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CardioidOktava MK-319

Cardioid Condenser Microphone

The MK-319 is a fixed cardioid-pattern, large-diaphragm condenser microphone. The capsule assembly is the same as the MK-219; the primary differences between the models are:

  • The MK319 case and grille design are new, designed to cut down the sound refractions inside the grill, allowing a smoother and more open sound.
  • The pad and HPF switches are improved on the MK-319.
  • Internal wiring runs are longer than on the MK-219.

MK-319 CapsuleThe diaphragm is gold sputtered teflon, mounted to a center-terminated capsule design. The rear diaphragm is not sputtered. Both sides of the capsule are covered by a resonator disk — a passive acoustic equalizer device that contours the capsule’s frequency response.

The mic exhibits a presence rise intended to give warmth and clarity to the human voice.

Scott Dorsey’s June, 2005 article on modding the MK-219 and MK-319, published originally in Recording Magazine, has recently been republished online. See the link in the sidebar.

The article describes the following modifications:

  1. Mechanical mods

    • Replace the rigid screen with something more flexible (and less resonant)
    • 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

Prior to the Recording Magazine article, the HomeRecording forum was host to an extensive exchange about modding the MK-319, with information on the HF resonance discs, damping body ring, replacing components, and so on.

The Oktava MK-319 is also known as: 319, MK319.

Specifications

Frequency Response - CardioidClick Graph to Compare!
MK-319 Cardioid Frequency Response Chart
Pickup Patterns Pads & Filters
Cardioid (11 mV/Pa; 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)
490g (17.28oz) 205mm (8.07'') 52mm (2.05'')
  • 3-pin XLR male (1)
Power Specifications
  • Requires phantom power
  • Phantom voltage: 48v

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