Soyuz V1: the company's first dynamic microphone costs $279

Soyuz Microphones has added a dynamic model to its range for the first time. The company is known for its hand-built condenser microphones; besides them, its catalogue so far held only some in-line boosters and one high-end preamp. The new V1 is meant to work both on stage and in the studio.

How the V1 is built

Like the rest of the Soyuz catalogue, the V1 was developed entirely in-house. Its signal passes through a custom transformer, which the company says keeps detail intact while adding a small amount of colour to the sound. The basket around the capsule was shaped with its acoustic behaviour in mind as well as its appearance.

Soyuz describes the tonal balance as an extended top end, an even midrange and a focused low end. The microphone also has a controlled proximity effect: when a singer or instrument is very close, the bass build-up is kept in check so that the sound does not become muddy. Soyuz says the overall result is a smooth and accurate character. Soyuz presents the V1 as a microphone that bridges stage and studio work and is meant to sound right from the moment it is plugged in, without lengthy adjustment.

Background and price

Company president and co-founder David Brown called the V1 an important milestone for Soyuz. He said the team had long considered a dynamic model but waited until it could produce one that sounded and looked like a Soyuz product. He described the V1 as durable, musical and simple, and summed it up as "a dynamic-sounding dynamic."

The V1 is available now. Its price is $279.