Last year, we 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 finish that still remains to be seen elsewhere in pro audio. Within weeks of its debut, the 017 Series Brass Black was sold out.
We have revived this unique look for another batch of 017 Series Brass Black microphones, which are now available at Soyuz dealers worldwide. This production run remains highly limited. There are only 40x 017 TUBE and 40x FET edition mics available – and that’s it. Once these are gone, they are gone.
The Return Of Brass Black
The bluing process used for the 017 Series Brass Black is a time-honored tradition in our hometown of Tula. 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, our 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 Series 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 our flagship microphone.
The 017 Series 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.
Our engineers 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, we aren’t here to create clones of classics. We’ve further developed the design, modifying its assembly and tuning. The result, when paired with our original schematic is unique and incredibly musical.
The 017 Series is comprised of both tube (valve) and FET (field effect transistor) powered models. Though the 017 TUBE and 017 FET are similar (the microphones share identical capsules, form factors, and sonic signatures), there are subtle differences between them. The 017 TUBE has a smoother, rounded top-end that is perfect for sources requiring warmth with slightly more coloration, while the 017 FET captures transients with a somewhat faster, tighter response.
As with all of our microphones, the 017 Series Brass Black is manually machined, our transformers are wound in-house, and all wiring is true point-to-point.
A Rare Piece Of Soyuz History
The Brass Black Series offers us a chance to experiment with our microphones and create something extra special. Just like its predecessors, this limited edition 017 Series Brass Black will be made in an extremely limited edition production run. There will only be x40 TUBE and x40 FET microphones made and divided among retailers around the world.
