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Mods for the MK-219

  • MarikMarik
    Marik’s suite of mods for the MK-219 depend on user needs, but potentially include: removing the resonator disk from the capsule; upgrading the circuit with high quality parts; swapping and/or re-biasing the FET; removal or replacement of the input capacitor, re-skinning the capsule with aluminum foil, capsule re-machining/tuning. Further, the MK-219 grille can be re-machined to address reflection/resonance issues.
  • OktavaModOktavaMod
    Michael Joly offers two mod packages for the MK-219. The “Standard Mod” includes six electrical and mechanical modifications, including component upgrades, shock-mounting of the capsule, and the fabrication of a single-layer headbasket screen. The “Premium Electronics Mod” additionally replaces and upgrades the internal wiring and every component on the mic’s circuit board, including the stock FET, with high-end, lower-noise components. See also the MK-219/MK-319 Omni Mod.

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CardioidOktava MK-219

Cardioid Condenser Microphone

The MK-219 is a popular large-diaphragm condenser, designed and produced in JSC Oktava’s factory in Tula, Russia. Since its release (in the West) in 1994, it has had a reputation of offering a great value for the price, which at the time was over $500. These mics regularly sell on Ebay for $80-$100 today.

Sound on Sound, April 1994

Rumour has it that the large diaphragm capsule used is based on an old Neumann design and, having done direct comparisons with my Microtech UM70 (a rather more elegant ex-Eastern bloc mic also purporting to use a Neumann capsule design), I can say that the two mics sounded so similar that in a blind test with vocals, I couldn’t tell one from the other.

Magnetic reed switching is provided for both the 10dB pad and low pass filter switches built into the mic.

The capsule uses an extremely thin, gold plated diaphragm. The same capsule assembly is also used in Oktava’s newer design, the MK-319 (also a single-diaphragm, large-diaphragm cardioid condenser).

The MK-219 capsule assembly includes a “resonator disk” that extends the high frequency of the capsule (+4dB @ 10Hz) at the cost of reduced impulse response accuracy and reduced smoothness in frequency response, according to Michael Joly.

Scott Dorsey’s June, 2005 article on MK-219 mods from Recording Magazine has recently been published online; see the link in the sidebar. In it, Dorsey presents the following modifications:

  1. Mechanical mods

    • Cut away the metal grille supports
    • Caulk the inside of the body with silicone RTV to damp body resonance

  2. Electronic mods

    • Replace the FET with a Toshiba 2SK170BL
    • Upgrade and install various resistors as specified in the article
    • Replace electrolytic capacitors with tantalum types

A commercial mod option exists too, from Michael Joly of OktavaMod. He describes his mod philosophy, in part:

Michael Joly

My re-design strategy with these mics has been simple — to allow the capsule diaphragm to respond, as much as possible, to the source sound waves with a minimum of acoustical interference (reflection and refraction) and transduce this response accurately into electrical energy. To allow this, I’ve done a comprehensive re-design of the entire microphone system including circuit topology, part type/value, mechanical and acoustical changes.

See the sidebar links for additional details.

Oktava MK-219, circa 1989The mic dates to 1989, and possibly earlier, although it was not exported until the early to mid 1990s. See photos and details of early MK-219s, circa 1989.

Matched stereo pairs are available.

(Black MK-219 photo credit: George White)

The Oktava MK-219 is also known as: MK219, 219.

The mic was released in 1986.

Specifications

Frequency Response - CardioidClick Graph to Compare!
MK-219 Cardioid Frequency Response Chart
Pickup Patterns Pads & Filters
Cardioid (40 - 18,000 Hz)
  • Pad: -10dB (Via Switch)
  • Filter: HPF, 20-500Hz cut (Via Switch)
Capsule Dimensions Impedance SPL/Noise
Diaphragm diameter: 28mm
Capsule diameter: 34.5mm
 200 Ohms (Low) Max SPL: 122 dB
Weight Length Max Diameter Interface(s)
340g (11.99oz) 202mm (7.95'') 48mm (1.89'')
  • 3-pin XLR male (1)
Power Specifications
  • Requires phantom power
  • Phantom voltage: 48v

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