Soyuz Silver 17

Soyuz Microphones has built a reputation for handcrafting original microphones inspired by timeless vintage designs and continues that tradition with the latest addition to the series, the Silver 17. Soyuz offers a wide range of versatile mics to choose from, but the 017 Series mics, including the 017 TUBE and 017 FET, are some of the brand’s most popular models.

The new Silver 17 builds on the beloved 017 TUBE with a brighter, more open voice while preserving the warmth and depth that made the original a studio favorite. Equipped with a newly developed edge-terminated capsule, the Silver 17 delivers an open, detailed top-end while retaining the classic, full-bodied character that the 017 mics are known for.

In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the new Silver 17 condenser microphone, including how it compares to the original 017 TUBE, what sources it sounds best on, and more.

Soyuz Silver 17 Capsule

Silver 17: A New Voice for a Classic Mic

At the heart of Soyuz’s 017 Series mics is the brand’s custom S17 capsule, loosely based on the legendary Neumann K67 capsule developed in 1960. The original S17 is what gives the 017 Series its dense low-end and rich midrange.

For the Silver 17, Soyuz created a custom, edge-terminated variant of the S17 capsule. Developed entirely in-house, the hand-machined, gold-sputtered S17E draws inspiration from the LOMO 19A18,
a rare Soviet-era tube mic often compared to the AKG C12 for its airy top-end response.

But Soyuz didn’t stop there. The new capsule also features new acoustic resistance, new backplate mechanics, and new diaphragm tensioning. Unlike the original S17 capsule, which routes its electrical charge through the center of the capsule, the Silver 17 applies the electrical charge directly to the diaphragm before routing it through the mounting ring for improved performance.

The combination of the newly designed S17E capsule and a military-grade 6ZH1P tube delivers the perfect balance of larger-than-life lows, rich midrange, and a smooth, expressive upper range.

Soyuz Silver 17

Like all Soyuz microphones, the Silver 17 features a hand-turned body, a hand-tensioned capsule, in-house wound transformers, and point-to-point wiring, ensuring consistent, reliable tone for years to come.

As a result, the Silver 17 sounds great on a wide range of sources. It adds air and presence to vocals without sounding brittle, captures the rich harmonics and natural detail of acoustic instruments, and smooths out harsh cymbals when used as a drum overhead.

Take a listen to the samples below and hear how it sounds for yourself. Ready to try the Silver 17 out on your next session? Contact a Vintage King Audio Consultant and upgrade your mic locker today!

 

Miles MalinIf you’re interested in purchasing a Silver 17 microphone or have any questions about other Soyuz products, we're here to help! Contact a Vintage King Audio Consultant via email or by phone at 866.644.0160.