Soyuz 1973 Condenser Mic Review / Test (vs. AT2020, NT1, OC818, U87)

Today I review the brand new mic from Soyuz, the 1973. This is a midforward microphone with a tame top end. It does a respectable job at plosive rejection, but suffers from a little bit of resonance and lack of shock rejection. If you're looking for that midforward sound with a non-overpowering upper end, this is an interesting option.

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00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer
00:33 - Setup
00:50 - What’s in the Box
01:16 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:59 - Specifications
02:24 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:43 - Pl osive Test
02:55 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
03:19 - Background Noise Test
03:39 - Untreated Room Test
04:01 - Shock Rejection Test
04:19 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
04:35 - Pad Test
05:00 - Intro to Comparison
05:22 - Audio Technica AT2020 Comparison
05:46 - Neat King Bee 2 Comparison
06:10 - Lewitt LCT440 Comparison
06:34 - Rode NT1 Comparison
07:02 - Shure KSM32 Comparison
07:29 - Neumann TLM102 Comparison
08:02 - Austrian Audio OC818 Comparison
08:42 - Soyuz 023 Bomblet Comparison
09:33 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
10:20 - Music Test
11:38 - Pros & Cons
12:50 - Overall Thoughts
15:16 - Recommendation
17:21 - Outro

#Soyuz #StudioMic #MicReview

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[Podcastage]

DO NOT contact anyone on Telegram that is claiming to be me. I am not giving anything away. They are scammers trying to steal your money and data.

[confectionarysound]

I really like how the Soyuz handles sibilance. It doesn't sound as rounded off as the u87, but still sounds really controlled in the top.

[kirillch]

Their microphones are designed and made in Tula, near Moscow. In times of ussr there was one of a major centre in the country with large factories of such products, powerful technology base and experienced professionals. Now the microphones are hand made with the best engineers in the field. All parts are being made by themselves with a very strong quality control. In Russia their products are in demand by world famous musicians and vocalists. Glad to see they deliver their products outside 🙌

[toddmoore]

Great review as usual Bandrew. Thank you. Very nice playing, and I think you hit the notes fine. ;)

[billlord]

Immediately on spoken word I found the mid-upper frequencies really annoying. There are some nice sonic qualities going on, but certainly there are better performing mics in this weight class... I just heard what you said at 14:50 about it coming across as congested and nasely. Yup, that is what I was hearing! Great description. I am sure you could find use for it, I just don't think it is worth the coins you have to pay for it. Looks cool if that helps.

[steelesaldutti]

Great video, great comparisons, and your personality is great on camera

[MaKeXiuShi]

OOOh! I was waiting for this review from you!

[proton]

THAT Soyus 1973 is one of the BEST condenser style mics for guitar, that I have ever heard... ever! It gets you 95% their, a tiny bit of eq and your ready to dip it into processing.

[tcause]

Bandrew, idea for a short. Throw this thing into a Rycote shock mount and do the desk tap comparison. After many tries of shock mounts I have settled on the Rycotes as getting the job done.

[somewhatfrog]

Sibilants really stand out on all but U87 compared to 1973, as if it had some deesser, I guess now I understand why i like it.
Thank you Bandrew, you're the best!

[VitruvianSoundNYC]

The 1973’s compact size and slightly less hyped character makes me think it would be an excellent LDC for close miking Toms.

[David_Logr]

I really quite enjoy the tamed highs. The U87Ai however manages to sound less sibilant/more smooth while being more forward, wow!

[Microphones_Matter]

Congrats on 300k subs. Really cool Microphone

[monstruoperro]

Every freaking microphone that you review sounds great!!!

[UnconsciousChanting]

Sounded far better on the instruments than on spoken word; excellent review and review format. Sub’d!

[AnodyneHipsterInfluencer]

For my money this mic fits the bill for "best LDC in your locker for electric guitar." The tame but clear highs, the punchy-not-boxy (on electric guitar) mids and tight lows. Plus the mic's resonance isn't going to be a factor sitting in front of a guitar cab. Which, pretty much eliminates what use it might have had on drums were it not for the risk or activating that resonance by the mic stand getting wobbled or knocked. That said, not a _ton_ of people are going to spend $800 on an electric guitar "only" (or at least, specifically) LDC. If you did though, I'd bet in the long run you wouldn't regret it. Especially if you record a lot of electric guitar and/or electric guitar is a critical part of your sound/music. Also, I really like the Soyuz brand and company in general. The capsule in this is derived from the old 70's Lomo tube LDC's. A great microphone that was actually the center/main vocal microphone used on the _In Utero_ album.

[juniorvicepresidentofzimba]

The big lesson for me here is that the sound of folding electric velvet midrange I've been looking for in my life is possessed by only one mic in this lineup. the Neumann U87. What a midrange. Mama mia.

[lasvisi]

Great comparison, thanks. Btw, Soyuz has already upgraded 1973, they got rid of the metal resonance by changing the capsule mount, they have a video about it on their channel

[SgtStevePH]

3:47 did Bangarang just said "well-treated room", while in an untreated room? lol

[edclevel]

The Neat King Bee remains just a ridiculously good value.