Soyuz 1973 FET Review

What happens when you blend traditional techniques with the knowledge of the golden age of FET microphones with the aim of bringing it into the modern era? A sensational microphone that has all the hallmarks of an instant classic. In this review, we check out the excellent Soyuz 1973 FET.

The Soyuz 1973 delivers high-quality components and precision craftsmanship in a compact package. It’s a highly versatile microphone with a wonderfully rich sound profile that will surely bring a smile to the face of anyone who uses it.

Features

While the old saying “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” often stands true, there is also something to be said for innovation and refinement that can help elevate classic design into the modern era. That is precisely what the 1973 FET managed to achieve. Let’s take a closer look.

Sound Quality

I’ll cut straight to the point: the Soyuz 1973 offers a superb sound profile that is dynamic and tonally rich without excessive emphasis on any particular frequency.

While you might imagine this might lead to a bland and sterile character, it is a long way from the truth. The 1973 FET instantly won me over with how mix-ready the recordings were straight out of the box.

The Soyuz 1974 FET excels at recording vocals and is a prime candidate for voice-over work with ample character while retaining accuracy.

The Soyuz 1973 FET is excellent for a wide range of studio recording tasks.

The cardioid polar pattern is ideal for vocal and voice-over work, but more importantly, the richness in detail is outstanding. This microphone easily handles both male and female vocals, with a distinctly authentic vibe that oozes finesse.

One of the aspects I like the most is the smooth and precise mid to high range. Often, condenser microphones can suffer from too much sizzle in the top end, masquerading as clarity, but end up sounding a little shrill and sharp.

None of these issues are present with the 1973 FET. It’s delightfully crisp and clear, with just enough sparkle to prevent it from sounding dull. It is easily one of my favorite vocal microphones in this price range.

“Exceptionally sublime vocal recording capabilities.”

While the performance on vocals is already worth the price of entry, the good times don’t stop there. This compact pocket rocket is also a solid performer for a range of other studio recording tasks.

The Soyuz 1973 FET’s distinctive character makes it a highly capable option for various instruments. I especially like the performance with acoustic guitar. Once again, the intricate detail in the mids and highs allows for mix-ready recordings with little hassle or additional shaping required.

Its high SPL level also makes it a fine choice for electric guitars and other loud instruments. The forgiving top end also handles brighter instruments without introducing shrillness.

I’ll admit that some might want a little more body in the lower mids, but after each test, I never found the 1973 FET underwhelming. Consistent performance with highly workable results.

Much like the impressive performance across instruments, the 1973 FET is also a solid choice for drums. There are a few other microphones I might reach for in some scenarios. Still, as an all-rounder, the Soyuz 1973 FET is more than up to the challenge of handling various drum recording tasks.

The Soyuz 1973 FET is an outstanding option for a microphone in this price range. High versatility and a pleasant and engaging sound profile, and at this price point, few options can stand toe to toe with it. 

Specifications

The Soyuz 1973 FET offers a broad frequency response of 30Hz-18kHz. This is noticeably wider than many of the large diaphragm microphones on the market. I especially like the subtle boost in the upper mids and highs that help give the 1973 FET its unique character while maintaining good control.

Self-noise is a little on the higher side at 18dB A-weighted, so I wouldn’t reach for this microphone for ultra-soft recordings. However, this is well within the expected range of a high-quality condenser microphone for all other applications.

The 1973 FET easily handles loud sources.

The Max SPL of 140dB ensures that the 1973 FET can handle loud sources without any issues with an option of a -10dB and -20dB pad via the recessed switch at the microphone base.

The diaphragm itself is also a smidge bigger at 1.3″ (33mm), which is larger than other options on the market. The 1973 FET also employs the highly regarded Bomblet capsule design that traces its roots back to 1953. But this isn’t just a carbon copy; Soyuz has taken that initial design and set its skilled team of engineers to refine it and help set it apart from the past.

Design

There are a few things I want to cover regarding the design of the Soyuz 1973 FEt, but I’ll start with its aesthetics.

The Soyuz 1973 offers a compact and chunky appearance that harkens back to yesteryear while retaining enough modern sensibilities to not look overly vintage. It’s a wonderful blend rich in nostalgia for the golden age of FET microphones.

I’m partial to the striking matte black model, but the shiny Silver edition is equally appealing. Some might find the 1973 FET a bit too old school, and its short and stumpy design unattractive, but I love it.

The 1973 FET is available in black and silver.

As for technical design, the Soyuz 1973 FET employs a Bomblet capsule but with further tweaks from the Soyuz engineers, and the microphone features a transformerless design.

The base of the microphone features an XLR connection point along with a recessed switch for the pads. Some might prefer a more modern approach with a switch on the body itself, but in practice, having the switch at the bottom was fine.

Like most studio microphones, the 1973 FET requires 48V of phantom power. The output impedance is also 150 ohms, so most high-quality with a decent mic pre-amp should have no issues with the 1973 FET.

