Soyuz 013 Series FET Review
An original handmade small-diaphragm condenser microphone in a see of clones
Soyuz 013 FET Stereo Pair
Soyuz is a relatively new company or alliance as the name (союз) suggests. Founded in 2013, they aspire to create "modern classics" by combining Western design with Russian manufacturing. In this time, they have released three distinct microphones, with an emphasis on bringing together Russian and German traditions into a unique amalgam.
They sent me a pair of their Series 013 small-diaphragm condensers with cardioid capsules to test them with my classical guitar.
From Russia with Love
The handcrafted hardwood box
When opening the cardboard box, I found a small envelope containing among warranty notices and stickers printed frequency plots for each capsule. But to my surprise, there is an even smaller envelope with three signed cards of the people (with pictures) who are responsible for the machining, assembly and quality control or my set. This extent of the attention to detail and that of the customer experience indicates how much love and thought they put into their products. I have to admit, it's been a long time since the last time I've been treated so nicely while opening a new product.
The 013 FET microphones themselves come in a high-quality and elegant wooden box, to keep the mics and accessories safe for storage and travelling for location recordings. It took me a minute to figure out how to open it, as the lid is held by a pair of powerful magnets on the inside. As a result, it takes some effort to open, but the benefit is that it is impossible to open accidentally.
The glossy cream finish matches nicely with the polished brass capsule
Evidence of their unique take on aesthetics is that not only the microphone preamps but also the mount clips and pads are all painted in a matching glossy cream finish, while the capsules feature a lacquered polished brass. The combination may be somewhat flashy, especially in the context a modern video production that requires making the microphones invisible, but I think that they look quite beautiful. There is an option for a black-matte finish for those who prefer something more indistinct.
Interchangeable capsules add to the value and versatility, and Soyuz provides Cardioid, Omni and Hyper-cardioid capsules for the Series 013 body. The three capsules have more or less similar frequency response, but I only had the chance to test the Cardioid capsules.
A Flattering Accuracy
Soyuz 013 Fet Cardioid Frequency Response
Although the 013 FET are handsome, the real test is how well they can capture my classical guitar. Looking at the frequency graphs, I expect relatively linear response, with subtly lean low-end and some colouration due to the transformers.
The 013 FET pair in AB Stereo
After positioning the microphones in a narrow AB setup and engaging +48v phantom power on my AEA TRP2, the first thing I noticed was how much output the microphones offer, making the choice of microphone preamps less trivial. The self-noise of the microphones at 16 dB (a-weighted) is relatively high for dynamic playing styles, but to their advantage, the high output will let them pair with any decent preamps nicely.
Listening to the recordings, the sound signature of the 013 FET is quite natural but with a thick and creamy tone. In comparison to linear microphones like Schoeps or DPA offerings that have a clean and detailed presentation, the Soyuz microphones add depth and weight to the recording but without losing definition or emphasising any specific frequency. The result is a flattering sound with a dose of healthy vintage nostalgia.
The diamond-shape logo might be a slight hint
Compared to the Neumann KM184s, which tend to be sharpish on-axis especially when positioned close to the source, the 013 FET present a gentle flavour with their non-strident character, thus a better choice for classical guitarists. Additionally, the tight cardioid polar pattern makes them ideal for use in the small-room reality of the home studio.
The top-end remains smooth and doesn't show any harshness at all, the mid-range is warm and detailed with a wonderful, almost 3D, quality. There is a good amount of proximity boost happening once the microphones get closer to the source, balancing the slight slope of the 013 in the low end, therefore the microphones need some care in positioning to achieve a perfect balance.
Against the Grain
In a market full of clones and vintage reproductions, Soyuz comes with an original design that perfectly blends the classic sound of the past with the needs of the modern producer. The 013 Series microphones offer a familiar tone, with the much-desired colour and character, and plenty of clarity. Lastly, the reasonable price for a quality handcrafted pair of microphones makes it easy to recommend for those who seek a pair of excellent small-cardioid microphones.
