Oktava ML-19 Repair Services
The Oktava ML-19 is a distinctive Soviet-era ribbon microphone that stands out with its unique cardioid pickup pattern. Unlike most ribbon microphones which are bidirectional, the ML-19 features a cardioid pattern. Manufactured in the USSR during the 1970s and 1980s, this end-address ribbon microphone represents exceptional value in professional ribbon microphone technology.
Understanding the ML-19’s Design
Based loosely on the RCA BK5 design, the ML-19 features a wider ribbon element and produces a warmer tone with excellent bass response, without becoming overly dark or woolly. The ML-19 operates with a frequency response of 50-18,000Hz and maintains a 250-ohm impedance, delivering the warm, musical character that ribbon microphones are prized for while offering rear-end rejection capabilities.
Technical Specifications:
- Element Type: Ribbon
- Directional Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency Range: 50 Hz – 18,000 Hz
- Impedance: 250 Ohms
- Principle: Pressure Gradient
- Operation Era: Soviet-era (1970s-1980s)
Typical ML-19 Repair Requirements
Common issues we encounter with ML-19 microphones:
- Ribbon element deterioration – Aged, stretched, or completely severed ribbon material
- Magnetic assembly contamination – Accumulated debris, corrosion, or dust blocking ribbon movement
- Reduced output levels – Diminished sensitivity indicating internal component degradation
- Missing low-frequency response – Compromised bass reproduction due to ribbon or magnetic issues
- Complete output failure – Total loss of audio signal
Our Specialized Restoration Approach
Through extensive experience working with Soviet-era ribbon microphones, we’ve developed restoration techniques specifically engineered for ML-19 rehabilitation. This specialized approach ensures optimal performance while maintaining the microphone’s original sonic character.
Our restoration methodology:
- Complete System Evaluation – Detailed analysis of all ML-19 components and performance characteristics Thorough
- Decontamination – Meticulous removal of accumulated debris, corrosion, and foreign particles from the magnetic gap
- Precision Ribbon Installation – Implementation of custom ribbon replacement using our specialized cutting and corrugating equipment
- Magnetic Assembly Servicing – Cleaning, alignment, and calibration of the magnetic system
- Connector Upgrade – XLR connector replacement when required for modern compatibility
- Comprehensive Performance Verification – Complete frequency response analysis and sensitivity testing
- Final Quality Control – Rigorous inspection and audio evaluation before delivery
Why Our ML-19 Service Stands Apart
- Specialized Knowledge: Our extensive background working with Soviet-era ribbon microphones has provided deep insights into their construction methods and aging patterns.
- Custom Equipment: Our specialized ribbon cutting and corrugating equipment ensures precise ribbon replacement that matches original specifications.
- Complete Restoration: We address every aspect of ML-19 rehabilitation, including the critical magnetic gap cleaning essential for proper ribbon operation.
- Proven Track Record: Decades of experience successfully restoring ML-19 microphones to factory specifications and beyond.
The Critical Cleaning Process
A frequent issue with aging ML-19 microphones involves contamination within the magnetic gap area. This contamination often appears as corrosion, accumulated dust, or deteriorated ribbon material that restricts proper ribbon movement. Effective restoration typically requires complete ribbon replacement to achieve thorough cleaning of the magnetic gap assembly and restore full operational capability.
ML-19 Recording Applications
The Oktava ML-19 delivers exceptional results across diverse recording scenarios:
- Upright Bass – Captures natural bass character with excellent low-frequency response
- Horn Sections – Provides warm, musical reproduction with superior rear-end rejection
- Acoustic Guitar – Offers distinctive vintage coloration with rich harmonic content
- Specialty Vocal Work – Delivers unique Soviet-era character for specific artistic applications
- Ambient Capture – Excellent for recording natural room acoustics with cardioid pattern benefits
Service Information
Restoration Fee: $200.00
Service Duration: Standard 3-5 day completion time
Service Guarantee: 90-day warranty covering all restoration work
Recognizing ML-19 Service Needs
Monitor your ML-19 for these performance indicators suggesting professional attention:
- Noticeably diminished output levels
- Compromised audio clarity or muddiness
- Observable ribbon damage or displacement
- Missing low-frequency response
- Complete signal absence
Preserving Your ML-19 Investment
The Oktava ML-19 represents a significant piece of recording history that, with appropriate maintenance, can deliver superior performance for many years. Some ML-19 microphones are marked as ML-219.
Begin Your ML-19 Restoration
Ready to restore your Oktava ML-19 to peak performance? Contact us today to discuss your restoration requirements and schedule your service.
Specialized ribbon microphone restoration services with over 15 years of focused experience in Soviet-era ribbon microphone rehabilitation. Your vintage microphone deserves the expertise of dedicated ribbon microphone specialists.
In for repair with a low output and missing low frequency response was this Soviet era Oktava ML-19 ribbon mic.