Build Quality

Soyuz is the definition of a boutique microphone company. Founded in 2013 as a partnership between the American musician David Arthur Brown and a Russian businessman, Pavel Bazdyrev, it has rapidly established itself as a reliable and well-respected brand.

Much of this is due to the exceptional quality of its products. Unlike many other microphone manufacturers, Soyuz employs traditional methods. Each microphone is handmade in its own facility with manual equipment and master machinists.

Exceptional components and premium craftsmanship.

It’s an ode to the past but also results in authenticity and unique character that shines through its products. And the results are spectacular. The 1973 FET and, indeed, all microphones that Soyuz produces are exceptionally well made.

The 1973 FET is ultra-tough and highly dependable. Soyuz set out to create a reasonably priced microphone without cutting corners, and there is no doubt that they have nailed it. If you yearn for the days before mass manufacturing, you’ll love the 1973 FET.

Dimensions

I’ve already mentioned the short and stubby appearance of the Soyuz 1973 FET, but it is worth repeating. This microphone is the definition of a pocket rocket. It is tiny compared to other microphones, making it easy to position into tricky spots.

Short and stubby design.

In keeping with its stubby appearance, the Soyuz 1973 FET is relatively lightweight at 0.66 lbs. (300 grams). While it is lighter than some other options, it still feels ultra-robust and has an excellent balance between size and weight.

Value

Soyuz makes an exceptional line of microphones that, unfortunately, are also quite expensive and out of reach for many people. While they are a fantastic investment and their performance is exceptional, there is no denying those eye-watering prices.

Soyuz set out to make a microphone that retained the high level of quality as its other microphones while also sporting a more approachable price point. In that regard, they have delivered in spades. The 1973 FET has all the hallmarks of a legendary microphone with a price tag that is far more approachable.

The 1973 FET comes with minimal accessories.

With that in mind, many other microphones are far cheaper and can serve as excellent entry points. Are they as refined as the 1973 FET? Not by a long shot, but they are also not terrible by any stretch of the imagination.

It is also worth highlighting that the Soyuz 1973 FET doesn’t come with much in the way of accessories. There is no case or shock mount, only a mic clip in the sparse cardboard box.

If you value high-quality construction and exceptional sound, the 1973 FET provides ample value and is a worthwhile investment. But if you are more budget-conscious, I would certainly look elsewhere.

Customer Reviews

The Soyuz 1973 FET is a newcomer to the scene but has already received several 5-star reviews. It is also rapidly gaining traction among industry insiders and critics, with high scores across the board. It’s an instant classic from a well-respected brand.

Quick Guide To Pads

Pads are a critical feature of studio microphones that I often keep an eye out for, and if you are new to microphones, let me give you a quick rundown of why they can be an essential feature.

Pads are attenuators that reduce a microphone’s sensitivity to prevent distortion or overload when recording loud sound sources. They are essential if you want to handle high sound pressure levels (SPL) without compromising the audio quality.

The 1973 FET features a -10db and -20dB pad.

Pads typically come with different attenuation levels, such as -10dB or -20dB. Via a simple switch, you’ll be able to handle louder sound sources, such as drums, guitar amps, or brass instruments, without distorting the audio signal.

If you work with louder sources and want to ensure you can capture accurate and clean recordings, you’ll want to pick up a microphone like the Soyuz 1973 FET that features Pad functionality.

Alternatives

If you are looking to buy a large-diaphragm condenser microphone at this price point, there are some other options you might want to consider. Depending on your needs, some of these might be the wiser choice.

Audio-Technica AT4050 Review

The AT4050 from Audio-Technica is another outstanding microphone with ample versatility. It also comes with a few extra features that might interest you.

• Excellent sound profile that works well for a variety of applications.
• Multiple polar patterns and fantastic accessories.
• Underwhelming top end and not as refined for vocals.

Mojave Audio MA-201fet Review

Calafornian-based Mojabve Audio is another highly respected brand with high attention to detail and rigorous QC across its microphone lineup.

• Consistent and reliable sound across vocals and instruments.
• Premium build quality, and it comes with a shock mount and case.
• It has a darker profile, which limits the range of vocalists it will be suitable for.

Sennheiser MK 8 Review

The final option I want to mention is the excellent MK 8 from Sennheiser. If you are looking for maximum versatility, this microphone should be on your shortlist.

• Access to 5 polar patterns, 3 pad settings, and 3 filter settings.
• Impressive sound quality across a range of recording scenarios.
• Doesn’t have as much character and body as the 1973 FET.

Should You Buy?

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m far too young to have experienced the golden age of FET microphones, but in my time in the industry, I’ve had the pleasure of seeing some of these legends in action.

It is this insight that makes me appreciate the 1973 FET from Soyuz. This isn’t a microphone that is simply a carbon copy that is desperately trying to cling to a bygone era. This microphone takes everything industry professionals love about older designs and reinvigorates them for the modern era.

The Soyuz 1973 FET combines premium materials, world-class build quality, and sublime sound with a very modest price point. An excellent microphone that I highly recommend.