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Specifications and Reviews
SoundOnSound, 2003-10- MKL-2500 Product Description
- MKL-2500 Circuit Schematic
- Cathode Follower vs Plate Load
Partial 2500 hum fix- More on 2500 hum fix
- Identify Chinese MKL-2500s
Mods for the MKL-2500
- OktavaMod
Michael Joly offers a suite of mechanical and electronic upgrades for the MKL-2500: shockmounting the capsule to eliminate ringing due to vibration, modification of the capsule to smooth HF response, fabrication of a single-layer headbasket screen to reduce reflections that can muddy the sound. Available separately: hum reduction in Chinese MKL-2500 power supplies, and additional headbasket options. - Terry SetterTerry Setter converts the “cathode follower” variety of MKL-2500 into a plate-loaded circuit, raising the output by 18dB. He also has a 100% fix for the hum in Chinese-made tube power supplies sold by Oktava Ltd via Guitar Center in 2005.
Related Microphones
- More Oktava microphones
Oktava MKL-2500
MSRP: $1,150 Cardioid Condenser Tube Microphone
Description
The MKL-2500 is a fixed-cardioid, large-diaphragm tube condenser mic. Like most Oktava mics, it has a reputation for offering a lot of performance for the price.
The power supply and tube circuit were engineered to introduce third-harmonic distortion, with the intent of enhance the mic’s sound in a musical way.
The 2500 circuit design changed at some point, from a “cathode follower” design to a “plate loaded” design. Michael Joly has written a bit about this; search this page for “cathode.”
Like the MK-012, the MKL-2500 was produced for a short time in China under the direction of Oktava’s UK-based distributor. During this time (mid-2005), some Russian-made mics were shipped with Chinese power supplies, and some Chinese-made mics were shipped with Russian power supplies, and sometimes the entire package came from China. Learn how to distinguish Chinese from Russian MKL-2500s and power supplies here.
The Chinese power supplies have a design flaw that causes an audible hum; it can be mitigated by grounding the XLR cable shield to the XLR connector.
SoundOnSound
The [mic] is quite flattering on most voice types, and though the sound doesn’t have the same degree of silky smoothness as the best tube mics, switching back to an otherwise comparable solid-state mic demonstrates that the tube is doing something musically attractive.
The Oktava MKL-2500 is also known as: MKL2500.
| Pickup Patterns | Pads & Filters |
|---|---|
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| Diaphragm size | Impedance | Max SPL |
|---|---|---|
| 33mm (1.30'') | 500 Ohms (Low (50-1000 Ohms)) | 135 dB |
| Weight | Length | Max Diameter | Interface(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300g (10.58oz) | 15mm (0.59'') | 52mm (2.05'') |
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| Power Specifications |
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