Overview

One of the most striking and distinctive valve microphones in current production, the Soyuz SU-017 is a large-diaphragm tube condenser handmade in Russia to exceptional standards. It has earned a passionate following among recording engineers for its warm, three-dimensional sound — immediate, present, and musical in a way that very few modern microphones manage.

This listing is for the first generation SU-017 — the original microphone that established Soyuz's international reputation. Buyers familiar with the current SU-017 Tube V2 should note the key differences: the second generation updated the external power supply to include a switchable -20dB pad and introduced an oak suitcase as part of the presentation package. The microphone body, capsule design, circuit, and sonic character are identical between generations — confirmed by Soyuz themselves. Buyers who require the -20dB pad functionality should note that Soyuz produce a standalone inline pad — similar to unit supplied with the SU-023 Bomblet (see my other listing) — available separately and fully compatible with the first generation power supply. In practice the pad is rarely needed given the SU-017's output characteristics, but the option is there for those who want it.

This listing represents outstanding value because it is not just the microphone — it is the complete package including the Soyuz omni capsule, which is sold separately by Soyuz at £750 / €870. This is a rare opportunity to acquire the full system in excellent condition, at significantly below the cost of buying new.

Technical Specification

• Large-diaphragm valve condenser microphone
• Cardioid polar pattern (standard capsule)
• Omni polar pattern (with included omni capsule)
• External power supply unit included
• Handmade in Russia

Condition

Excellent throughout. One manufacturing blemish to the brass body is honestly disclosed — a minor imperfection present from new, that I noted on receipt and never gave a second thought to during years of professional use. This is a factory characteristic of this specific unit, not the result of use, mishandling, or damage, and has absolutely no bearing on the sonic performance or functionality of the microphone. Please refer to the photographs for an accurate representation.

The microphone capsule, power supply, omni capsule, shock-mount, cable, and all accessories are in excellent condition with no marks, blemishes, or issues of any kind. All electronics function perfectly. The three spare valves provided by Soyuz are unused. The walnut presentation boxes for both the microphone and omni capsule are clean and unmarked. The Pelican 1550 hard case is in excellent condition with custom foam intact.

This is a fully operational professional large-diaphragm valve condenser in excellent working health, offered honestly and completely.

What's Included

• Soyuz SU-017 valve microphone body — in its original Soyuz walnut wooden box
• Soyuz omni capsule — in its own separate Soyuz walnut wooden box
• External Soyuz power supply unit
• Original Soyuz multi-pin cable
• Soyuz shock-mount
• Three spare valves provided directly by Soyuz
• Original spare fuse for the power supply
• Original Soyuz manual
• Original Soyuz cardboard outer box if desired — though this has seen some use and is not in pristine condition. The Pelican case described below is the correct and practical storage solution
• Black Pelican 1550 hard case with custom foam — this houses the microphone in its walnut box, the omni capsule in its walnut box, the power supply, cable, shock-mount, and all accessories

The Pelican case is the primary storage and transport solution for this package. Both the microphone and the omni capsule sit in their individual Soyuz walnut boxes within the Pelican foam, giving outstanding protection.

Shipping

Ships from the Canary Islands, Spain (outside EU VAT area — please check your local import regulations). The complete package ships in the Pelican 1550 case, itself double-boxed for transit. Please note: due to the size of the double-boxed Pelican case, volumetric weight governs the courier charge rather than actual weight, which significantly affects shipping cost. Fully tracked and insured to full declared value via DHL. Photographed at every stage before dispatch. Estimated fully loaded shipping cost (base rate + insurance to declared value of €3,999): €225–€235 to UK or mainland Europe. If you would prefer the microphone and capsule shipped in their individual walnut boxes without the Pelican case, a lower shipping cost may be possible — please enquire before purchasing. Final cost confirmed at point of sale based on destination.