In 2021 we released a limited run of 017 series microphones in a special dark and moody finish dubbed “Brass Black.” The idea was born as an homage to our roots in Tula, a small town with historical ties to advanced metallurgy dating back centuries. To give the Brass Black series its signature look, our master craftsmen subject the microphone’s brass body to a passivation process called bluing — a technique traditionally used to prevent rust in steel weapons. 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. As with the core of our manufacturing process as a whole, we’ve taken metalworking skills crafted through generations of master machinists who traditionally made weapons, and applied those skills to making high-end microphones instead.
The response during our initial release was overwhelming – all of our stock was sold in a matter of days! In 2022 we decided to make Brass Blacks a tradition, bringing back a larger run of 017 Tubes and 017 FETs, and also introducing the 023 in Brass Black for the very first time. This year we’re continuing our tradition with the return of all three microphones as a limited run for 2023. We’ve shipped thirty 017 Tubes, forty 017 FETs, and seventy 023s to our dealers. They’re available for purchase as of today!
A Limited Look For Modern Classics
Aside from their stylish appearance, the Brass Blacks are the very same microphones that have 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 017 Series, while the 023 has been adopted by countless artists and engineers and has most recently become the go-to kick microphone for NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts.
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.
Reach out to your Soyuz dealer or fill out the form below to learn more.
