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This is an extremely rare legendary vintage 1968 MK-13 tube condenser microphone hand manufactured by IRPA (The Popov Institute) in the Soviet Union. IRPA was a research institute in Leningrad that developed and prototyped microphone designs in small quantities. Some of their microphones would go into mass-production at the Oktava and LOMO plants, and some never left the prototype stage or were only made-to-order in very small quantities. The IRPA stuff is always really well built and always unique, and the IRPA MK-13 is a real example. The Popov Institute produced these microphones from 1968 until the end of 1969 in Leningrad, USSR, and then in the early 1970s the production was moved to the Oktava plant in Tula, USSR. So this example is one of the first MK-13s ever made by IRPA (see year, serial number and logo).

This microphone is of the same league as its more well known European counterparts, like Neumann M49, U47, U48, U67, M269c, AKG C12 etc. The IRPA MK-13 is a multi-pattern large diaphragm tube condenser microphone based on the 6S31B Soviet military tube, the same one which was used in the LOMO 19A19 microphones and to be considered that 6S31B is a soviet analog of a Telefunken AC701. It has a classic vintage sound that is both bigger than life and pleasantly detailed. Along with the tube preamp circuit of a LOMO 19a19, the MK-13 is neck to neck with any U47 and no wonder, since it has almost the same M7 capsule as vintage Neumann U47s. The difference is that the IRPA M7 capsule diameter is 30,00 mm and the Neumann M7 capsule is 31,73 mm. So if you are looking for a U47 but don't have enough funds to buy, the IRPA MK-13 is the best choice for a more reasonable price. Now it's clear why some sound engineers call the MK-13 model the Soviet Neumann U47.

This is a great alternative to LOMO 19A9. Unlike the 19A9, which has a one-side M7 capsule, the MK-13 has a double-side M7 capsule and as a result, you're not limited to just one cardioid mode. Also, the MK-13 sounds much softer and deeper and it is not surprising, since the 6S31B-R tube is much better than the 6J1P tube in all regards.

The microphone comes with the PSU that was fully serviced by AEG in Moscow a few years ago and cabling shown in the pictures. The PSU has a 110/220V switcher inside the housing. I'll also include a NOS 6S31B tube (not shown in the pictures). The microphone has been professionally tested and everything works great as it should. It sounds incredible! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out. The pictured U47 was shown just for reference to see and compare the size of MK-13. This microphone will be packed very well and shipped within 48 hours. As always, we provide free tax customs service for all our customers.

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Listed3 years ago
ConditionVery Good (Used)
Very Good items may show a few slight marks or scratches but are fully functional and in overall great shape.Learn more
Brand
Model
  • MK-13
Finish
  • Nickel
Categories
Year
  • 1968
Made In
  • Russia

Radio Museum

Kharkiv, Ukraine
Sales:103
Joined Reverb:2016

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