In 2021, Soyuz introduced the world to a limited edition version of the renowned 017 Series microphone with an exclusive finish known as “Brass Black.” This large diaphragm condenser featured a one-of-a-kind process that still remains to be seen elsewhere in pro audio. Within weeks of its debut, the 017 Brass Black was sold out.

Soyuz is reviving its unique process for another batch of 017 Brass Black microphones during Summer 2022. This production run will remain highly limited. There will only be 40 017 FET edition mics made during this period - and that’s it. Once these are gone, they are gone.

The Return Of Brass Black

The bluing process used for the 017 FET Brass Black is a time-honored tradition in Tula, the hometown of Soyuz Microphones. This technique was originally used to ensure metal wouldn’t rust, but it also provides a visual aesthetic and custom finish that is simply second to none.

To give the Brass Black series its signature look, master craftsmen subject the microphone's brass body to a passivation process. This electrochemical conversion occurs when oxidizing the metal, which forms a protective coat of magnetite on the body of the mic. The end result is a world-class mic that now features a one-of-a-kind hue and patina.

A Limited Look For A Modern Classic

Aside from its stylish appearance, the 017 FET Brass Black is the same microphone that has won legions of fans all over the world. Everyone from artists like Coldplay, Radiohead and Paramore to producers and engineers like Nigel Godrich (Radiohead / Paul McCartney), Ryan Hewitt (Red Hot Chili Peppers / The Lumineers), Sylvia Massy (Prince / Johnny Cash), and Butch Walker (Taylor Swift / Katy Perry) have adopted the brand’s flagship microphone.

The 017 FET represents the modern embodiment of the big, classic sound so highly prized in vintage microphones. Its hand-machined and tensioned capsules enable details to be captured with stunning depth and warmth, while imparting a silky transparency to the upper frequencies. These sonic characteristics, inherent to the 017’s design, allow it to transmit subtle nuance while complementing the challenging transients of complex instruments. This makes the mic a perfect choice for delicate vocal and string performances, as well as capturing high-powered drum and guitar sounds.

The engineers at Soyuz have spent decades studying, servicing, and building classic microphones. The collective group’s knowledge, craft and skill (combined with the feedback of numerous musicians, producers and audio engineers) has culminated in the creation of the 017 Series’ custom S17 cardioid capsule. Featuring a gold-sputtered, hand-tuned 34mm diaphragm, the S17 is loosely based on the original K67 capsule developed by Neumann in 1960. However, Soyuz isn’t here just to create clones of classics. The brand has further developed the design, modifying its assembly and tuning. The result, when paired with Soyuz’ original schematic is unique and incredibly musical.

The 017 Series is comprised of FET (field effect transistor) and tube (valve) powered models. Though the FET and Tube models are similar (the microphones share identical capsules, form factors, and sonic signatures), there are subtle differences between them. The 017 FET captures transients with a somewhat faster, tighter response; the 017 TUBE’s smoother, rounded top-end is perfect for sources requiring warmth with slightly more coloration.

As with all Soyuz microphones, the 017 FET Brass Black is manually machined, its transformers are wound in-house, and all wiring is true point-to-point.

A Rare Piece Of Soyuz History

The Brass Black Series offers Soyuz a chance to experiment with its microphones and create something extra special. Just like its predecessors, this limited edition 017 FET Brass Black will be made in an extremely limited edition production run. There will only be 40 microphones made and divided among retailers around the world.