Oktava ML17 Cardioid ribbon microphone
Soviet era Oktava ML17 cardioid ribbon microphone, made in 1962.
This example has been cleaned and restored here at Xaudia and fitted with a new ribbon and new cable to XLR.
The grill cloths have been replaced and the bottom bell has been re-finished. There are some scratches on the middle section of the microphone which houses the acoustic labyrinth. It fits onto a modern 5/8″ microphone stand.
This mic is based on the earlier ML11, albeit smaller, and the ML11 in turn was in turn a rough copy of the RCA KU3.
The transformer is the original large toroidal type with an output impedance of 250 ohms.
Cardioid ribbons are quite uncommon and make a nice alternative, especially in smaller rooms where you want to reduce reflected sounds.
(The stand in the pictures is not included – please ask if you need a stand).
