.

• Transducer type: Dynamic.
• Polar pattern: Cardioid (unidirectional).
• Frequency response: Approximately 50 Hz to 10 kHz.
• Sensitivity: Around 0.25 mbar, (considered relatively low compared to modern microphones._
• Impedance: 600 ohms or 200 ohms.