I’m afraid to touch it.
Somehow Soyuz made the 013 look like it’s made of porcelain, but it’s just creamy paint over steel, and I don’t want to put my grubby hands on it. It’s almost too nice, the way it reflects light from inside its little wooden box. It’s so pretty it even makes the foam in the box look good. I’m not sure I could bring myself to risk nicking it up with clips; thankfully, Soyuz made their own and sends the 013 with them.
Artists in a good headspace will create good art, and these mics appear to be aimed at creating that headspace.
Yes, the 013’s aesthetic is remarkable. It doesn’t carry the drab pragmatism of so many microphones designed solely for what they do. Most manufacturers paint them black and call it good; the point is the sound so why worry about how it looks? But why not, I ask. A studio is any audio recording professional’s second home, so it should be a comfortable space that coaxes the creative spirit. Artists in a good headspace will create good art, and these mics appear to be aimed at creating that headspace.
But, of course, you have to deliver, and man, the 013 shows up like Amazon Prime same-day shipping. It offers no more and no less than exactly what Soyuz claims, “Both tube and FET versions capture sound with precision while imparting a warm sonic signature. The smooth top end and a midrange accuracy that is musical – never clinical – enable the recording of complex, transient-rich instruments and sounds that span the frequency spectrum and dynamic range in a warm, pleasing way.” Listening through the sample library, that all checks out—the 013 is just simply good. It’s natural, no frills, nothing extra. Sitting in front of my monitors with my eyes closed, I’d swear the instrument is in the room, except without the hearing damage I’ve endured from years running live production. I can hear everything, and it’s pleasantly warm. No frequency jumps out ahead; it’s just the whole sound and nothing’s wrong with it.
Obviously, the FET version would be the more affordable option for production ministries on a budget...
Of course, Soyuz can’t leave well enough alone, so they offer the 013 with a tube or a FET transistor. I mean, why not have the best of both worlds? If you need a little edge, use the FET. If you want that huggably warm tone, use the tube. Again, the sample library draws out the subtle difference between the two, and they’re both just real good. Obviously, the FET version would be the more affordable option for production ministries on a budget (Starting around $699), a great option for capturing drum kits from overhead, choir or gang vocals or (if you’re working at that sort of church) brass and woodwind instruments. However, if you need that extra warmth and you have the budget for it, the tube 013 comes in pairs and it’s not out of reach, making it a solid choice for a cross-functional long-term investment.
When we get our hands on one for testing, we’ll let you know you more.
